2006 Inductees
Texas Saltwater Fishing Hall of FameAlfred C. Glassell, Jr.
Alfred C. Glassell, Jr., industrialist, philanthropist, sportsman and civic leader, has taken a lifelong interest in business in which he is today one of the Gulf Coast’s leaders. Considered the World’s foremost Big Game Fishing Sportsman, his most famous trophy, the 1560 lb. World Record Black Marlin, resides happily in the “Hall of Sea Life” in the Smithsonian Institute of Washington, D.C. An avid fisherman, Mr. Glassell is or was a member of a host of fishing clubs throughout the world. He was inducted into the IGFA Hall of Fame in 2001 and has most recently been appointed to the IGFA Board of Trustees. The Texas angler pioneered the waters off the West coast of South America resulting in the discovery of the abundant fishing near Cabo Blanco, Peru. In 1952, he was captain of the United States Tuna Team in Nova Scotia and served as a member of the team for seven years. Mr. Glassell is still the world record holder for the largest black marlin ever caught, a record that has stood for over 68 years.
Jerry Dunaway
Jerry Dunaway began fishing in 1969 and has caught a remarkable 203 Atlantic blue marlin, 36 Pacific blue marlin, 96 black marlin, 10 swordfish and an untold number of sailfish, white marlin, and striped marlin. His 16 IGFA billfish records are more than any man in history. He was also the first man to capture an Atlantic blue marlin on 4lb. and 8lb. line. Jerry was the first man to catch a “Super Grand Slam” (a blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and swordfish in one day). From 1987 to 1999, his 48 ft. gameboat “The Hooker” and 110 ft. mothership “The Madam” fished throughout the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Jerry has won many Texas billfish tournaments over the years and in 1984 was Marlin International Angler of the Year. From 1987-1991 he was named one of the World’s “Top Ten” anglers. He most recently received the 2005 IGFA World Record Lifetime Achievement Award. Jerry is a life member of the International Game Fish Association and Coastal Conservation Association.
Deborah Dunaway
Deborah Dunaway started fishing in 1985 and has fished all over the world. She has caught and unprecedented 23 IGFA billfish world records—more than any angler in history. Deborah is the only angler to catch a world record in every species of billfish and in 1993, she became the only angler to hold current records in all 9 species at the same time. She is one of the top five female record holders of all time. In 1993, she was the first person to receive the IGFA Angler of the Year Award. She most recently received the 2005 IGFA World Record Lifetime Achievement Award.
Captain Bill Hart
Captain Bill Hart grew up fishing the coastal bays and surf near Port Aransas, TX. After returning from WWII, Bill used his naval experience to acquire his captain’s license and began operating commercial snapper boats and crew boats year-round. In 1968, he bought his own boat and started charter fishing. His knowledge of the offshore reefs and fishing grounds paid off with great success and made him a popular captain. The name “Capt. Bill” became a byword in the charter fishing industry. Over the years, he operated private yachts for various individuals and traveled extensively on his “tournament trail.” Soon the fame of “Capt. Bill” was known throughout the Gulf Coast, Bahamas, and Caribbean. His well-known “raspy” radio voice became unmistakable to a multitude of anglers. Bill ranks at the top of successful captains, winning countless tournaments including two wins at the prestigious Poco Bueno Invitational. He remains active in both inshore and offshore fishing and when you hear the hoarse cry “hooked up!” you’ll know who’s got him on…the one and only “Capt. Bill” Hart.