He was one of the most intense competitors in B.A.S.S. history and a power fisherman before the term was coined. Hank Parker has few equals when it comes to fishing or television.
The "Mystery Lake" concept is an important part of B.A.S.S.' rich history. The first six Bassmaster Classics were held at mystery locations; Classic qualifiers had boarded a plane en route to the secret fishery before they ever found out where they'd be fishing.
Go behind the scenes on Day Three of the 2012 Elite Series TroKar Quest.
Check out the busy show floor of the 2012 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick's Sporting Goods.
Jerry's list isn't about the 10 best bass fishermen in the world, although they could be, but about the valuable time spent with them.
Arkansas has a great Sports Hall of Fame that inducts several new sports figures each year. This is a Sports Hall of Fame not an Outdoor Hall of Fame.
Fishing and country music have danced together for decades. Hank Williams Jr.'s 1981 hit "A Country Boy Can Survive" underlines the fact that the lifestyles are often intertwined.
"I have been totally shocked at the magnitude of what winning the Classic has meant." VanDam says. "Without a doubt, bass fishing is far more mainstream than ever before."