Ben Parker pursues fishing dream
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To say that Ben Parker is a great fisherman would be an understatement. He basically lives on the lake. And it’s been that way for most of his life. “Growing up on Reel Foot Lake with my father and grandfather, they taught me how to hunt and fish,” Parker said. “We all grew up in a fishing and hunting family. Whether it was hunting bucks catching large mouth, trout lining, the whole 9 yards. I grew up fishing.” He attended the University of Memphis and then began a career as an Investment Broker. He made a good living, but something was missing. “About 3 years ago I made a decision. And thought that’s what I want to do for a career so I left the investment world and started fishing,” Parker said. He began to participate in local tournaments. Eventually making it all the way to the pinnacle of fishing. The Bass Master Elite Series. “I didn’t like going to an office everyday,” Parker said. “I liked the planning part of it but I’m getting some of that from fishing. This is my office. This boat is my office if you look at it that way. So now I love going to the office everyday then.” Now in his rookie year in the Elite Series Parker is living out a childhood dream. It’s hard work, but its worth it. “Ive put more time and hours into it than anything,” Parker said. “Moneys not everything. I made money but it didn’t make you happy and you want to be. Its more important to have a career you enjoy doing. One of the reasons I decided to fish.” Its just the beginning for Parker and his career. So far hes enjoying every minute of it. “I didn’t want to wake up 80 one day and go, why did I not do that, so here I am trying to do it,” Parker said. Parkers next tournament will be next weekend on the Arkansas River. When he’s not fishing in tournaments hes traveling to lakes all over the area to teach people how to use the electronic systems on their boat. If you would like more information on Ben or to follow his progress in the Elite Series, visit his website, www.parkersoutfitting.com or go to our website and click the Seen on 7 link.
