This fall, Al Gag “Albert Gagliarducci” will be inducted into the International Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
A unanimous vote is needed by the committee with heavy criteria on what the individual has done and accomplished to endear and pass on the sport to future generations to qualify.
Over the years, Al has enjoyed hosting his own show, “Gone Fishing,” from 1990-2004 and the many collaborations that came about over the years. He has appeared on countless related programs, including on ESPN, Boston Network, New England Rod & Reel, Fishing with Joey Leggio, Fishing with Roland Martin, and others, as well as many radio appearances. Al has spoken at well over a thousand seminars and continues to share his ever-growing knowledge to this day. His charitable work seems to be second nature; Al has participated in countless fundraising events and regularly makes both monetary and product donations to benefit the industry. Al Gag has a lifelong love of fishing, and coupled with his magnetic personality, he creates a passionate following and desire to be involved in the precious sport of fishing wherever he goes. He has actively been in the industry for over 40 years, from a humble beginning in 1978, quickly growing to be a known asset. Al develops and manufactures lures for both fresh water and salt water and is an avid fisherman himself. When not working, he spends most of his day on the Connecticut River and the inland waterways of New England. To quote Al, “It’s the only outdoors we have, so let’s protect it.” In 2007, Al created his third company — Al Gags Lures, with his big development of the Whip-It Fish and Whip-It Eel, along with his patented dual action Jighead. He has since grown the company into a large production mill and studio located in western Mass, proudly standing by the “Made in America” tag. Al works every day on new ideas and creating new products because fishing and making people happy are his passion.
A total of 670 people were nominated this year, and that encompasses all of the United States, Canada & Europe. Al joins the likes of Earnest Hemingway, Teddy Roosevelt, Ted Williams, Curt Gowdy, Jimmy Grant, Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston, Babe Winkelman, and many others in The Hall.
