Fishing lure designer and tournament angler John Hale of Lufkin passed away on Nov. 29 following a battle with cancer. He was 82.
Hale, a U.S. Army veteran and helicopter pilot, was well known for his decades- long affiliation with Stanley Jigs/Hale Lure in Huntington. He was CEO for the company for 14 years until it was acquired by GSM Outdoors in 2024.
Hale fished professionally on the B.A.S.S. Tournament trail from 1980 to 2002. He finished fifth in the 1990 Bassmaster Classic on the James River in Richmond, VA. Locally, he participated in tournaments with Red Man, Lone Star Bass, Anglers Choice, and the Bass Champs.
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news.
Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!
