Bass Fishing Legend and Hall of Famer, Blake Honeycutt, Visits Lake Hickory Winter Trail

By: Roger Holtsclaw 

138 pounds, 6 ounces. That is the record the heaviest all-time winning weight in a B.A.S.S event. This record was set on Lake Eufaula, Alabama in 1969. An amazing accomplishment that hasn't been bested in 50 years.

The win, however, only garnered a $2600 payday for Honeycutt. Organized bass fishing was still in its youth, and did not have the great paydays we see today. In fact, the first Bassmaster Classic was not held until 1971. Anglers in that first Classic were driving boats with 90HP outboards that could achieve a top speed of 37 MPH. A far cry from what we see today even in local club tournaments. 

The angler that set that record was Blake Honeycutt. Honeycutt hails from Hickory, NC. Hickory is a small town in the Piedmont region if NC that became famous for furniture manufacturing. But, at a time when it seemed as if everyone from Hickory was building furniture, Honeycutt was out landing lunkers.

This bass fishing legend made three appearances in the Bassmaster Classic (1972, 1981, 1982) and, in 2014, was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. In addition to these great achievements, Honeycutt helped design popular lures of the the era. He also partnered with Tom Mann and Yank Dean to launch a well-known company in the fishing industry - Hummingbird. Honeycutt was also part of the layout design team for Ranger boats and helped develop a electronic anchor for bass boats. His contributions to the sport we all love are tremendous. 

Now, at 90 years old, Honeycutt still has a love for the sport. Recently, he visited the weigh-in for the Lake Hickory Winter Trail (LHWT) in his hometown (Pictured with TLC Pro Staffer, Chad McKinney) Anglers in the LHWT often take home a bigger check than Honeycutt did for his record setting efforts in 1969. Those anglers can thank the bass fishing pioneers like Honeycutt, for making that possible.

Imagine the stories Honeycutt has to tell. It isn't often one gets the opportunity to meet a pioneer of an industry. So, the next time you hit the water at your favorite lake, take moment to thank Blake Honeycutt for his contributions to the sport of bass fishing.

If you are in the area and get the opportunity, stop by the LHWT weigh-in, you never know who you might meet. A legend from the past, or perhaps, a legend in the making.