ASA’s Future of Fishing Award was presented to Kenneth S. Hammond, CEO of The Hammond Group, for his commitment to recreational fishing’s future though growing participation in the sport and his leadership in the industry’s trade association.

With over 40 years of experience in the sporting goods and outdoor products industry, Ken Hammond was the founder and is now the Director Emeritus of The Hammond Group.

Through initiatives like “Hook a Kid on Fishing” and others, Hammond has worked to keep youth out of drugs and in school. In addition to RBFF’s Board, Hammond has served on several fishing and boating industry boards, including the American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association (AFTMA), the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the Sport Fishing Institute (SFI).