By Steve Weisman
The final piece of the puzzle for the Okoboji Blue Water Festival (OBWF) has been finalized with the professional walleye tournament angler, Chase Parsons agreeing to host the 10 a.m. fishing seminar on Saturday, August 12. OBWF co-chair Greg Drees shares his excitement about the addition of Parsons to the speaker lineup. “Chase is a nationally renowned professional walleye fisherman, who has worked with Dan Spengler at Pure Fishing designing some of the top walleye lures currently being used. I know he will share a variety of techniques that will help anglers catch more walleyes wherever they fish.”
Chase Parsons: A little background
As a professional walleye tournament angler, Parsons has made an impressive imprint on the fishing industry throughout his 19-year career. He has been involved with many national television and commercial spots for several powerful fishing companies. He works extensively with sponsors in many aspects of the fishing industry, including product development and seminar/video promotions.
Dan Spengler, senior project manager developing fishing lures at Pure Fishing, says, “I am super excited for Chase Parsons to speak fishing at this year’s Okoboji Blue Water Festival. Not only is Chase a top-level professional fisherman, but he is also a tremendous educator. Chase’s on the water experience has also been significant in the design of new Berkley lures, some currently in the design process as we speak!”
As a tournament angler, Parsons has consistently been a top finisher, including qualifying for the NWT Championships for seven consecutive years, along with the PWT, AIM and FLW championships. He is the youngest pro ever invited to the PWT Super Pro Series and was the PWT Rookie of the Year in 2005.
Parsons, who hails from Denmark, WI., is also an owner and one of the co-hosts of “The Next Bite” television show, which airs on the Discovery Channel, CBS Sports Network, WFN, Amazon Prime, Waypoint TV and YouTube. He has also appeared on the In-Fisherman, FLW Walleye Tour, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.
About the seminar
Parsons plans to cover a variety of different techniques to help everyone catch more walleyes, including diving into details on the explosion of forward-facing sonar technology. One of his favorite fishing tips is “Believe in your electronics! If they’re telling you there aren’t any fish, it’s time to move on!”
He’ll cover specific baits to use for each technique, but more importantly, how to use them during different periods of the year. This will be a quick hitting, multiple presentation seminar with ample time for some question and answer. Parsons notes, “I am excited to be on the shores of West Okoboji. I know how important clean water is here in the Iowa Great Lakes. Part of my message is about clean water. Keeping our waters clean for future generations will be a part of my seminar.”
Sponsor of the fishing seminar will once again be the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club (IGLFC). Terry Thomsen, president, says, “The IGLFC is proud to bring Chase Parsons to the OBWF. He brings great enthusiasm and a love for fishing. We are looking for a great crowd and the chance to have Chase at our booth later in the day to visit with club members and the general public.”
If you’re a walleye angler, don’t miss out on this one! Mark Saturday, August 12 at 10 a.m. on your calendar.
Although things can change, the preliminary schedule for 2023 looks like this:
- Chalkstock – 8 a.m.
- Storytime with Milford Library – 8:30 a.m.
- Exhibitor’s Row – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Fishing Seminar – 10 a.m.
- Kid’s and family Activities – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Keynote Speaker – 2 p.m.
- Concert – begins at 6:30 p.m.
Chase Parsons makes a cast in search of a big ‘eye. (photo submitted)
Chase Parsons with the first place trophy for winning the Lake Francis Case Missouri River (Chamberlain) tournament in April of 2021. (photo submitted)
