The bass fishing community and industry lost a stalwart on March 5, 2022 when Blake Flay Honeycutt of Hickory, NC passed. Unfortunately, many anglers under the age of 50 years probably don’t recognize the name.
Honeycutt was instrumental in the early days of tournament angling in several ways. He will forever hold the 3-day-weight record (15-fish daily limit) for B.A.S.S. His total for that event, held July 10-12, 1969, on Lake Eufaula, AL, was 138-06 (34 bass). He beat Bill Dance (2nd-place) and Rip Nunnery (3rd-place) who had 123-02 and 117-13 respectively.
Honeycutt fished 36 B.A.S.S. events from 1968 through 1984 and posted one win, one second place, two thirds, and 18 top-20s. He made the Bassmasters Classic a total of three times (1972, 1981, 1982). He was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in 2014.
Honeycutt cut his teeth as a teenager fishing the local North Carolina waters in the 50s with none other than Buck Perry of Spoonplugging fame. Taking the knowledge he learned from Perry, Honeycutt became one of the first anglers adopt structure fishing using topographic maps and deep diving lures to reach offshore fish no one ever knew existed.
Honeycutt then turned from trolling spoonplugs to working jigs and plastics offshore. Using his topographic maps, flashers and triangulating points on shore, Honeycutt became one of the best structure fishermen of the day.
Due to his extensive use of the flasher and his experience in electronics, Honeycutt and friends Tom Mann and Yank Dean decided to go into the electronics business. Starting with a Heath Kit, they developed a flasher that would not see interference from the big motor’s ignition and, therefore, be readable at bass boat speeds of the day. They also developed the first transducer that would read at high speed as well as the brightest bulb that could be seen in direct sunlight.
The name of the company they started was Allied Sports, makers of the Humminbird depth sounder.
If you knew of Honeycutt and his accomplishments over the years, there’s no doubt this news brings a bit of sadness. If you didn’t know of him, I hope this obituary gives you a little insight into a man that helped change the world of competitive angling forever.
Godspeed Mr. Honeycutt. You left a legacy in a number of ways and we wish you the best in the big lake in the sky.
Blake Flay Honeycutt was born in Catawba County, North Carolina on October 16, 1929. He passed at the age of 92 on March 5, 2022 in Hickory, NC. To read his obituary, please click here.
Sad news. Very nice and appropriate tribute to one of the great pioneers of early competitive bass angling, as well as structure fishing. Besides the many accomplishments you mention, Terry, I believe he also owned and operated one of the very first Ranger boat dealerships. Rest In Peace, Mr. Honeycutt………
Mike, I believe you’re right about the dealership but I couldn’t be 100% certain. I should be talking with his son sometime after this settles a bit. I’ll find out then. Thanks Mike.
He was the East Coast Regional Manager for Ranger Boats for 20 years.
Ms. Honeycutt, thank you for clarifying that up for me. I’m sorry I wasn’t aware of that. Condolences to you and your family.
Fished against Blake and Rodney many times on the different Carolina team tournaments. Great fisherman and a very nice man. Always a pleasure to talk with.