official site of the southern kingfish association

HALL OF FAME

JACK WOOD | Inducted February 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 ’93 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, aggregates and fish bowls going away. His preaching for menhaden reform did not go unnoticed. Gentleman Jack is still a young man with many years of bending a rod left. It is believed that he still has a few more titles under his belt. He currently fishes with Dan and Ken Upton on the Team Donzi boat. They had a great shot at the “Angler of the Year” title last year but fell just short of their goal. It could happen this year! Congratulations Jack.

GINGER SHOOK | Inducted 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.

MARCUS KENNEDY | Inducted 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!

JOE BRUCE | Inducted 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.

JERRY DILSAVER | Inducted July 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

KEN "CAPTAIN CAMO" THOMPSON | Inducted June 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!

DAN UPTON | Inducted June 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.

GLENN SLAUGHTER | Inducted June 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.

STAN JARUSINSKI | Inducted May 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.

DAVE WORKMAN JR. | Inducted April 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.

AL MORRIS SR. | Inducted March 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!

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Southern Kingfish Association, LLC - 15 Garnett Avenue - St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone 904.819.0360 - Fax 904.819.0331 - E-Mail: sokingfish@aol.com

Prior Inductees