“He was thrilled to receive the award and thanks all those involved . . . Rex is doing well’

Fishing icon Rex Hunt has been honoured with an industry award but was sadly unable to accept it in person, following an incident near Geelong that led to his hospitalisation.

Rex Hunt made headlines last month when he called police in the early hours of January 17 after pulling over this car near Little River. Picture: Michelle Winters

Melbourne angling icon Rex Hunt has been honoured for his contribution to the fishing industry.

Hunt, 73, was presented with an award for his work in lifting the profile of recreational fishing through his TV and radio shows and his lifelong dedication to the sport and pastime.

The “significant recognition” award was presented at the 10th World Recreational Fishing Conference dinner at the Melbourne Museum on Tuesday night.

Hunt did not attend, with the award accepted on his behalf by Bob Grieve, the executive producer of Hunt’s fishing shows.

Grieve passed on Hunt’s grateful thanks to the crowd for the recognition noting it was “a great tribute to a man who put everything into recreational fishing.”.

Hunt’s love of fishing and his passion for the environment has never been something he has shied away from.

Rex Hunt's award for his lifetime support of recreational fishing. Picture: Supplied.

Rex Hunt has received an industry award. Picture: Michelle Winters

His trademark move for years has been to kiss a fish before chucking it back into the water.

Hunt’s longtime friend John Locco said Hunt was thrilled to have been acknowledged.

“For the inspiration that he has provided to fishing people all around the world, the award is thoroughly deserved. He has made an invaluable contribution over many decades and inspired generations of people who love recreational fishing,” Locco said.

“He was thrilled to receive the award and thanks all those involved. He loves his fishing fraternity.

“Rex is doing well.”

Hunt’s fishing show, Rex Hunt’s Fishing Adventures, ran on Channel 7 for 14 years.

His first TV fishing show, “Angling Action” was screened in the early 1980s. In 1991, his series “Rex Hunt’s Fishing World” made it’s debut. The following year the show had a slight rejig with its name changed to Rex Hunt Fishing Adventures.

Hunt made headlines last month when he called police in the early hours of January 17, after pulling over on the side of the Princes Freeway near Little River, requiring assistance and he was taken to hospital in Geelong.