Jim Kalkofen is Executive Director of the In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail (PWT). From canoes and bluegills, motorboats and muskies, to wading for trout, Jim searched for and found fish before the age of electronics. His nose for fish and the privilege of learning specialized tactics from the experts has placed Jim in an enviable position in the fishing fraternity.

Jim’s many years of directing the Mercury and Mariner fishing teams, coupled with broad experience in the tackle industry, positioned him perfectly to oversee all operations as Executive Director of the PWT, a job he has enjoyed since 1990. He orchestrated the prestigious Mercury Marine National Walleye Tournament for many years, and was the force behind the formation and early success of the MWC.

During his years in Wisconsin, he served as tournament director of the Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Organizations, was a past-president of the Lighthouse Anglers fishing club, was a delegate to the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, served on the Wisconsin Walleye Advisory committee to the DNR and was a Trout Unlimited chapter founder and president. He remains active in numerous fish and game groups and is a fishing guide.

His contributions have earned Jim many awards from local, state and national organizations. He received the 1999 Honorary Lifetime Membership award from NPAA. He is an active outdoor writer and photographer, hosted a radio show for many years, and has participated on TV shows across the country.

The Professional Walleye Trail is a division of In-Fisherman and is the richest walleye tournament circuit with more than $17,000,000 paid to date. Based in Brainerd, MN, In-Fisherman is the communications leader in the freshwater fishing industry through the integration of publications, television, radio, books, videos, and fishing tournaments. It is part of INTER-MEDIA Inc., America’s leading producer of targeted media, headquartered in New York City.

In-Fisherman publications include In-Fisherman, Walleye In-Sider magazines, plus four annuals, Walleye Guide, Catfish In-Sider Guide, Bass Guide and Ice Fishing Guide. The In-Fisherman Library consists of over 16 educational fishing books and 55 instructional fishing videos. In-Fisherman and PWT Television airs on The Outdoor Channel. The In-Fisherman Radio Network airs daily coast to coast.

Jim Kalkofen

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Executive Director