Muskogee graduate could make history
Oklahoma native Janet Parker is on the verge of qualifying for the Bassmaster Elite Series professional tour. She would be the first woman ever to do so. Photo provided by B.A.S.S.
An Oklahoma native may become the first woman ever to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series, the top pro fishing tour of B.A.S.S.
“I am on top of the world,” said Janet Parker, who grew up in Gore and is a 1989 graduate of Muskogee High School. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to have this chance.”
Parker, who now lives in Little Elm, Texas, took a big step toward the Elite Series with her 10th place finish on the Arkansas River last weekend in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open in Muskogee.
The 10th place finish jumped her from sixth to second place in the point standings. If she can stay in the top five through the end of the season, Parker would be among the Open invitees for the 2012 Elite Series.
With only one remaining tournament on the Central Open schedule, Parker thinks she only needs to finish 50th or better in the Oct. 22-23 event on Table Rock Lake in Missouri to qualify.
Parker said she wouldn’t hesitate to fish the Elite Series if she gets the opportunity.
“If I can get that eligibility, I want to fish the Elites,” Parker said. “I want to make history as the first female.”
Parker, a former Women’s Bassmaster Tour pro, began fishing the Opens in 2010 after the women’s tour disbanded.
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Cool, This i what I call girl power. Make history Parker, best of luck on the Oct. 22-23 event.