Lake Elsinore Resident Inducted Into Fishing Hall Of Fame

George Kramer tells some great fish tales, according to those in the know.

In return for his storytelling gift, the Lake Elsinore resident has been inducted as a “Legendary Communicator” into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, Wisconsin, according to a news release from the organization.

Considered for the honor “are persons who have developed a unique communication means or avenue, which was instrumental in introducing fishing to the public or in maintaining public interests or awareness,” the news release stated.

Kramer has helped keep the sport of fishing in the public eye for decades. He wrote his first fishing-related article back in 1973 and has been “telling stories, encouraging anglers, helping youth groups and promoting sportfishing in the West” ever since, the news release stated. 

He has been a regular columnist in both Western Outdoor News and Fishing & Hunting News, and in the 1990s he penned a coffee table book, “Bass Fishing, An American Tradition,” which “is often quoted, for its grasp of the heartfelt, mingling in the tales of a lifetime of fishing,” the news release stated. 

In the mid 1990s, Kramer unveiled his own “California Top 40 Bass Anglers List,” as well as a “California Top Freshwater Anglers List” for Western Outdoors Magazine, according to the news release. His Top 40 continues to appear each spring “and serves as a special means to recognize or introduce competent, ethical bass anglers who reside in the Golden State,” the news release stated.

In 2001, Kramer also collaborated with noted angler Don Iovino to write “Finesse Bass Fishing & The Sonar Connection.” 

Additionally, the Lake Elsinore resident helped bring attention to the World Championship of Bass Fishing when he declared that the on-the-water media observers should observe, not fish, as to not affect the outcome of the competition. He also challenged California’s regulations on the overt wearing of a fishing license, the news release stated.

The induction ceremony will be held Thursday, March 8 at 5 p.m. at the Fred Hall Show, Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., according to the news release.