When it comes to bass fishing, there are a few names everyone recognizes. Jimmy Houston certainly very close to the top of that list. I don’t have to go into his astounding list of credentials in the world of professional bass fishing – they speak for themselves. I was lucky enough to meet him this past weekend at Vic’s Sports Center’s Open House. Jimmy was already there when I arrived at 9:30 in the morning, with a crowd of vendors around him. He wasn’t due to speak until 12:00, but he stood in the middle of the room telling stories and engaging people right up to when it was time to take the stage. He spoke from 12:00 – 2, and then began signing books for a long, long line of fans. He never stopped – even when he found out his flight was cancelled, he made a call while still talking and entertaining everyone to rebook another flight.
He had his new book with him, “Catch A Better Life”, which he ran out of with a line of people to go. Each and every book he signed was personalized, and he spent time speaking with and telling stories to every person in that line. At 4:00 pm, just before he left, I stepped up to get my husband’s hat signed. He was trying to organize the pile of cash he received from his book sales, but kindly turned around to have this picture snapped and sign. After so many hours, he still had his quick with and big smile to share. What a genuine, generous and entertaining man he is! His smile is endless and contagious. You will never meet a better Ambassador for the sport! He truly lives up to his reputation as a legend. This was a bucket list moment I will cherish for years.
Follow Jimmy at Jimmy Houston Outdoors