Curtis Fleming, Host of "Fly Rod Chronicles," Awarded 2018 American Outdoor Sportsman of the Year by "Legends of the Outdoors"
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on September 19, 2018 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
On Aug. 25, Bridgeport’s Curtis Fleming – host of Pursuit Channel’s “Fly Rod Chronicles” – was awarded the 2018 American Outdoor Sportsman of the Year by “Legends of the Outdoors” National Hall of Fame.
“We look for people who have given back to others through their career, teaching others their outdoor sport of hunting or fishing and Curtis has certainly done that,” said Garry Mason, founder, CEO and executive director. “We honor someone who has unselfishly been there for others. To me, that’s what his award means in a nutshell.”
The awards ceremony took place on the General Jackson Show Boat/Music City Queen in Nashville. Keynote speaker was Rob Keck, host of Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Radio Show, director of conservation at Bass Pro Shops, chairman of the board of Wonders of the Wildlife and member of the RedHead Pro Hunting Team. Other awards recipients were Chris Nischan, 
professional guide and outdoorsman, Tennessee Outdoorsman of the Year; Colin Moore, editor-in-chief of FLW Outdoors magazine, Wade Bourne Outdoor Communicator of the Year; and Charlie Brewer, Sr., founder of Charlie Brewer’s Slider Company, Caroline Brewer-Carlton, receiving The Legacy Award.
professional guide and outdoorsman, Tennessee Outdoorsman of the Year; Colin Moore, editor-in-chief of FLW Outdoors magazine, Wade Bourne Outdoor Communicator of the Year; and Charlie Brewer, Sr., founder of Charlie Brewer’s Slider Company, Caroline Brewer-Carlton, receiving The Legacy Award.
Also recognized were “Legends of the Outdoors” 2018 National Hall of Fame inductees Jimmy Sites, contributor to the “Sportsmen’s Bible”, outdoors advocate and host of Spiritual Outdoor Adventures; Orlando Wilson, a pioneer in outdoors fishing television; Jim Scoutten, host of Shooting USA and Sighting in with Shooting USA; Linda Powell, Director of Media Relations for O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc; Doug Minor, V.P. Sales & Marketing for Strike King Lure Co and John 
McAteer, Promotional Pro Staff Manager for BearMagnet TV.
McAteer, Promotional Pro Staff Manager for BearMagnet TV.
Indicuted previously into the Hall of Fame and attending this year's event were Forrest & Nina Wood, Charlie Ingram, Bill Huntley, Emily Shaffer, Joella Bates, Jerry Antley, Mike Morgan, Ray Eye, Dave Precht, Morris Sheehan, and Cuz Strickland.
Providing music for the event was Jimmy Yeary, Nashville songwriter and former lead singer for Shenandoah and The Isaacs. Among tunes performed was "I Drive Your Truck," which he co-penned for Lee Brice.
The Aug. 25 awards ceremony was preceded by an Aug. 24 meet and greet at Bass Pro Shops in Nashville and a scenic dinner/show cruise along the Cumberland River.
Fly Rod Chronicles" features the adventures of Fleming as he travels waterways of the world - including those in his home state of Almost Heaven, West Virginia - fly fishing for various species and often taking along guests, from family members to celebrities to those in need of an uplifting experience in the great outdoors.
The Bridgeport native and 1984 graduate of Bridgeport High School - whose membership in the Bridgeport Junior High School Outdoors Club played a role in his passion for fly fishing - said he is humbled and honored by the recognition.
For more information on the event or “Legends of the Outdoors,” visit legendsoftheoutdoors.com.
Learn more about Fly Rod Chronicles, including air times on Pursuit Channel at flyrodchronicles.tv.
Editor's Note: Pictured from top are Curtis Fleming; Fleming with Rob Keck; Fleming and daughter Laken with Terry and Mark Drury of Drury Outdoors TV show; Fleming and wife Michelle just after receiving the award; awards recipients and hall of fame members on the General Jackson.
