The Ron Wong Legacy
Outdoor communicators strive to share the outdoors with others. The goal is to inspire people, young and old, to partake in the outdoor lifestyle. Through writing, photography, radio, and, today, podcasts and various social media platforms, outdoor communicators work to bring more people into the outdoor ranks. Ron Wong was one such dedicated outdoor communicator, everywhere, covering events with his camera. I was fortunate to be a part of one of these events and struck up a conversation with Ron at the fryer. He was cooking his famous hushpuppies.
The event was a Brushpile Fishing writer’s camp. The camps have become academies to teach people about crappie fishing. It has been a pleasure to be a part of Brushpile Fishing and the great contributions they have made to crappie fishing, that includes lifelong lessons for so many, and tangible recruitment to help keep it alive.
Brushpile Fishing has a YouTube show about crappie fishing and now has an academy to teach and inspire people to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Attendees learn so much from the professionals they bring together as instructors, undeniably some of the best anglers and people, and better yet, the greatest teachers in the crappie world. Over the years, I’ve made so many friends and great memories. One such friend was Ron Wong.
Ron is a well-known figure in the outdoors arena. I feel blessed to have known Ron, and that he gave me his hushpuppy recipe, it’s filed in my notes under RW hushpuppies. My wife has me call it up every time we cook fish. Ron had a passion for fishing and always encouraged people to go. He especially encouraged women and kids, because he felt that they should “get in on the fun.”
Ron passed away unexpectedly in April 2025. Shortly after Ron’s passing, Madalyn Roberts contacted Jay Jackman and Brushpile Fishing and put into motion what is now the Ron Wong Legacy Foundation, and the mission statement says it all – to support the fishing community by bringing together individuals interested in fishing – especially women and children – through education, skills training, resource access, and leadership development.
It is only fitting that the first event for the Ron Wong Legacy Foundation be with Brushpile Fishing and their Academy for Women and Youth, the first of its kind here at Green River Lake, in Kentucky. As I sit here tonight writing this piece, my mind drifts back to all of the great Brushpile Fishing events and all of the wonderful memories. I know that this academy will soon be yet another memory, but I know with the excitement and laughter I see among the attendees, this one will be special. It warms the hearts of all the outdoor communicators working hard to share the outdoor lifestyle with others. I know that Ron would be happy to see the legacy he left behind.
If you would like more information about the Ron Wong Legacy Foundation, be sure to visit https://www.ronwonglegacyfoundation.org/ where you can donate to the foundation and help bring more people together to learn and enjoy the great outdoors.
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