Terry Tuma

Pro Member Terry Tuma

Minnesota’s own “Tackle” Terry Tuma remains one of the country’s most prolific fishing communicators. Fishing with his parents on Minnesota lakes since he could walk, Tuma got involved in outdoors communications after a stint in the Army in the 1960s. Fortunately for Tuma, his day job at a car dealership allowed him some flexibility and he began offering seminars and calling into segments on local radio stations. More than 40 years ago, Tuma took a pro-staff position with a fishing tackle manufacturer and began doing seminars and radio. In 1987 years ago, he took his part-time program and turn it into a full-time career and went to work for Glenn Meyer at Outdoor News.

Tuma quickly became a regular speaker on the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest fishing seminar circuit. He’s conducted thousands of fishing seminars over the years and still produces dozens per year, including at the St. Paul ice Fishing Show and Northwest Sportshow. Tuma has been on the forefront of radio and today participates in segments for over 40 affiliates including Outdoor News Radio and FAN Outdoors. Tuma has been featured on many television shows and currently can be seen regularly on Minnesota Bound and Due North Outdoors.

Print media has also been a staple of Tuma’s program. For the past 30 years he has been part of Outdoor News, and he has published a weekly tip. Tuma has also been featured in many major publications including In-Fisherman, North American Fisherman, and the Clam Outdoors Ice Annual. He also incorporates today’s new media options into his program by writing a regular blog on the Outdoor News website that is also linked to Facebook and a Twitter feed.

In 2013, the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, Wis., recognized Tuma’s communication skills and achievements and named him a legendary angler. He was also inducted into the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame in March 2017. Tuma and his wife, Karen, live near Montgomery, Minn., and have been married 50 years. They have two sons and three grandchildren.