The North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame board of directors is pleased to announce the upcoming induction of Robert “Bob” Meter of Bismarck. The induction ceremony will occur in Garrison on July 18th at the City Auditorium. The induction will be conducted prior to the rules meeting for the Governor’s Cup Walleye Derby.

The mission of the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame is to conduct and maintain a program to recognize and honor those persons, organizations, or institutions that have made significant and lasting contributions to sportfishing in North Dakota. This year’s inductees have made significant contributions that make them well qualified for induction into the Hall of Fame.

Meter is the inventor of a variety of fishing tackle items, but he is best known for the Meter Bottom Bouncer which vaulted walleye fishing in the Dakotas and ultimately the rest of the walleye waters across the country into a new angling technique. Invented by Bob in 1964, the bottom bouncer is used in conjunction with a spinner or plain hook rig, allowing anglers to drift or troll the rig on the bottom, while remaining relatively snag free. The Bottom Bouncer proved to be a classic, and has allowed untold numbers of anglers to successfully catch walleyes and other species on reservoirs, lakes, and rivers.

Meter was a founding father of the Bis-Man Reel & Rec club which was organized in 1979. He also originated the Take-a-Kid Fishing Program for the club and was a tireless volunteer for a variety of fishing events, especially those involving boat and water safety or youth-related seminars and events.

Meter’s tackle inventions have been invaluable to sportfishing in North Dakota. He also displayed an unselfish dedication to help and educate others, positively promote sportfishing, and volunteer his time and talents.

The North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame is located at North Country Marine & Motorsports in Garrison.