By Lynn Burkhead
OSG Senior Digital Editor

Ron Lindner, one of the iconic names in the sportfishing industry and the co-founder of the In-Fisherman Communications Network, died Monday evening. He was 86.

“My dad passed on this evening – peacefully and surrounded by family,” wrote Lindner’s daughter Dawn Anna Lindner in a Facebook post. “Thank you Lord for the beautiful years with this amazing man.”

Known for his North Country fishing prowess and deep Christian faith, Lindner was a master at catching almost any species of freshwater fish, including largemouth and smallmouth bass. Earlier this year, he joined his brother Al as a member of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

Ron Lindner’s induction ceremony, scheduled to be held this past September at the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Mo., was postponed until next year because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Lindner was set to be honored with the other 2020 inductees – Bassmaster Classic champions Jay Yelas and the late Bryan Kerchal, the late lure designer James Heddon and longtime fishing journalist Steve Bowman.

“The easiest way I could capsulize and describe my brother, the three parts of his life that were important to him – his faith, his family and the fishing business," Al Lindner told the Brainerd Post-Dispatch newspaper. “His whole life, nothing else interested him, nothing else was important to him. It was his faith, his family and the fishing industry, 24/7.”

The Lindners moved from Chicago to Minnesota in the late 1960s and opened a guide service in the Brainerd area. They later became successful tournament competitors prior to launching In-Fisherman in 1975.

Among their innovations were the “Fish+Location+Presentation = Success” (F+L+P=S) formula to help simplify fishing methods across the seasons and the invention of a number of lures, including the Lindy Rig.

"A co-author of several books and owner of multiple patents, Ron was always measuring the pulse of the fishing industry in order to stay a step ahead of the crowd," In-Fisherman said in a Facebook post. "That was in large part what made In-Fisherman such a popular entity among a hardcore group of anglers. 'Teaching North America to Fish Is Our Business' was the In-Fisherman call to action and it served a generation of anglers and industry insiders well."

Other posts Tuesday on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter came from people involved in the fishing industry and from fishing fans everywhere.

“I’m deeply saddened by the news that my friend and legendary angler Ron Lindner passed,” said a Facebook post from Kim Stricker, a pioneering Michigan angler and host of the “Hook n’ Look” show on Outdoor Channel. “The work Ron, his brother Al and the entire Lindner team have presented over the years surely influenced my aspiration to produce fishing programs … and they set the bar high.”

Dave Mercer, the longtime emcee for the Bassmaster Elite Series and host of "Dave Mercer’s Facts of Fishing" on Outdoor Channel, expressed his sadness over Lindner’s death.

“The fishing world lost another incredible man. The unbelievable impact Ron Lindner made on this world will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything, Ron."

Others paid tribute to Lindner, his family, and the In-Fisherman brand for spawning their lifelong passion for fishing. Several posts by fans validated the legacy that Lindner leaves in the industry.

“RIP Ron Lindner,” wrote Tyrone Larson on Facebook. “I grew up carrying the latest edition of In-Fisherman magazine in my school backpack. Al Lindner seemed to always be the face of In-Fisherman, but Ron was the behind-the-scenes guy. My condolences to Ron and his family. The fishing world has lost a true legend.”

Wrote Mike Borse: “When I was young in fishing and in life, In-Fisherman magazine and then In-Fisherman TV was an eye-opening experience that (led) to so much learning and excitement to learn and explore. The Lindner family basically created a magical world of fishing to me, as well as many others right across North America.

"Ron Lindner, along with his brother Al Lindner, had done so much to literally change my life. I owe these pioneers so much. The fishing world has lost a founder of this incredible sport. Rest in peace, Ron, and thanks for the memories.”

Such sentiments are easy to understand when one considers the length and breadth of Lindner’s fishing accomplishments – an estimated more than 70 million Lindy Rigs have been sold, along with all the books and magazines and innovative tackle and equipment. There were also the teaching platforms and seminars and a strong media presence as fishing moved into the age of the Internet and social media.

The water is a quieter place today with the loss of Ron Lindner. And it’s almost certain that the angling world won’t see many other fishermen in the future who will have the kind of impact on sportfishing that Lindner did.