Hall Of Fame

Induction October 2017

Captain Jeffri Durrance has been a member of the SKA since 2003 and has won Division 6 Small Boat Class 2 of the last 3 years. Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri started fishing creeks and lakes in the central Florida area. At the 2017 National Championship in Biloxi, MS the SKA inducted Jeffri Durrance into our Hall of Fame

Induction November 2016

Dr. Joe Winslow starting teaching at Coastal Carolina University back in 1997 working as the Director in the Office of Online Learning from 2013-2016 and recently transitioned back to a normal professor in order to have more free time. In 2008, six students approached Joe and asked if he could teach them how to fish in the area. Agreeing to do so, the official club was born! Today the current roster holds almost 60 current CCU students. Joe takes club members on fun fishing trips when the bite is hot so students watch him in action and hands-on learning. He takes a select few along with him to fish SKA tournament seasons. This year, Hooligan has had 1st, 2nd, and 4th place finishes in the past 4 tournaments, claiming the number one spot in Division 9. Team Hooligan has won 19 sanctioned events and 9 division titles in their career. Joe also teaches online and distance learning so when the fishing club hosts their annual seminars, he can live stream them for people across the country to watch.

Induction January 2015

The SKA has never saluted a whole family or recognized them in the Hall of Fame. It's also unusual to recognize fisher people that still have not reached their full potential in our sport. It is very possible that this family will ultimately set the standard others will have a hard time aspiring to. However, after three National Championship wins, 2009, 2011, and 2013, they have earned the right to be here. Rube, the patriarch of the family, and sons Brant and Barrett, have already reached a degree of success most fisher people can only dream about and will go down in the history of our sport possibly at being the best ever. They are in a Class of their own! This is just a start of their story.

Induction January 2014

Chris Chase, a native and resident of Michigan, got hooked on saltwater fishing in the late nineties. It wasn't long before he was not only purchasing a Donzi but he made their now famous fishing team, made up of some of the finest fisher people in the SKA. Chris' wife Jan certainly earned a lot of respect from her peers and did a lot of the angling. In 2001, Chris won the title of Angler of the Year. Chris passed away in 2013, was a board member of the Southern Kingfish Association, and was certainly one who helped form and drive the Association. “I can't tell you how much Chris lit up the tournament scene with his presence. He and his wife Jan will always be remembered in our great sport, not only for their fishing abilities but just being there when we needed them,” said Jack Holmes.

Induction January 2013

Mike has been a member of the SKA since '96 and has done well on the salt. His induction is being recognized for his marketing skills, promoter, and the head of Donzi Boats in the mid nineties and beyond, and an integral part of the success of the SKA. When Mike was placed at the helm at Donzi Boats, he knew that if they were going to be successful in the very competitive offshore fishing boat market, they needed fast, reliable boats, a stage to showcase the product, teams that could win, and inroads into the sport. Donzi and their sister company, Pro Line became Corporate Partners of the SKA. Then Mike reached out and recruited the top echelon of the sport, which bought their products in turn, and won many, many events and titles. Mike used the SKA brilliantly, gaining market share for the company he served, but never forgot to make sure the SKA and his teams shared the spotlight together. He helped gain membership and notoriety for the sport and is truly one of the best marketer's ever in the marine industry.

Induction April 2011

Randy is a past National Champion, still fishing locally and on the Pro Tour. He continues to be involved in fishery issues and teaching his son the art of tournament fishing. He has always been a great ambassador for our sport.

Induction January 2011

Probably the most decorated husband and wife team ever to fish our sport. Bob now has a third generation grandson fishing on the team now. They are the best! Lives on Florida's west coast and fishes tournaments in Division 6 & 11 and the Pros.

Induction January 2011

Maybe the best husband and wife team in the country. Always keeps the SKA in the forefront of their fishing efforts. Perfect role models. Have always finished on top or near the top in North Carolina divisions.

Induction January 2011

Stuart not only is a superb fisherperson but also supports the SKA and what we represent thru his Tailwalker Marine dealership. Produces one of the best events on the circuit and supports our junior angler program. Stuart lives in South Carolina.

Induction January 2011

Terry is a charter member of the SKA and is considered to be the dean of our sport. He has always represented our sport in the best possible light and is highly respected for the competition he brings to the arena. He calls South Carolina home.

Induction January 2011

Top angler, tournament director, and charter member. Ken has always been an avid participant and supporter of our sport. Highly respected in his Georgia community and among his peers.

Induction January 2011

Probably the most recognized name in our sport. Clayton is a two time Angler of the Year and has probably won more events than any other person in our sport. Clayton is still capable of winning any event he enters. Still fishing the Pros and many, many local Florida events.

Induction January 2011

Harry is a legend on the west coast of Florida, and is a tremendous supporter of our sport. Harry will always take the time to help you with your fishing endeavors. He is a master of our sport. Fishes locally in Florida plus fishes the Pro Tour.

Induction January 2011

No single person has been a greater ambassador to our sport than this man. A past National Champion, he continues to prove he's still one of the top captains to beat in any event he enters. North Carolina is home, but he fishes everywhere.

Induction January 2008

Larry Fowler passed away on June 10th after a long bout with cancer. He was a giant in our sport, both behind the helm of his Heather Renee Hydra Sports, and in front of the participants of the Frantic Atlantic Tournaments he ran for many years in Little River, South Carolina. The following comments are from Jack Holmes, former Director of the SKA: Larry was a friend to so many of the competitors who fished SKA. He never asked for respect, he earned it. His tournaments were the benchmark for others to follow; he was a visionary, always ready to be innovative. Two things set Larry apart his credibility and his loyalty. When Larry told you something you could take it to the bank. His loyalty to our sport was impeccable. Throughout the 90s Larry fished a Hydra Sports and they, in turn, supported his events. As boats got larger Larry stuck with the same brand even when the product needed tweaking. By staying loyal all those years, when FLW came along, Larry was finally rewarded, not only representing Hydra Sports but Chevy Trucks as well. He earned it and got it! He called me when it happened and told we what he was doing. I was truly happy for him and told him so. You see, his loyalty to the brand meant more to me than him moving to the FLW. Larry had been ill for the past couple of years. Still, the first part of January I got a call from Jim Ladner, Larry's fishing buddy. He told me Larry really wanted to fish the Pro Tour this year with us and I said yes. Larry, Earl "Radar" Blake, and Ladner showed up in Key West for the Pro opener. It was rough and you could tell Larry was not well, but out they went and their grit and determination was that of true winners. It was the last event Larry fished. Larry leaves a wife and young daughter. He adored both. He was also the owner of the HD Spokes Motorcycle bar in North Myrtle Beach, which he built after selling the Blue Marlin. Larry will be enshrined into the SKA's Hall of Fame and the remainder of the Yamaha Professional Kingfish Tour will be dedicated to his honor. We'll miss you Larry, Rest In Peace.

Induction January 2008

Two-time National Champion and the '96 Angler of the Year. A true professional who still competes and finds time to bring his wife and kid on the water in local events in Georgia.

Induction January 2008

Jack Wood, a charter member of the association from North Carolina, joins a short list of inductees into the SKA's Hall of Fame. His accomplishments include a National Championship title in 1993 and again in 2000 plus numerous big event wins. Rick Smith is the only other two-time National Champion. It is believed however, that most will praise Jack for his conservation efforts and his ability to teach others the art of king mackerel fishing. Remember, conservation was never on the front burner in North Carolina in the early days of our sport, but there was Jack in the forefront preaching that if we want to have healthy stocks, we had to stop killing so many fish. Soon Carolina events went to one fish per event, with aggregates and fish bowls going away. His preaching for menhaden reform did not go unnoticed. Gentleman Jack contracted Lou Gherig’s disease and it severely strained his fishing efforts but never curtailed them. Jack was killed in a truck accident on his way to the 2012 National Championship he was so looking forward to fishing. It would have probably been his last event. We will all remember this great fisherman from North Carolina.

Induction January 2008

Our first female to be nominated for and subsequently inducted into the Hall of Fame. Ginger was the Top Lady Angler of the Year from the west coast in both '98 and '99. She was also instrumental in her husband Steve's winning of the Angler of the Year in '98. She was also an occasional team-mate on the SKA's first all female team, Donna Gowen's Contendress. Ginger had to give up fishing a few years ago due to a serious illness however she hopes to return to the sport soon. Her husband Steve now fishes with David Heavenridge on the Top Gun.

Induction December 2007

Marcus pioneered king mackerel fishing in the upper Gulf and has won more events in his area than any other fisher person fishing there today. His influence and techniques are the standard by which most fish are caught. A true family man! Marcus is also captain of the team Kwazar, winners of the 2013 SKA Professional Kingfish Tour.

Induction October 2007

Joe Bruce could very well be classified as the elder statesman of the SKA. Joe has accomplished many goals in our sport including winning the prestigious "Angler of the Year" title in 1982. It is saltwater fishing's most coveted title. In '03 Joe was part of Paul Massey's team who captured the same title. Joe has also won Senior Angler titles in the Association and has many, many tournament wins.

Induction January 2007

Noted journalist and fisherman. Jerry was the 2001 Class of 23 National Champion however while we believe he has great fishing prowess it's Jerry's other attributes that should get him into the Hall of Fame. He has promoted the sport of king fishing throughout the country. He was also instrumental in writing the original set of angling rules we still use today in the SKA

Induction January 2007

Ken suffered a massive coronary and passed away while fishing with team Donzi on the first day of the 2007 Yamaha Professional Kingfish Tour in Fourchon, Louisiana. Ken will be remembered for his demeanor with fellow fisher people. He never met a person he didn't like and everyone liked him. He successfully brought the SKA to Savannah, producing great events. Ken was a part of the Donzi factory team on the Mercury Saltwater Team. Camo was 52 years old. We will honor his spirit and his zest for living!

Induction January 2007

Dan is a pioneer in this sport. He has won numerous events including being part of the 2000 National Championship team with Jack Wood. Dan has been instrumental in shaping the course of the SKA over the years. His tenure at Donzi Boats includes his roll as team manager. His leadership has kept the brand at the forefront of the sport.

Induction January 2007

Glenn is in his element when the whole family is fishing. Three generations now, with the fourth generation to join the team shortly. A person one easily refers to as a real "southern gentleman." His fishing ability and earned respect speaks for itself.

Induction January 2007

Several people have recommended Stan to the Hall of Fame. Not only is he a National Champion, but also his endeavors off the battlefield gained him access to this list . He and the fishing club he founded are responsible for thousands of dollars raised to support underprivileged children. Add to that his on going efforts to keep Bogue Inlet dredged and launch ramp facilities built. He is also a great SKA advocate.

Induction January 2007

Three-time Angler of the Year. Always promoting the SKA and the sport. Dave has also designed many of the products used on today's circuit including the KingBuster lure. Founder of the KingBuster 400 tournament in St. Augustine.

Induction January 2007

Most credit the son, Al, as the guru of fishing in the northern part of the Carolinas, but we know that it is Senior who keeps the team and family together. A great fisherman but a better human being. You can't find anyone who doesn't have the utmost respect for this gentleman. A must for the Hall of Fame!