Viking Yacht Company President and CEO Patrick J. Healey has been inducted into the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame, recognizing more than four decades of contributions to sportfishing, boatbuilding and conservation.

Patrick J. Healey, President and CEO of Viking Yacht Company, was inducted into the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Fishing Hall of Fame on Aug. 29 at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri.

Healey joined Roy W. Cronacher Jr., Tom Davidson, Capt. Ralph Delph and Capt. Jose Wejebe in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

“I never, ever in my wildest dreams thought this would happen,” Healey told an audience of 125. “It’s just an incredible, incredible honor to be standing here in front of all of you tonight and to be inducted into this Hall of Fame.”

IGFA calls the Fishing Hall of Fame its pinnacle award. Healey now joins a distinguished group that includes Ernest Hemingway, Zane Grey, Ted Williams, former President George H.W. Bush, Bill Dance, Lee and Joan Wulff, Flip Pallot and Curt Gowdy.

A Lifetime of Sportfishing and Boatbuilding

“It would be easy to induct Pat Healey on the strength of what Viking has meant to this sport, but his impact reaches far beyond that,” said Jason Schratwieser, IGFA President. “A three-time International Masters champion and a champion for conservation, he has left an indelible mark on the world of sportfishing.”

The induction follows a strong run of recognition for Healey. He received the Center for Sportfishing Policy’s Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award in 2024 and IGFA’s Gil Keech Heavy-Tackle Award in 2025. Earlier this year, Marlin magazine honored him as its inaugural Person of the Year.

Healey’s Hall of Fame remarks were filled with stories from more than four decades of fishing and boatbuilding. He recalled his early tournament days—including getting fired by his father, Viking co-founder Bill Healey, after returning late to work following a Virginia Beach tournament victory.

“I only know how to do two things, build boats and go fishing,” Healey said.

Those two pursuits have long been intertwined at Viking. Fishing the company’s demo boats provided direct feedback from captains and owners that could then be incorporated into future boats. Healey called captains the “lifeblood” of the program and recalled sitting with them on dock boxes and asking a simple question: “How can we build a better boat?”

More Than 15,000 Billfish Released

Drew McDowell, a longtime Viking demo captain, has been part of the program since its early years.

“I have been very fortunate to fish with you for 43 years, as your captain when we first started and then the last 20 years together as anglers in the cockpit,” McDowell said. “You have brought many great ideas to our sport and have always put conservation of the fish as No. 1.”

That conservation record is significant. Healey said Viking’s demo program has released more than 15,000 billfish over more than 40 years while harvesting only 15.

“We can do more together,” Healey said. “We’re the stewards of this industry.”

Healey’s eldest son, Sean Healey, focused on his father’s drive and a nickname familiar to tournament crews. “Left Flat Pat” comes from the cockpit position Healey has fished for years.

“Congratulations, Dad. You’ve always been persistent, always pushing forward and looking for a better way,” Sean said. “And yes, ‘Left Flat Pat’ is officially a Hall of Famer. We’re all very proud of you.”

Before Healey took the stage, an IGFA-produced video traced his career from Viking’s first demo boat, a 41-footer at the White Marlin Open, through more than four decades of tournament fishing. It also highlighted his involvement in the International Masters Angling Tournament, his role in developing more than 80 Viking models since 1996 and his work on behalf of fishing and the marine industry.

Each Hall of Fame inductee receives a display case featuring artifacts tied to his or her life in fishing. Healey’s includes 3D-printed models of a Viking and a Valhalla, a 3D-printed Best of Show trophy, his signature Viking visor, a photo collage and a 2011 Master Angler patch.

---