Longtime Hayward, Wisconsin, guide and Musky Hunter Field Editor Dave Dorazio was among those chosen for induction in the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame’s 2019 year class.

Dorazio, whose parents owned a resort in what is now known as Dorazio Bay on the Chippewa Flowage near Hayward, started guiding in the mid 1960s and continued this career path for another 50 years.

One of the early pioneers of catching and releasing muskies, Dorazio began releasing fish in the 1970s.

The former owner of the Eddie Bait Company and Dorazio Tackle, Dorazio has written many articles about the Chippewa Flowage and musky fishing for Musky Hunter. When not on the water there is much demand for Dorazio as a sport show speaker and he has made many appearances on regional outdoor television programs.

“His clients over the years say that he is not only a legendary guide but a first-rate instructor sharing his knowledge with all who wish to become better anglers,” said Emmett Brown, executive director o the Hall of Fame.

Also joining Dorazio for induction are:

• Fred Arbogast, one of the true pioneers of the fishing lure industry who invented such lures as the Jitterbug and the Hula Popper.

• Walleye pro John Campbell of Iowa, who has competed at the highest levels in walleye tournaments for over 25 years (as well as being a closet musky nut).

• Ray Dupuis of Ontario, an early pioneer of walleye and brook trout conservation.

• Curtis Fleming of West Virginia, the host of Fly Rod Chronicles with Curtis Fleming, which aired on three national networks in North America.

• Sam Griffin of Florida, longtime Lake Okeechobee guide and the originator of a number of legendary bass baits.

• Tim Hiner of Alaska, a full-time guide on the Kenai River.

• Eaddo Kiernan of Connecticut, a board member of Trout Unlimited who mobilized efforts to engage youth through fly fishing and related programs.

• Chip Leer of Minnesota, who has become one of the Midwest and Great Lakes regions’ most ubiquitous and recognizable angling authorities, particularly in the walleye, bass and ice fishing markets.

• Matt Straw of Minnesota, an outdoor writer since 1980 who has worked for In-Fisherman Magazine from 1991 present day.

• Larry Whiteley of Missouri, host of the internationally syndicated Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Radio and writer of Bass Pro Shops’ syndicated Outdoor World Tips.

The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, based in Hayward, Wisconsin, recognizes individuals, organizations and institutions who have made significant and lasting contributions to the sport and heritage of fresh water fishing. The Hall of Fame Awards Committee meets annually in August to make selections for the following year. For more information, freshwater-fishing.org