HOST OF HANK PARKER'S OUTDOOR MAGAZINE
since 1985
TWO-TIME BASSMASTER CLASSIC CHAMPION FIRST ANGLER TO WIN THE GRAND SLAM OF BASS FISHING BASS FISHING HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE LEGENDS OF THE OUTDOORS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE INTERNATIONAL GAME FISH ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
Hank has enjoyed a storied professional bass fishing and outdoor television host career that continues to grow each season! His accomplishments on the professional bass fishing tournament trail support the fact he is one of America's greatest bass fishermen to ever compete. Bryan Gumbel, former host of the CBS Morning Show, best described Hank Parker when introducing him as “the rod-n-reel answer to Michael Jordan, in popularity and talent!"
Hank's professional fishing career started in 1976 when he began fishing the National Bass Association Tournament Circuit, winning their national championship in his first season. For the following two years, he fished both the National Bass Association and American Bass Association. With this success and help from newly acquired sponsors, Hank fished the Bassmaster Tournament Trail.
During his time on the Bassmaster circuit, he won the Bassmaster Classic in 1979 and 1989. Also, he was the first angler to win the B.A.S.S. Grand Slam of Bass Fishing, which includes the Classic, B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year, and the B.A.S.S. SuperBass Tournament. Amazingly, Hank finished "in the money" in 76% of all the tournaments he fished during his B.A.S.S.career.
In 2003 Hank was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, and in 2006 he was inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. Then, in 2014 he was inducted in the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame. Additionally, Parker is a crowd favorite. He was voted as one of the top 10 greatest anglers of all-time in ESPN's Greatest Angler Debate and listed as one of the 35 most influential people of bass fishing by Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.)
“Hank Parker’s Outdoor Magazine,” launched in 1985 and currently airs on The Pursuit Channel all year. His series “On The Water With Hank Parker” airs all year on Pursuit Streaming. Check your local listing or go online to www.pursuitchannel.com for more information.
SPONSORS
Hank is committed to partnering with only the best companies and products in the outdoor world! He is known for his loyalty to promoting products he has tried, tested, and personally believes in. You can feel confident that if Hank recommends a product to his audience then it's because he uses it himself.
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2018, the beginnings of Ranger Boats can be traced to 1968 with founders Forrest and Nina Wood. After building the original six boats in what is now the City Hall in downtown Flippin, Ark., the business grew quickly and soon became a household name among fishermen across the country. In the half-century since then, Ranger has pioneered many innovations that are now industry standards.
Early on, Ranger led the way to new U.S. Coast Guard flotation standards with the use of additional safety foam flotation material. Ranger also patented the aerated livewell to keep fish alive for release following a tournament. Since the invention of the aerated livewell, catch and release has been one of the fishing industry's most obvious and successful conservation efforts.
During the mid-1970's, Ranger expanded its reach and began building boats for walleye, salmon, and musky anglers. The Ranger Fisherman series came into an arena traditionally dominated by aluminum boats and has become the boat of choice among knowledgeable big-water anglers. Rounding out Ranger’s stable is a premium line of saltwater flats, bay and intracoastal boats that share the same heritage and quality as the company’s freshwater boats.
Today, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water, with acclaimed models and series in the bass, multi-species, fish ‘n’ play, saltwater, waterfowl utility and pontoon boat segments.
Mercury is the world leader in marine propulsion and technology. Since the company was founded in 1939, Mercury has consistently emphasized quality, performance, innovation and reliability. Today, that pledge remains as strong as ever. Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation of Lake Forest, Illinois, began as the Kiekhaefer Corporation of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, when Carl Kiekhaefer and a small but dedicated staff of employees sought to design and produce the best possible boat engine.
Lew’s roots run deep in American fishing history, dating back to the 1950s. The legendary brand is responsible for several industry “firsts”, including the low-profile baitcast reel design, disengaging levelwind and “palming” sidecover … all incorporated into the famous Speed Spool. Lew’s was a pioneer in rod development too, with its Speed Stick introducing new features in handles, blanks and rod guides. Since new ownership in 2009, the company has quickly returned to being a market leader in innovation. With an all-new lineup of rods, reels, combos and accessories, the company continues to honor Lew’s original vision around product innovation and excellence, and the ongoing commitment for Lighter, Faster and Stronger.
Berkley is a leading provider of advanced fishing lines. With brands like Trilene®, Berkley has a wide line of high-quality products geared to help you catch more fish.
“One of the main reasons the company has been successful over the years is that I was able to surround myself with people with a great deal of passion and creativity, which helped us to keep making new and better products for fishermen.” Berkley Bedell, Berkley Founder
YETI is the leading designer and marketer of premium ice chests and coolers sold under the YETI ® brand name. YETI created the market for premium coolers by designing an extremely durable product with superior insulation properties for a variety of end markets and uses. YETI’s products are sold throughout the U.S. through leading national, regional and local retailers.
The Minn Kota electric trolling motor began its life in 1934 in Fargo, North Dakota. Mr. O. G. Schmidt, inventor of the trolling motor, was known to be a man of many diverse ideas. Prior to the trolling motor, Mr. Schmidt invented, produced and sold a copper soldering torch from his home in Wheatland, North Dakota. Due to its success, manufacturing operations were then moved to Fargo. Because of its proximity to the MINNesota – North DaKOTA border, Mr. Schmidt named the business The Minn Kota Manufacturing Company.
Humminbird has been America’s favorite fish finder for the past 30 years. Humminbird introduced fishfinders, depth sounders, marine radios and GPS systems to anglers, along with a wide assortment of exciting, innovative products and features. The Humminbird brand is manufactured by the Marine Electronics Group of Johnson Outdoors.
Solar Bat was established in May 1994 by avid outdoorsman and optometrist Dr. Gary Nesty. “Doc” realized the importance of eye protection and razor sharp vision for peak performance while enjoying the outdoors. He has spent over 30 years experience in the field of optics, frame ergonomics, and vision. He utilized that experience and his knowledge of selective wavelength filtration to design lens tints and frame styles specifically for outdoor activities. We build sunglasses for people who play hard outdoors no matter what the conditions.
At X Zone Lures our mission is simple; we strive to deliver quality products at reasonable prices, with top level designs, complimented by excellent customer service. We serve the freshwater and saltwater market, but our main focus is on bass and walleye fishing. From Elite Series level tournament anglers to fishing hobbyists, we strive to be a brand that can be trusted by all anglers to catch more fish.
Ark Fishing sponsors Hank for hard baits. They have a variety of products available online from fishing gear to apparel. Check them out at www.arkrods.com for more information.
Since its humble beginnings in 1980, Pro-Guide Batteries has been a cornerstone in the marine industry, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional service. Starting from a modest garage with just a van and a pallet of batteries, Pro-Guide has experienced remarkable growth over the last 40 years, evolving into a trusted name among dealers, boat manufacturers, and anglers.
Since 1978, Bob's Machine has brought innovation to the jack plate market. The first jack plates rated to 300hp, the first to offer multiple setbacks. The first to offer color options. At Bob's, jack plates aren't just one of our lines of products. They are our main line.
GALLERY
FISHING LIFE
Take a look at some of the memories made along the way in Hank's professional and personal life
FAMILY LIFE
Hank and his wife, Martha, live in South Carolina. Together they have eight children, 19 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and two labs, Thorne and Jackson.
MEDIA
TELEVISION
Hank is entering his 39th year on TV. You can find Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine and On The Water With Hank Parker on television, exclusively on the Pursuit Channel. Check local listings for air times or visit their website at www.pursuitchannel.com
SOCIAL
PODCAST
We are excited to announce that Hank is hosting his very own weekly podcast where he will have many fish tales to share, wisdom to pass along that he has picked up over the years in the fishing industry and life, as well as conversations with his guests. "Hank Parker's Off The Water" can be found on Spotify and YouTube.
OTHER
Dirty Mo Media | The Dale Jr. Download
Hank joins Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his podcast to discuss his friendship with Dale's father. Click on the image to watch this episode that not only has plenty of humor but also some real, heart-felt moments.
HP BAITS & PRODUCTS
Hank has officially brought his Classic Spinnerbait back to the market and sells it exclusively on his bait shop website. This is the very spinnerbait he used to win both the 1979 and 1989 Bassmaster Classic Championship. They are available in his favorite chartreuse color and in three weights: 1/4 oz., 3/8 oz., and 3/4 oz.
(Soon he will be releasing his long awaited "PawPaw" bait that will come in many color and action options.)
HP BAITS:
HUNTING:
FOOD:
CONTACT US
GET IN TOUCH
Hank is often found speaking at church and men's events, giving a seminar on fishing techniques, or speaking at a high school fishing team event. He's even been known to design a lake or two.
If you are interested in having Hank as a guest speaker for your next event or motivational speaker for your business, please fill out the contact form and submit it with as much detail as possible. Don't forget to mention the dates you would like us to check his availability. Someone will respond to you just as soon as possible.