Hall of Famer to take leave of absence as she battles the disease
BENTON, Ky. (Oct. 31, 2025) – Major League Fishing’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Kathy Fennel, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and will take a leave of absence from the organization as she pursues treatment.
“This all transpired very quickly, and I’m still processing the diagnosis, but what I know for certain is that I will fight, and that I am loved,” Fennel said. “The outpouring of support I’ve already received is overwhelming. Our team at Major League Fishing is the best in the world, and they will continue to provide the highest level of service to our anglers, sponsors and fans as I work toward defeating this indiscriminate disease.”
Fennel is a pioneer in the sport having served Major League Fishing and its predecessors, Fishing League Worldwide and Operation Bass, since 1982. She is a 2015 inductee into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, a 2022 inductee into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame and a 2023 inductee into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. She was named to Sports Business Journal’s 2023 class of Game Changers: Women in Sports Business, and in 2025 received the American Sportfishing Association’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to her position at Major League Fishing, Fennel serves on the American Sportfishing Association board of directors, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation board of directors and Kentucky Lake Economic Development board of directors.
“This diagnosis is heartbreaking for everyone who knows Kathy,” said Major League Fishing President and CEO Boyd Duckett. “She is universally loved and admired by everyone who has ever met her. She is strong and empathetic, always looking out for those around her. Those same qualities will help guide her through this diagnosis and the treatments to come. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.”
Anyone who would like to wish her well may send correspondence to Major League Fishing, 30 Gamble Lane, Benton, KY 42025, ATTN: Kathy Fennel. Emails may be sent to information@
