I have had the great opportunity to become friends with Mark as well as colleagues in the outdoor writer world. His knowledge of the sport of walleye fishing both on open water and through the ice is unsurpassed by no one I have ever met. Not to mention his willingness to teach others the sport.
Mark Martin’s name has become common place in the world of walleye fishing and he has become a popular angler both on the tournament circuit as well as in the area of teaching and guiding. Mark holds special schools every year to pass along his acquired knowledge to any of those people who are willing to learn.
This year has been a special year for Mark as he has been bestowed the top honor that an angler could ever ask for. Mark has been inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. This is not an honor to be taken lightly as not just every angler is able to achieve such a lofty goal.
A person such as me could only dream of being nominated for this honor let alone be inducted into such a prestigious group of anglers and communicators. I am very impressed with his abilities and what he has achieved during his career.
Mark’s dedication to the preservation of the sport is part of the reason that he has been bestowed such an honor. You can often find Mark teaching the sport of fishing to youngsters at fishing events held throughout Michigan and even into Wisconsin. You can even find him holding seminars on the Ferry boat, the Badger. This is a ferry that runs between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
They say that behind every great man there stands a woman. I know this is cliché, but in Mark’s case this is certainly true. His loving wife, Joni, is not only his wife but a great fishing partner and supporter of everything that he does.
Anywhere Mark can get a captive audience he is bound to start talking about fishing. How can you argue with the success that this man has accomplished? He has not only been able to teach others about the world of walleye fishing, but he has been able to educate others about some of his great sponsors.
Mark works with many different companies and he has been instrumental in the development of items from planar boards to rod holders. Mark has worked closely with Big Jon sports to create his signature series rod holders as well as Church tackle to help develop items such as the Stern Planer.
Lund Boats have been key in his success as an angler and he has been riding in their boats for over 30 years. Many of his sponsors have been with Mark since the beginning of his career and there are more and more companies every year learning what Mark can do in the industry. Thanks to companies like Smooth Moves seats Mark has been able to continue his career even with having to have surgeries to repair his back. These companies soon find out that it is always a two-way street with Mark and his abilities.
Mark is a regular contributor to many magazines and his articles are in depth and full of useful information. However, if you want to get a first-hand experience then you need to sign up for the Mark Martin Ice fishing Vacation School.
This school brings together a large group of professionals to teach those that are willing to learn the art of angling through the ice. These schools are held in the UP of Michigan and even all the way down to the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron.
As I mentioned before, Mark is not only a tournament angler, but also and educator. Teaching the art of walleye angling as well as introducing young anglers into the world of fishing are items that are top on his list of accomplishments and goals.
It has been a pleasure to work with Mark on both a personal and professional manner and he has a certain way with people. When Mark speaks people listen and when he speaks he doesn’t hold back, divulging some of his deepest fishing secrets to those that will listen.
Congratulations to you Mr. Mark Martin for all of your accomplishments and your inductance into the Fishing Hall of Fame. This is a well-deserved honor that has been bestowed upon you and I, for one, am honored to know you and work with someone of your stature.
