Ron and Al Lindner
From MN150
|
Winning Nomination
Brothers Ron and Al Lindner were pioneers who did more to educate Midwest fishermen than anyone. They were not the first to identify the importance of structure to successful fishing, nor the originators of backtrolling for walleyes, but they did more than anyone else to popularize fishing both in Minnesota and the entire Midwest. They were successful fishermen and guides in northern Minnesota who leveraged their success to found the Lindy tackle company later Lindy-Little Joe and the In-Fisherman empire of magazines, television shows, radio broadcasts, and a large line of books and videos. Their Lindy Rig is probably the most used method/technique/lure/rig for walleye fishing in the country. Although they have sold their interest in Lindy-Little Joe and In-Fisherman, both Ron and Al continue to publish articles and books and give interviews, to educate people in the joy of fishing and the wonderment of northern Minnesota. Also, Ron and Al Lindner were very prolific fishermen who became early adopters of the importance of Catch and Release. They used their influence, shows, and articles to educate people about the importance of keeping a moderate amount of smaller fish to eat, and letting the rest go. Fishing and the love of the northern lakes are core attributes and attractions of Minnesota. No one better represents these than Ron and Al Lindner.
Runner-up Nominations
These Brainerd anglers founded In-Fisherman, a communications network that has changed the way Minnesotans fish, and fishing is a big deal here. Also, I would nominate an item, the Lindy Rig, a fishing presentation designed by the Lindners to catch walleyes.
HistoryBig fish in some awfully big ponds It all started in 1968, when brothers Ron and Al Lindner and their friend Nick Adams developed a new way of catching walleye. They came up with the Lindy Rig, an outfit whose simplicity and finesse appeals to both pros and more casual anglers. The Lindy Rig became an overnight success, in part because it works and in part because Al Lindner is an indefatigable, single-minded promoter who spent years on the road demonstrating his invention. "There's no replacing Al Lindner," said Steve Pennaz, executive director of Minnetonka's North American Fishing Club. "Almost single-handedly, he changed the way we fish." Spurred on by the success of the Lindy Rig and other products made by their Brainerd-based Lindy Tackle Company, in 1975 the Lindners founded In-Fisherman magazine, filled with cutting-edge advice and plenty of tech talk. Four years later, In-Fisherman Television, hosted by Al Lindner, and In-Fisherman Radio went on the air. The company has also published a number of books and instructional videos. More important than their products and their fishing tips, according to nominator and serious recreational fisherman Jim Schreiber, is the Lindners' promotion of a catch-and-release philosophy. "They used their influence, shows, and articles to educate people about the importance of keeping a modest amount of smaller fish to eat and letting the rest go," writes Schreiber. "Fishing and the love of the northern lakes are core attributes and attractions of Minnesota. No one better represents these than Ron and Al Lindner." Resource Links
Share your memories on this topicNotes
|
Media
|
