7 Wonders of the Fishing World
By: Keith "Catfish" Sutton
Those who love fishing will enjoy the 7 Wonders of the Fishing World, including the "Shrine to Anglers," the giant muskie that is part of the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. (Photo courtesy of National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame)
These quirky wonders of the fishing world are must-see sites for every angler
In 2000, people worldwide cast 100 million votes to choose the “New Seven Wonders of the World”: Rome’s Colosseum, India’s Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, Jordan’s ancient city of Petra, the Inca ruins of Peru’s Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue and ancient Mexico’s Mayan city of Chichén Itzá.
Unfortunately, most of us can’t visit these faraway places. We need a close-to-home version, a list of wonders here in the good old U.S. of A that are so breathtaking and so quirky, they invariably make visitors reach for their Primatene Mist.
Here you have it: The Seven Wonders of the Fishing World.
National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum
When you mention the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame to someone, they typically think of a record-keeping operation. This must be where those world records for all the different fish species are kept. They’re partially right. The Hall of Fame does maintain a record book of both world-record fish, as well as line-class records for all the freshwater species in North America. But there is more.
At the museum complex at 10360 Hall of Fame Drive in Hayward, Wisconsin, more than 50,000 people each year come to see the landmark “Shrine to Anglers,” a concrete, steel and fiberglass building shaped into the likeness of a leaping muskellunge that’s half a city block long and four and one-half stories tall. The massive fish’s gaping open jaws accommodate about 20 people as an observation platform, with a panoramic view of Lake Hayward and the surrounding city. Inside the adjacent four-building museum complex, visitors can see incredible displays of fishing artifacts, including more than 50,000 vintage lures, rods, reels and angling accessories. Additionally there are about 300 mounted freshwater fish and 1,000 vintage outboard motors, including Evinrude’s first production outboard from 1909. There’s also an extensive research library and information about the many fishing greats inducted into the Hall of Fame since its founding.
Plan a trip to fish the local lakes, with at least one entire day devoted to exploring this incredible wonder. You’ll be glad you did. (http://www.freshwater-fishing.org)
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