BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. –Seventy-three year old professional fisherman Guy Eaker Sr. was once asked what he was going to do when he retired. “I said ‘Retire and do what? Fish? –This is what I do.” Eaker’s stories and recollections were shared on Oct. 11 at the Gardner-Webb University Fishing Club’s third Pro-Angler Seminar “Stories and Fish Tales.”
A Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee and active angler, Eaker has accumulated nearly $700,000 in winnings over his fishing career and competed in nearly 300 professional fishing tournaments in over 37 years of being involved in the sport. “How many sports can you still play at the age of 73?” Eaker asked the audience. “It’s not like football or baseball, where by the age of 40 you can’t play anymore. You can fish for life.”
He shared wild stories from his career, such as the once-in-a-lifetime experience of fishing on the Amazon River and taking a fishhook out of President George Bush Sr.’s finger on a fishing trip. Eaker offered many tips and tricks to the attendees. He showed off his superior casting skills and spoke to the audience about the significance of sponsorship in the fishing industry and the exposure a collegiate fishing team like Gardner-Webb’s could bring to the University.
Speaking to the students in the crowd Eaker said, “Get an education! You are going to have plenty of time to fish. When you get out there and start to win tournament money you’re going to need an education to help you be smart with that money, so that you can be a successful fisherman.”
“Stories and Fish Tales” was presented by Abu Garcia and Berkley. Both are brands of Pure Fishing, Inc., a corporate sponsor of Eaker. Other sponsors of the event were New Wilderness Adventures, East Coast Athletics and Minn Kota. This special event also served as a fundraising effort for the club as they work to purchase their first bass boat.
Pure Fishing, Inc. was the first organization to contribute to the club’s bass fishing boat fund with their donation of $250. “The ultimate goal for our fund is $4,000. We raised $1,100 through the raffle, in addition to the generous donation from Pure Fishing. The Club is so grateful that Guy Eaker would spend his time encouraging our college anglers and providing a great seminar to the community.” said Jeremy Fern, Assistant Vice President of Graduate Admissions and Club Advisor.
If you would like to contribute to the GWU Bass Fishing Boat Fund or sponsor the GWU Fishing Club contact Jeremy Fern jfern@gardner-webb.edu.
