FISHHER, a Nebraska-based company that designs and manufactures fishing gear and clothing for the female angler, was honored Wednesday evening, July 11 by the Recreational Boating and Fishing foundation (RBFF) during the Chairman's Industry Awards & Golden Anniversary gala event in Las Vegas at the International Convention of Associated Sportfishing Trades (ICAST). Angie Michaels, CEO of FISHHER, accepted the Anglers' Legacy Leadership Award from RBFF President and CEO, Frank Peterson. Only 6 manufacturers and retailers worldwide were selected to receive the award. In addition to FISHHER, other award recipients are; Bass Pro Shops, BASS/ESPN Outdoor, Perm Fishing Tackle, Red Drum Tackle Shop and Shimano American Corporation.
"FISHHER is honored to receive such a award in our first year of manufacturing" said Michaels, founder and president of FISHHER. When asked why her company made Anglers' Legacy a priority project, Michaels stated; "It was a natural to get behind the Anglers' Legacy program and support and promote it - the Legacy is our mission in the sport of women fishing as well. We offer education, conservation, services and products to encourage women to join the fishing lifestyle." The FISHHER website (www.FISHHER.com) provides resources and products for women anglers whether they are new to the sport or seasoned pros.
Anglers' Legacy was officially launched in May of 2006 by RBFF. Its purpose is to encourage anglers to take a "pledge" to pass their passion for fishing along to someone new in order to grow the sport and preserve the future of fishing. According to Mr. Peterson, recipients of the award were recognized for their exceptional achievement in encouraging anglers everywhere to 'Take the Pledge" and for outstanding promotion of the Anglers' Legacy program. "It's all about making a commitment today...to the sport you love and the business built on it" said Peterson.
FISHHER Sisters and Pro Staff anglers Linda Berry of Madison, North Carolina and Denese Freeman of Lawton, Oklahoma are the first official "Pledge Ambassadors" for Anglers' Legacy. Berry and Freeman, along with FISHHER are promoting Anglers' Legacy by scheduling "pledge drives" at special fishing events, tackle shops and retail stores. Noted pros such as Kevin Van Dam, Shaw Grigsby, Denny Brauer, Al Lindner and Bill Dance also support this program. To learn more about the Anglers' Legacy program and how you can become a promotion partner go to www.anglerslegacy.org .