Chase Parsons: Chasing the Pro Angler’s Dream
K.J. Houtman 02.24.14
Chase Parsons is a competitive angler. It is easy to see how he became so good at such a young age—look at the family he was born into. His father, Gary Parsons, and uncle, Keith Kavajecz, taught him everything about fishing as seasoned walleye pros. But they didn’t need to teach him about being competitive. That was completely innate to Chase Parsons.
“I travelled a lot with Dad and Keith back when I was 10, 11, and 12 pre-fishing tournaments,” said Chase, who cashed a check after every tournament of his rookie year (except for one). One of those finishes was a close second place. He went on to win on Lake Oahe in 2011 and was the runner-up for the Angler of the Year award for AIM (2009) and FLW Walleye (2011).
In high school, Chase turned to more traditional school athletics, and he excelled at golf. “I took six months after high school to play golf full-time,” said Chase thinking back on the direction of his professional career. “But shoulder problems brought me back to a conversation with Dad about getting involved in the marketing side of professional fishing.”
He made the trek back to Wisconsin. “I never wanted to work behind a desk,” continued Parsons. “I knew I wanted to be active.”
It was a frenetic family growing up—even basketball hoops in the driveway with his dad and Uncle Keith turned into sharp-edged elbows and bloody lips. “I love the drive to win, and I like the competitiveness best in professional fishing. Keith and I are especially competitive with each other. Dad, too, but he’s more so in a quiet way. Keith and I are always in each others’ ears.”
During a tournament in 2011 on Lake Oahe in South Dakota, after day one Chase was sitting in first place and his uncle in second place. Chase felt like it was his to win, but both he and his uncle wanted it badly. “We went the whole night without saying a word.” Chase did hold on for the win, and Kavajecz claimed second place.
Confident but not cocky, Chase knows that he stepped into something unique, working with a family who earns a very successful living in professional fishing. “They were the best two teachers anybody could have,” said Chase. “They had contacts that opened up for me that would take years to get on your own. Dad only helped me the first year with my sponsor negotiations, though. I’ve handled that myself for nine years.”
Still, Chase had to catch fish. “I was confident in the skills I had, having fished with Dad and Keith my whole life,” said Chase. “Luckily, they always made it fun.” Lots of joking around and pranks were standard fare with this group. “Keith knows I hate snakes, so there will often be a rubber snake in my livewell or hotel bed.”
What makes the next generation of Parsons different? “Their memory banks are huge,” said Chase, referring to two of the most successful walleye sticks ever. “I have to think differently and try new things, sometimes odd-ball things. I go off-the-wall.” His successes channeled a mindset that he can win every tournament. “They respect me, and listen to me, and what I have to bring. We have a great relationship.” Gary showed the old dog can still deliver some new tricks. He won at AIM’s Oconto tournament last summer. Chase took fifth and Keith came in eighth.
Chase and Bridget Parsons have two boys of their own: Logan, age two-and-a-half, and Landon, six months. “I’m going to bring up my boys like my dad brought me up. I won’t force it. And actually, I’d prefer that they become doctors. My sister is a doctor!” Chase laughed. “If they want to do this 18 years down the road, I’ll help them the same way my dad helped me.”
For 2014, Chase will fish Cabela’s NWT and AIM, and film for The Next Bite TV (13 episodes per year) on NBC Sports and at Vimeo. “My dad is my best friend, and while Keith and I go head-to-head more and talk a lot more trash with each other, he’s close right there, too,” concluded Chase. “If you wanted to be a professional walleye fisherman, I probably grew up in the best family ever.”
K.J. Houtman is the author of the award-winning Fish On Kids Books series, chapter books for eight- to 12-year-olds with adventures based around fishing, camping, and hunting. Her work is available at Amazon and local bookstores. Find out more at fishonkidsbooks.com.
Houtman writes books embracing the great outdoors for children and adults. Available as paperbacks and e-books at Amazon, they are: A Whirlwind Opener (#1), Driving Me Crazy (#2), Spare the Rod (#3), Duck, Duck Deuce (#4), Born to be Wild (#5) and A Second Chance (#6) as well as K.J.'s Reflections Under the Big Pine with Bill Miller, a non-fiction devotional for adults.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Fish On Kids Books series – Houtman has a wonderful talent. I'm engaged in the life of Gus and when one book ends, I want to find out what he is up to in the next.” Sharon Rushton, Outdoor Writer and author of No Paved Road to Freedom
“From cover to cover the best series of chapter books I've seen in years. These books are wholesome with a focus on adventure. Wish I had them when I was a kid. I'm still a kid at heart and prolific reader. These are my kind of books.” Larry Rea, host, Outdoors with Larry Rea, Memphis, TN
“I’ve read them all and think these books are great.” Jim Zumbo, professional hunter and outdoor writer
