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Hank Parker, one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, has enjoyed tremendous success both in competitive fishing and in front of a camera.
Born and raised in North Carolina, Hank grew up listening to fish stories told by his dad and uncles. At the age of four he caught his first fish -- a redbreast -- with his grandfather in Georgia. The first bass he remembers was a four-pounder caught by his brother, but as far as eight-year-old Hank was concerned it was a giant, and it was the beginning of his fascination with the species. At the age of 15 he became a member of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) and was captivated by their publication Bassmaster, dreaming of one day owning his own boat and growing up just like his heroes featured on the pages of the magazine.
In 1976 Hank began his own career, fishing the National Bass Association Tournament Circuit and winning their national championship his first season. He added American Bass Association events, and then the Bassmaster Tournament Trail. Parker participated in his first Bassmaster Classic in 1978 and within a year, at the 1979 Classic, he captured his first world championship title. It was the beginning of a 13-year professional career that had him competing in more than 120 B.A.S.S. events, qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic every year, and finishing in the money an amazing 76% of the time. In 1983 Hank was named B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year. And shortly thereafter Hank Parker became the first professional angler to be awarded the sport’s prestigious Grand Slam acknowledging his Angler of the Year title and wins in the 1979 Classic (with a second ten years later in the 1989 event) and the Super B.A.S.S. (1985). Hank had become a member of bass fishing’s elite, and his name always appeared on the short list of pre-tournament favorites.
His tournament successes led to his TV show Hank Parker’s Outdoor Magazine. The show was an immediate hit when it premiered in syndicated markets throughout the country in 1985 (and later on the Nashville Network, Outdoor Life, Outdoor Channel, Pursuit Channel, NBC Sports and Destination America). In 1990, at the age of 37, Parker retired from competitive fishing to focus on his TV series and other interests. Currently in its 28th year, the popular Outdoor Magazine continues to entertain and educate anglers of all ages and skill levels on tried-and-true angling techniques. Hank’s knowledge and engaging personality are evident, and episodes often include family members (his wife Martha and sons Hank Jr. and Billy) who share his love of not only fishing but also hunting. The family’s camaraderie and passion for the outdoors is further reflected in the more recent shows Hank Parker’s Flesh & Blood and Hank Parker 3D.
Bass is still his Hank’s species of choice, and he’s as fascinated by them today as he was as an eight-year-old. He continues to give back to the sport and to share his expertise and enthusiasm with as many anglers as possible. His informative website (www.HankParker.com) provides countless tips and techniques through how-to videos and dozens of articles. One of the most sought-after pros, Hank’s valuable on-the-water experience has been embraced by leading tackle manufacturers, and the information he’s provided has been utilized in the development and marketing of many cutting-edge bass fishing products. He also is considered one of the premier instructors of his time, and he travels to events around the country to fish, give seminars and lectures, and represent his many sponsors, a great number of which have been associated with him for more than a quarter century.
Hank remains a crowd and industry favorite. In 2003 he was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, and in 2006 into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. He was voted one of the top 10 anglers of all time in ESPN's Greatest Angler Debate, and in 2003 B.A.S.S. recognized him as one of the “35 Most Influential People” in the sport.
The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame salutes Hank Parker, a genuine ambassador of the outdoors.
