Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inducts three
By JOHN D. FERGUSON World Correspondent on Feb 23, 2013, at 2:03 AM Updated on 2/23/13 at 5:41 AM
Tournament angler Mike Folkestad (left), Jacquie Wingate, the daughter of guide and inductee the late Jack Wingate, and fishing electronics innovator Darrell Lowrance chat prior to a ceremony inducting Folestad, Jack Wingate and Lowrance into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame on Friday. JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World
Other - Outdoor
TUESDAY
Breeding in arctic tundra and wintering primarily along the coasts, sanderlings migrate through
Oklahoma in spring and fall.
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Former Tulsan Darrell Lowrance, Mike Folkestad and the late Jack Wingate were inducted into the 11th Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. The men were not only honored Friday night, but will have a place to call home.
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame celebrated the three men for their service, innovation and competitive success. Officials also broke the news that Cullman, Ala., will be the permanent Hall of Fame home.
"These three gentlemen join our previous honorees in helping us celebrate the rich history and profession ... of bass fishing," said Sammy Lee, president of the board of directors of the hall of fame.
The presentation came at a banquet in the downtown DoubleTree Hotel.
Lowrance helped revolutionize the sport with the early invention of the fish-locator-type products. The sonar device gave sportsmen a better chance of success.
"It's something I feel good about," Lowrance said. "To bring that kind of knowledge and fun to fishing."
Folkestad of Orange, Calif., entered his first bass tournament in 1974 and would have career earnings of $1.5 million. He landed almost 200 bass over 10 pounds and qualified for the Western Classic for 33 years. He also qualified for one Bassmaster Classic.
"It's a highlight of a waning career," Folkestad said with a smile. "When Sammy called me about this, it brought a tear to my eye. I am among a list of guys who are my heroes."
Wingate lived his entire life along the Flint River in Georgia. He started fishing in the 1940's and promoted the sport tirelessly. He owned and operated Wingate's Lunker Lodge on Lake Seminole, Ga. He also helped organize the first B.A.S.S. tournament with founder Ray Scott.
Representing Wingate was his youngest daughter, Jacquie, and grandson, Jackson.
"I don't know if he'd be able to talk very well because he would be so overwhelmed by this honor," Jacquie said. "He was so humble."
Wingate was a longtime fishing teacher to young and old alike.
Scott was also honored in addition to the Hall of Fame inductees. Scott became the first recipient of the Ray A. Murski Lifetime Achievement Award.
Scott's honor read: "No one has done more for the sport of bass fishing ... and your contributions are greatly appreciated by the millions you have touched."
Original Print Headline: Bass Hall of Fame adds 3
Other - Outdoor
TUESDAY
Breeding in arctic tundra and wintering primarily along the coasts, sanderlings migrate through
Oklahoma in spring and fall.
