The NFLCC goals are to foster an awareness of lure and tackle collecting and to preserve these items and fishing history.  At the urging of member Rich Treml in 1984, an Honorary Member Program was established to honor and give special, ongoing recognition to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the pre-1960 fishing tackle era.  This time frame has now been expanded to include those who made lures 25 years ago or more. 

Rich Treml became the program’s first Chairman, a position that is appointed by the club’s president.  Rich was succeeded by Frank Barone, who passed the torch to our current Chairman, Dan Basore. 

Honorary Members have their name engraved on a permanent plaque that is exhibited at each year’s National Show.  They also receive a one-year paid membership and a certificate of honorary membership.   An article about their accomplishments and contributions is published in the Gazette, and their names are listed on the club’s website.

In this way, we seek to assure these individuals that their good works are appreciated, now and far into the future.

Nomination Process

Candidates can be nominated by submitting a brief biography on an individual’s achievements to the Honorary Membership Selection Committee Chairman.  Members are urged to submit qualified nominees to Dan Basore with their qualifications, a short biography, address and telephone number.  After qualifying, such nominee selections are submitted to the NFLCC Board of Directors.  With their approval, those determined to be appropriate are announced to the membership at the annual meeting.

In the below list, clicking the names that appear in red will open a PDF that highlights their contributions.