Fishing Hall of Fame to induct Daily Herald writer
Mike Jackson, a Daily Herald outdoors writer and columnist since the mid-1980s, has been selected for induction to the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, Wis.
Jackson will be inducted as a “Legendary Communicator, an honor that recognizes individuals who have been instrumental in introducing fishing to the public or in maintaining public interest or awareness of fishing.
Jackson's efforts along these lines have been especially important in Illinois, where he has been a staunch advocate for lovers of the outdoors.
“My goal has been to turn on people to the opportunities here simply because of the pure joy it has brought me, said Jackson, who was awarded the Illinois Outdoor Writer of the Year award in 1991.
“I never expected any of this attention. I just did it out of sheer love, and the endless possibilities that await the hunter and the angler. I've always tried to present information that the average Joe wants and needs.
Jackson continues to host Mike Jackson Outdoors Radio, 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.
He says he's enjoying fishing more than ever and plans to indulge recent infatuations with flyfishing for bonefish and trout in addition to the pursuit of his favorite game fish, smallmouth bass.
Two other anglers with Illinois roots also will be inducted into the Hall along with Jackson: the late Anthony Portincaso and Todd Gessner.
Portincaso will be honored as a Legendary Angler recipient. He was a frequent guest on WGN 720-AM fishing shows and a contributor to In-Fisherman magazines.
Gessner will be honored as a Legendary Guide after devoting nearly 30 years to educating anglers, with a special emphasis on working with children and seniors.
The Hall of Fame inductions will be held during America's Outdoor Show in Rosemont on Jan. 29. Jackson will host those ceremonies and will participate on a panel during the event's seminars.
The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is the international headquarters for education, recognition and promotion of fresh-water sportfishing.
In addition to maintaining the Hall of Fame, the museum displays thousands of historical artifacts and maintains a program for qualifying, compiling and publishing all fresh-water sportfishing records.
Jackson has lived in the Northwest suburbs since beginning his writing for the Daily Herald in 1986, and he continues to host his weekly radio program each Sunday morning, a program that is simulcast on the National Radio Network.
For more information, visit the Hall's website at www.freshwater-fishing.org.