George H.W. Bush is among five “fishing greats” who will be inducted into the International Game Fish Assn. Hall of Fame in September.
Bush, who died at the age of 94 last Nov. 30 in Houston, Texas, will be honored posthumously during the ceremony on Sept. 14 at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Natural Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo.
The 41st president of the United States loved to fish and could often be found casting for striped bass beyond the Bush family’s summer retreat in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Bush also loved to ply the flats off Florida, in search of bonefish and tarpon. Perhaps his highlight catch was that of an estimated 135-pound tarpon in the Florida Keys, with guide George Wood. In typical fashion, Bush set the fish free.
“It was a thrill of a lifetime,” Bush is quoted by the Florida Keys. “A great fighting fish was finally baited.”
Bush wrote the foreword in the book “A Passion for Tarpon,” written by his personal friend and fishing expert Andy Mill.
As an avid all-around outdoorsman who valued the importance of preserving wild space, Bush established 56 wildlife refuges during his presidency, and helped pass several amendments to the Sportfishing Restoration Act.
Bush had previously received other noteworthy honors, including the the Bass Pro Shops Lifetime Conservation Achievement Award, and Keep America Fishing Award. Bush was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in 2016.
The IGFA announced the inductees this week on its website. They also include marine conservationist and world record holder Terri Andrews; fisheries policy advocate Robert Hayes; researcher Dr. Julian Pepperell, and fishing tackle industry leader and conservationist Yasuhiko Tsunemi.
