Rick Clunn, in an interview over 30 years ago, said of his first Classic win, “I felt the first Classic win bought me 5 more years of participating in professional fishing.” Part of this would be from the money won as Classic champ, but an even greater portion of income could be derived from the promotional aspects related to being the Classic winner. That is if the angler did his part to take advantage of those opportunities.
Today’s historical photo details one such Classic winner who might have done this better than most any other – Hank Parker. After Hank won the 1979 BASS Masters Classic, for years you’d see Hank’s name and face pop up everywhere as he toured the country making appearances as the Classic champ. He’d give seminars and generate income through appearance and promotional fees.
Today’s picture is just one such appearance at a local sporting goods store featuring Hank back in 1980, along with a nice historical photo from his younger days.
But that’s not all. The ad is also filled with a host of great tackle to browse through. There’s the Humminbird Super Sixty flasher, Bagley’s Small Fry series baits for less than $4 each, Mister Twister Phenom worms, Sassy Shads, Mann’s Jelly Worms in regular and 25 ct. packages, Bayou Boogies, Mann’s Hackleback lures, and Fenwick, Lew’s, and Shimano rods (all pistol grips) and reels. There’s even Trilene line, spooled onto your reel, for $0.01 per yard!
