After narrowly missing a chance to become the first woman to earn a spot on the B.A.S.S. Elite Series last year, Little Elm resident Janet Parker is looking for another shot this season.
And that shot begins Thursday in the first event in the Bass Pro Shops’ Bassmaster Central Opens on Lake Lewisville — Parker’s home waters. But don’t think that means anything is a shoe-in.
Rising water table has made for muddy conditions and the bite has been slow during pre-fish. Yet, Janet remains optimistic.
“I love my chances when the bite is tough,” Parker said from her home in Little Elm. “I have a lot of time on this body of water and it always seems to be tough, but I’m up for the challenge. Someone is going to catch fish, it might as well be me.”
Tournament fans may be a little confused looking for Parker in her usual ride.
When folks see Parker’s Evinrude-powered Ranger Boat this week, it will have a high-tech Minn Kota Talon wrap.
“I’ll be anxious to get some great photos of the boat wrap with Talon,” Parker said. “It’s hot off the press and the first anyone will see it is this week. It’s a beautiful wrap and I’m pleased with my growing sponsorship relationship with Johnson Outdoors and promoting the new Talon shallow water anchoring system.”
Parker ended up in 20th place for Angler of the Year in the Bassmaster Central Opens last year. With five Bassmaster top ten finishes to her credit, Parker has proven herself in the industry’s book, already earning more tournament purse through B.A.S.S. than more than ten anglers that fished the Elite series in 2011.
It’s still her goal to get to the Elite series.
“I have several goals as I head into the 2012 season,” added Janet. “Win at least one tournament, three top-ten finishes, and yes, move up into the Elite Series in 2013. I hope I can fish hard and successfully to make that a reality. I’ll give it my best.”
