The first time that I talked to my fishing hero was about 14 years ago when I got a 9pm phone call that lasted well over an hour.

 

Although we have worked on some articles together via phone and email, I had never met Hank Parker in person.

 

Well this past Friday I got to spend a few hours hanging out with Hank and it was awesome.

 

He turned pro the year I was born and started his tv show when I was a little kid. So as long as I can remember, Hank Parker

was my fishing hero. It was so awesome getting to spend time just chatting and looking at fishing tackle together.

 

What a nice guy. He treated me like we had been next door neighbors for years. He even bought me a Mtn Dew.  lol

Man,Id love that.How did it happen?

He happened to be about 35 minutes from my house.

I'd like to meet him, Shaw Grigsby,and a couple others.Sometimes in the past he had a drawing for a fishing trip you could win with him.Have enjoyed his shows.Dont know if they're still on.

Great fisherman and just a super person.

Good ol Hank!?  I'd LOVE to spend 30 min

chatting with him. Awesome story!

Hank grew up on the other side of the Catawba from us here in Mooresville, but his piedmont drawl is as genuine as they come!

Hank is a great guy.

I envy you the time you got to spend with him.

Friendships that will last a lifetime.

Congrats!

I saw the pic on FB.  That's really cool!

His son is coming here for a Outdoors Show, so that'll be as close as I can come to meeting him (Hampton Roads, Va)

Got my wifes picture with him many years ago and a Wrangler Nationals.  He's a class act.  Didn't talk long but very friendly.

On ‎2‎/‎19‎/‎2017 at 9:36 PM, N Florida Mike said:

I'd like to meet him, Shaw Grigsby,and a couple others.Sometimes in the past he had a drawing for a fishing trip you could win with him.Have enjoyed his shows.Dont know if they're still on.

they are. I believe either sat or sun morning on direct tv  channel 604 or 605.

Would love to spend a day fishing with Hank, Shaw or Jimmy Houston. They appear to be really down to earth, kind of like your best fishing buddy. Not to say others are not but most are a bit more serious. Gerald Swindle, I'd just ride with a tape recorder so I could laugh for weeks after.

JT your enthusiasm makes your story enjoyable for all of us. It is also the reason I like Hank, and why he has lasted when many have come and gone. You guys are both good ambassadors for the sport. You can teach most folks how to fish, but you can't teach that. Thanks for sharing.

JT this is awesome, I must say I am a little jealous.

On ‎2‎/‎21‎/‎2017 at 10:21 AM, K_Mac said:

JT your enthusiasm makes your story enjoyable for all of us. It is also the reason I like Hank, and why he has lasted when many have come and gone. You guys are both good ambassadors for the sport. You can teach most folks how to fish, but you can't teach that. Thanks for sharing.

 

Sorry it took so long for me to see this but thank you very much for the nice words. I really appreciate that.