The Fish Futures 26th annual banquet held this past spring was the spring board for the announcement of the formation of Manitoba Fishing Hall of Fame. This not for profit organization recognizes individuals and groups who have made a positive impact on fishing within Manitoba through outstanding achievement, education, conservation and community service.
For those of us involved in the industry we know what a rich and rooted fishing heritage we have here. Darrin Bohonis, a local angler, was the driving force behind it. Bohnis wants the Manitoba Fishing Hall of Fame to recognize individuals, groups, lodges and outfitters, retail establishments and institutions who have played a role in promoting the sustainability of fishing in Manitoba.
The first inductee is Dr. Kenneth W. Stewart.
“Dr. Stewart’s passion for fishing and the outdoors began at a young age and soon merged with his scientific curiosity”, stated Bohonis. “As a professor of Zoology at the University of Manitoba for 34 years, Dr. Stewart’s scientific and academic achievements spanned decades and include his publishedwork of “The Freshwater Fishes of Manitoba”, which received literary acclaim.
Dr. Stewart was also a founding member of Fish Futures. Through his efforts he also received the “Canadian Recreational Fisheries Award” which was presented to him from the Governor General at Rideau Hall in Ottawa in 1998.
Dr. Stewart passed away on July 3, 2011 and his family accepted this award in his honour.