Co-angler Fred Martin of North Little Rock, Ark., fished with Chevy pro Jay Yelas today and boated 25 pounds, 1 ounce from the back of his boat. Photo by Rob Newell. Angler: Fred Martin.

January 3, 2012 • MLF • Archives

A week before Christmas, well-known FLW regular Fred Martin was shot during what was apparently a robbery attempt at his home in North Little Rock, Ark. The 44-year-old Martin was in the process of warming up his truck when an unknown assailant approached him and shot him in the abdomen, according to local police.

Martin has participated in various FLW circuits since 2002, both as a pro and a co-angler. Currently, he is registered as a co-angler in the Walmart FLW Majors and as a pro in the EverStart Series and Walmart FLW Open Division.

Martin’s condition has stabilized, though he’s still listed in critical condition at an area hospital.

According to a neighbor, Martin was looking forward to the holidays and had told her that he was going to finish putting up his Christmas decorations later that day. Police have made no arrests in the case.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Martin family,” says President of FLW Operations Kathy Fennel. “We join all of Fred’s many friends in wishing him a speedy recovery.”