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The late Robert Meter was inducted into the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame at Garrison ceremony

Robert Meter newest inductee

Kim Fundingsland/MDN The late Bob Meter of Bismarck was recently inducted into the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame. Representing him at the ceremony in Garrison were his wife, Jean Meter of Bismarck, and sons Lyn, Lubbock, Texas, left, and Alan, Bismarck, right.

GARRISON – He was one of a kind, so it was only fitting that the late Robert “Bob” Meter, formerly of Bismarck, was the lone 2019 inductee into the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame. The brief ceremony was held here at the City Auditorium with a large crowd of Governor’s Walleye Cup fishermen in attendance.

Meter was synonymous with fishing tackle in North Dakota and surrounding states for many years. His line of fishing tackle is still available today. He is credited with inventing a variety of fishing tackle but is best known for the Meter Bottom Bouncer which, ultimately, changed the world of walleye fishing.

Produced by Meter in 1964, the bottom bouncer is used in conjunction with several combinations of live bait rigs. It is designed to keep bait close to the bottom where walleyes are often found. Fishermen were slow to accept the rig but today bottom bouncers can be found in every walleye boat and present a very effective presentation.

“I was very surprised when I learned he was going into the hall,” said Jean Meter, his widow. “I didn’t really know they had this kind of recognition. I was pleased. Fishing was his life.”

Meter died August 10, 2014. He was 79 years old.

“When I heard about his induction into the Fishing Hall of Fame I thought there’s nobody more deserving than dad,” said his son Alan, Bismarck. “He spent his life dedicated to fishing, getting people fishing, getting kids fishing and making fishing tackle was his passion.”

At Meter’s induction Keith Witt, ND Fishing Hall of Fame president, told the gathering that “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. He also displayed an unselfish dedication to help and educate others, positively promote sportfishing and volunteer his time and talents.”

Meter’s son Lyn made the trip from Lubbock, Texas to attend the induction.

“I love it. I love it,” he remarked upon seeing all the people gathered in the auditorium for the event. “Nominating dad for this is a big honor. It is a big deal. I think he would just be humbled by it and love every minute of it. I’m sure he knew a lot of these people here.”

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

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