LAKE TEXOMA, Texas — Hank Parker of Clover, S.C., caught 12 "keeper" bass (14 inches or longer) with a weight of 31 pounds to earn the Classic crown and the $25,000 paycheck.
Parker used the West Coast-born flipping technique that had recently gained favor among the tournament regulars who recognized it as the method to use under the worst of bassin' conditions.
It was the first Classic an angler had won by using the flipping technique.
Of note
• Though Hank Parker ultimately used the flipping technique to win the Classic, he didn't bring any of his flipping rods with him to the event. They wouldn't fit in his rod case. He had to borrow a flipping rod from Gary Klein.
• Rick Clunn completed the most impressive four-year Classic run in history, winning twice (1976 and 1977) finishing second once (1978) and third once (1979). He might have done even better in 1979 if the state fish and game department had not been electroshocking fish in his best area.
Top 6 finishers
1. Hank Parker Clover, S.C. 31-00
2. Basil Bacon Springfield, Mo. 28-00
3. Rick Clunn Montgomery, Texas 23-12
4. Gary Klein Oroville, Calif. 23-11
5. Ricky Green Arkadelphia, Ark. 19-15
6. Roland Martin Broken Arrow, Okla. 19-09