Legend Biography

Kathy Fennel – MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager
Kathy Fennel has been a key figure on the tournament bass fishing scene since joining Operation Bass in 1982, steadily rising through the ranks to become one of the most influential people in the fishing industry. Her strength and experience were recognized by Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) in 1996 when she was promoted to Operations Manager. The following year she was appointed Vice President of Operations, and in 2004 she was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Fennel then became President of Operations in 2010, a position she held until Major League Fishing (MLF) acquired FLW in the fall of 2019.
As MLF Executive Vice President & General Manager, Fennel oversees day-to-day operations for the world’s largest lineup of bass tournaments, ensuring that the organization provides well-organized events that appeal to anglers, fans and sponsors alike.
Fennel is a 2022 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee and a 2015 Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame inductee. She serves on the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), Kentucky Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Kentucky Lake Economic Development board of directors.
Fennel grew up fishing on Kentucky Lake and attended Murray State University. She enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her son Daniel, his wife Amanda, and her grandchildren, Jake and Jude.
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