Honors conservationist and renowned Maryland angler Robert O. Herder
Robert O. (“Bob”) Herder, one of sport fishing’s legends and ardent conservationists, is having an important award named in his memory.
The Bob Herder Light Tackle Award has been established by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) and the Ocean City (Maryland) Light Tackle Club (OCLTC) to honor the man who club member Barry Fitzpatrick said “maintained an abiding commitment to the principles and objectives of the IGFA.” The award was permanently endowed by contributions from the OCLTC and Herder’s family and friends.
Beginning in 2006, it will be presented annually to an individual or organization in recognition of what the IGFA considers an outstanding achievement with light tackle in the marine environment.
The first award will be presented at the IGFA’s International Auction and Banquet in Palm Beach on January 27, 2006.
The IGFA is accepting award nominations. The fundamental criterion for the award could include a new light tackle world record of significance or a very large fish on light tackle; the release of one or more important catches on light tackle; an outstanding act of sportsmanship that comes to the attention of the IGFA; an outstanding contribution to marine conservation; an outstanding junior angler catch on light tackle; overall lifetime achievement in the light tackle field; innovative fishing methods with light tackle, important scientific, research or education contribution benefiting light tackle anglers; contribution to marine recreational anglers by a government policy maker; or efforts to further the purposes and objectives of the IGFA by an individual or a group.
A highly respected and skilled light tackle angler Herder was a long time member of the IGFA and of the 58-year old OCLTC, one of the oldest clubs of its type in the world. A Baltimore native, Herder, fished and hunted the Chesapeake since childhood. Bob joined the OCLTC in 1962 and was a four-time winner of its annual Derby. He was awarded the club’s Jim O’Donnell award five times, and earned their Light Tackle Award in 1992. A strong conservationist world wide, Herder released a billfish Super Grand Slam in Venezuela. He was also a winner of the Dominican Republic International Light Tackle Billfish Tournament, and The “Masters” Tournament and Guatemala International Sailfish Tournament. Twice he was on the winning team of the Palm Beach Gold Cup Tournament and on five occasions was on the winning team of the “Little One” Tournament. He was also a past president and director for many years of the International Light Tackle Tournament Association.
Herder passed away in April of this year.
Additional information on the award and contributions to the endowment can be made by contacting Ann Fothergill, IGFA Director of Philanthropy, 954-924-4350 or e-mail [email protected].
Founded in 1939 the International Game Fish Association is a not for profit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making and record keeping. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries and territories. The IGFA welcomes visitors to its 60,000-square-foot interactive Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.
By: Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications
