Bridgeport’s Curtis Fleming – host of Pursuit Channel’s “Fly Rod Chronicles” – has been named 2018 American Outdoor Sportsman of the Year by “Legends of the Outdoors” National Hall of Fame.

 

Fleming received the news directly from organization Founder, CEO and Executive Director Garry Mason, who shared what the award signifies.

 

“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,” Mason said. “We honor someone who has unselfishly been there for others. To me, that’s what his award means in a nutshell.”

 

"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 - is humbled and honored by the recognition.

 

“This is kind of a big deal; one of the most prestigious awards of its kind,” he said. “Some of my childhood idols obtained this award including Johnny Morris, originator of Bass Pro Shop, and Fred Bear, the ultimate hunter who started Bear Archery. He has since passed away, but he is a living legend.”

 

Other “Legends of the Outdoors” 2018 award recipients are 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. 

 

Fleming, his fellow award recipients and this year’s “Legends of the Outdoors” Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at an Aug. 25 event in Nashville, aboard one of the largest paddlewheel showboats in the country – the General Jackson Showboat/Music City Queen which will be docked along the Cumberland River. Guest speaker is 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 a member of the RedHead Pro Hunting Team.

 

“Legends of the Outdoors” 2018 National Hall of Fame inductees include 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.

 

Scheduled to attend are current HOF members Forrest & Nina Wood, Charlie Ingram, Bill Huntley, Emily Shaffer, Joella Bates, Jerry Antley, Mike Morgan, Ray Eye, Dave Precht, Morris Sheehan, and Cuz Strickland.

 

Mason said that it is likely that Fleming will be among HOF inductees in 2019.

 

“Most people who get the (2018 American Outdoor Sportsman of the Year) award are spring boarded the very next year into the Hall of Fame because of their accomplishments,” he said.

 

Coming on the heels of the announcement that Fleming is being inducted into the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians Hall of Fame, the “Legends of the Outdoors” honor has generated some buzz in Nashville. Among country music artists reaching out to Fleming are Thomas Fountain, whose singles include “FLOAT,” “Just Like You” and “Sometimes God Whispers.” A fly fisherman and deer hunter from northern Georgia, Fountain is not only joining Fleming and his family on the General Jackson for the awards ceremony, but will also be featured in an upcoming FRC episode.

 

“Thomas and I will meet for the first time and we’ll plan a shoot around his success in Nashville,” Fleming said.

 

Coming off a difficult and challenging chapter in his life – the recovery of two surgeries resulting from an accident while shooting as how in New Zealand – Fleming said he’s grateful and excited for things to come.

 

“With everything I’ve gone through, I never missed a day’s work. I worked even harder for my sponsors and to make the show better. My wife Shelly and daughters Laken and Autumn have been involved and it has all made me a better producer,” he said. “For this award to come along and two weeks later to be inducted into the Southern Appalachians Hall of Fame; it’s just humbling.”

 

Fleming said he will soon be announcing new show sponsors.

 

“These are sponsors I would have only dreamed of having 13 years ago when I started ‘Fly Rod Chronicles,’” he said.

 

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, Garry Mason, Fleming's wife Michelle and Fleming with daughters Laken and Autumn.