Fishing Hall of Fame to induct two on Sept. 6

Duluth resident Butch Furtman, multi-species angler extraordinaire and longtime host of television outdoor shows, and Frank Schneider of St. Paul, Minnesota's best-known angling activist, will be enshrined in the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame at Walker on Sept. 6.

For 25 years Furtman, 59, has produced the popular "Sportsman's Notebook" television show on WDIO-TV in Duluth, and the syndicated show "Sportsman's Journal," which airs on Fox Sports Net, The Outdoor Channel and elsewhere. Furtman, whose down-to-earth style helps "educate and entertain," writes, consults, and conducts seminars and fishing promotions. He financed his college education by guiding fisherman in the 1960s, worked at Jim's Bait Service in Duluth for 20 years, and has decades of experience in Great Lakes and inland fishing.

Schneider, 84, has logged more miles and weathered more meetings and legislative battles on behalf of fishing causes than any fellow Minnesotan. An early president of Muskies, Inc. and a founder of the Minnesota Sportfishing Congress, Frank's legendary role as "the angler's watchdog" spurred a more active fisheries management, made anglers a formidable political force and brought increased accountability in the spending of license fees. Minnesota's public access program, special regulations, and a world-class muskie fishery carry Schneider's mark.

With the addition of Furtman and Schneider, the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame has inducted 26 outstanding Minnesota angling personalities -- a mix of guides, outdoor media, fishing industry representatives and angling activists.

Located off Highway 371 at the northwest edge of Walker on Leech Lake, the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame opens at 9 a. m. on induction day. Visitors may tour exhibits or "venues" honoring each Hall inductee. A pond stocked with 3,000 fish is available for kids fishing on the grounds, with all bait and tackle furnished.

The public is invited to a reception and induction ceremony at the Hall, beginning at 6 p.m. This year's induction coincides with the annual Muskies, Inc. Muskie Fishing Tournament, headquartered at Walker on Sept. 5-7. The Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame can be contacted at (218) 547-2000.