- 1417 E Commercial St Algona, IA 50511
Algona Marine & Sport, Inc., is a family-owned and operated business founded in 1943 by Walter A. Hall. Originally opened as Algona Implement, Inc., it began as an International Harvester equipment dealership. Walter laid the groundwork for the transition into the marine business by carrying Blue Water Boats on a limited basis.
In 1970, Bill Hall, son of Walter, joined the business after college. With a passion for fishing and hunting, Bill steered the business toward the marine industry. In 1979, Bill sold his first Lund Boat powered by a Mercury outboard engine, starting Algona Marine’s journey to becoming Iowa’s premier Lund and Mercury dealer.
The early 1980s brought challenges with the farming economy in distress. Bill and his wife, Sandy, decided to exit the farm equipment business and focus entirely on the marine business and changed the dealership name to Algona Marine & Sport, Inc. Bill’s love for fishing and boating, along with his passion for professional walleye tournaments, drove this transition.
In 1982, Bill began fishing in professional walleye tournaments, and by 1985, he partnered with his son Chad, achieving several top-20 finishes in a few short years. Chad joined the dealership full-time in 1986. By 1987, the marine business was flourishing, and Bill dedicated himself to running the dealership.
Chad’s competitive spirit led him to team up with Bob Propst, Jr., on the Manufacturers Walleye Circuit. The duo had tremendous success and were among the youngest and most competitive teams in the circuit.
In 1999, the Professional Walleye Trail (PWT) launched, and Chad made history by becoming the youngest winner in the PWT Midwest Regional event in 2000. By 2001, Chad was the first-ever multiple winner on the PWT and ended the season as the highest all-time money winner.
The success of the Hall family on the professional fishing circuit became a cornerstone of Algona Marine & Sport’s reputation, with every Lund boat expertly rigged for fishermen by fishermen.
Bill’s other son, Lance, contributed to the family business from a young age, working there during high school. Lance excelled not only in business but also in athletics, earning a Division I football scholarship out of high school. After completing his college education, Lance joined the family business full-time in 2001, bringing fresh energy and reinforcing the family’s commitment to exceptional service.
In 2005, Chad retired from professional fishing to focus on managing the dealership, while Bill took the opportunity to pursue his competitive fishing career. Bill has continued to achieve success, winning the Wave Wacker Tournament in 1991 and qualifying for seven championships across the Midwest.
In 2012, Algona Marine & Sport took another step forward by obtaining a Federal Firearms License. Driven by a passion for hunting and the outdoors, the business began selling firearms and ammunition.
In the fall of 2024, the firearm department expanded again as Algona Marine & Sport acquired an SOT (Special Occupational Taxpayer) license. This allowed the business to carry suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns, providing customers with a wider range of high-quality firearm options.
Algona Marine & Sport’s dedication to quality and service has not gone unnoticed. The dealership was honored with the Top 50 Lund Dealer Award in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. These awards reflect the dealership’s commitment to excellence and its standing as one of the top Lund dealers in the nation.
Additionally, the dealership has received the prestigious Mercury Customer Nominated CSI Award in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Out of several thousand dealers worldwide, fewer than 100 receive this recognition, underscoring Algona Marine & Sport’s exceptional customer satisfaction and service.
From its humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the marine and outdoor industry, Algona Marine & Sport continues to thrive, driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to serving customers with the highest standards of quality and care.
Algona Marine & Sport, Inc., is a family owned and operated business founded in 1943 by Walter A. Hall. It was originally opened as Algona Implement, Inc., primarily an International Harvester equipment dealership.