Woodland, WA – Bruce Holt, a prominent figure in the fishing industry for 45 years, has been posthumously inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2023. Holt’s contributions to the sport of bass fishing are immeasurable, having spent 34 years with G. Loomis in addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame for a decade. This award is a tribute to Holt’s life and achievements, honoring his legacy as a leader in the sport.
“The G. Loomis brand would not be where it is today without the lengthy list of contributions made by Bruce Holt,” says Shimano North America Fishing President Dave Pfeiffer. “His expert foresight and eye for innovation will continue to impact the fishing industry for years to come.”
During his lengthy career with the Woodland, Washington-based fishing rod manufacturer, Holt was involved with almost every aspect of operations. He is credited with the expansion of the brand’s bass fishing rod portfolio and was instrumental in elevating the careers of numerous G. Loomis pros through his mentorship efforts. Before Shimano acquired the company in 1997, Holt led the international sales and marketing efforts. After the acquisition, he held a nearly decade-long Executive Director position before finishing his career working in the brand’s public relations and communications division.
As a multi-species angler, Holt’s contributions to the fishing industry extend beyond his time with G. Loomis. He played an important role in the bass fishing media landscape as an accomplished writer and photographer and is widely recognized for pioneering world-class bass fisheries such as Mexico’s Lake El Salto, Choke Canyon in Texas, and Columbia River Smallmouth. Beyond his time on the water, Holt was a dedicated sportsman who enjoyed hunting and closely followed professional and collegiate sports.
For over a decade, Holt gave back to the industry he helped shape through service. As both a member of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Board of Directors and the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Holt encouraged G. Loomis to support important fishing organizations, including the International Game Fish Association, B.A.S.S., and Fly Fishers International, among others. His vision lives on as the company continues to support key fishing organizations through philanthropic efforts. To commemorate his work and legacy, G. Loomis will be donating to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in Holt’s honor.
Holt’s extensive contributions to the sport of bass fishing will be celebrated at the Hall of Fame induction banquet on September 28, held in Springfield, Missouri.
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