Hall of Fame Boss

By LeighAnn Skipworth

If you have ever called the Pond Boss office, I am probably the one that greeted you. I have been answering that line for 12½ years. Our callers like to talk about my Texas accent (that I don’t hear) and the crazy Texas weather while I am helping them with their subscriptions or gathering information for a message to Bob. One question that comes up often is “How cool is that you work for Bob Lusk?” The first time it was asked kind of caught me off guard. I know my answer had to have been “Uh, I don’t know. He’s Bob.”

You see, Bob and I go way back. His oldest son, Ty, is a few years younger than me, and we went to school together. I was a youth leader at church when Bob’s younger kids were in the youth group. And for the past decade, I have worked for him. So, I feel like I have always known Bob.

Earlier this year when I learned Bob had been nominated and elected into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, I wasn't really that surprised. You see, I have the distinct privilege to see behind the scenes and know the hard work and dedication that he has for pond owners, potential pond owners, Pond Boss readers and advertisers, and fellow industry leaders.

I have seen Bob spend hours writing a story or report only to delete it all and start over with a new perspective. I have listened to numerous phone calls or Zoom meetings where Bob's expertise is desperately needed. When he isn't on the phone or typing away at his computer, I have seen him plan a trip at a moment's notice to go from one side of the country to the other, plotting his stops at lakes and ponds along the way. But he does it, he loves it, he thrives in this atmosphere.

He has a virtual pond industry rolodex in his brain and can pull up a referral in an instant. Bob knows the perfect person for the job and has their contact information in his phone. Watching a person walk in and living out their calling is amazing. I fully believe that Bob's ability to listen to the landowner convey their ideas and goals for their lake or pond and then put an action plan into manageable steps is a God-given talent.

In February this year, I started working with the event staff at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC), located in Athens Texas, to help plan a banquet and Hall of Fame induction ceremony held October 11, 2024. Well, I did not do any of the actual planning. I supplied information, pictures of the front covers of every single magazine, the books and anything else that was requested.

For eight months, I really did not know what to expect.

Was it a banquet that we would sit at tables and eat dinner? Would it be rows of chairs, and we would just listen to people speak? I had no clue, but I was excited, nonetheless.

I arrived in Athens the day before the ceremony just to get settled. The morning of the event, I did have to take a bundle of items to the Fisheries Center, so I took a peek at the event space. This is when it clicked with me… this IS a big deal. Tom Lang and Katie Birk of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center had an amazing banquet set for that evening. Tables were set, banners were placed, magazine covers had been made into artwork.

It was beautiful and in its own way, magical. There were beer glasses with Bob’s mug on them, challenge coins, and decorations that were eye-candy for all attendees.

It was clear that special night was meant for Bob Lusk.

As we gathered at the induction banquet for the ceremony, the atmosphere was electric. People were so excited to be there to celebrate THE Pond Boss. I had a chance to meet some of the people that have made an impact not only in Bob's career, but in his life. I was able to catch up with people that I have built a relationship with throughout my 12 years at Pond Boss… the guys at Texas Hunter, Mossback, Purina, Kasco, some of the Pond Boss forum moderators, and many of the Pond Boss faithful. Steven Bardin, owner of Texas Pro Lake Management and Hall of Fame selection committee member for the TFFC, took the stage to emcee the evening. He presented videos, listed off accolades and then welcomed Bob to the stage to give his speech.

Bob was able to speak from the heart and express his deep-felt gratitude for the mentorship he has received, discussed the influence of others on his work, and the advice that has been given along the way. Then Bob talked about the words of encouragement on the days that he didn't want to jump in the truck to drive to go see another pond, for the dinner and conversations shared when all he wanted to do was sleep, for the invitation to board a plane to go see a little piece of land. What some of us would have thought were just normal, everyday expressions of kindness, to Bob—they have been life-giving fuel to keep doing what he does.

To see the look of pride on Mrs. Debbie's and each of his children and grandchildren's faces actually brought a tear to my eye. They don't see the pioneer of the fisheries field. They don't see the person that people like BassPro Shop’s and Cabela’s owner, Johnny Morris, and famous NASCAR driver Ryan Newman or Tony Stewart call about the design of the newest pond they are dreaming of. His family doesn't see the man that commands a room when he speaks about pond management.

They see their husband, Dad, or Papa, they see the man that leads their family in faith, and the one that brings all the fun…and usually the food. They see the one that pours his heart and soul into every family gathering, to make memories for his grand "peeps" as he calls them. They see the one that stands by their side and encourages them throughout their endeavors.

None of them recognized the extent of what Bob Lusk has contributed, and his accompanying accolades. He was the youngest president of the Texas Aquaculture Association back in 1983-84. His writing awards and recognition, earning the Texas Outdoor Writer’s Association’s most cherished, the L.A. Wilke Award for excellence, along with numerous First Place awards for best magazine published in Texas, under 25,000 subscribers. They didn’t all know the fisheries awards, American Fisheries Society Hall of Excellence in 2020, or the AFS award for Best Communicator for the same organization that same year.

They just know him as “Dad”, or “Papa” …or Bob.

Now they recognize him as a two-time Hall of Famer that has earned the respect of the industry he’s played a key role in building.

           As the night drew to a close, I was able to stand to the side and take it all in. It was humbling to be a small part of this night and to be able to say that I work for Bob. He really does lead a pretty cool life. IYKYK