BD would like to introduce you to our next Fishing Chick, Lauren Parker, who shares her lifelong fishing story.
BD:Where do you live?
Lauren Parker:I currently live in Merritt Island in Central Florida.
BD:What is you occupation?
Lauren Parker:Right now, I’m going to school and working part time at Squid Lips in Melbourne.
BD:What are your other hobbies?
Lauren Parker:Other than fishing I love going to the beach or spending time with my pup, Sailor.
BD:Who or what got you into fishing?
Lauren Parker:I grew up fishing with my dad, Bill Parker, we spent pretty much every fishable weekend out there. Then after I got a job at Sunrise Marina, I made great friends with many of the charter captains that keep their boats there and in their off season they got me into the commercial aspect of fishing, mostly for kingfish.
BD:How long have you been fishing?
Lauren Parker:For as long as I can remember, at least 15- 16 years, with many more to come.
BD:What types of fishing have you done and where?
Lauren Parker:Most of my life I have been fishing out of Port Canaveral with my dad and all his friends, bottom fishing and trolling. I commercial fished out of Sebastian Inlet for a couple years for kingfish, tilefish, amberjacks, grouper, and even handlined a couple swordfish while buoy fishing one night which was super cool. I’ve also traveled to Grand Cay, Bahamas and got to fish and free dive over there. Most recently, I’ve been traveling to Marathon and tagging along on charters with my boyfriend. It’s crazy how different fishing is in the Keys compared to home.
BD:What is your favorite kind of fishing so far?
Lauren Parker:That’s a really hard question, but I’d have to say bottom fishing is my favorite mostly because grouper is one of my favorite fish to eat! Although I have a lot of fun throwing kingfish in the box on the hard gear.
BD:What are some future goals or plans pertaining to fishing?
Lauren Parker:I’m spending my summer in Marathon, so I’m hoping that I’ll be able to get out on the water a ton and catch some awesome fish. Other than that, I have a few goals to fish in Central America for roosterfish and a black marlin, as well as in Hawaii for some big Ahi’s and Ono’s!
BD:What part of fishing do you like the most?
Lauren Parker:The fact that you never know what you will see, catch, or find. You could have a boring day with no fish, or you could have a stellar day tuna fishing and find a Zodiac floating in the middle of the ocean with the keys in it (true story).
BD:Tell us some of your proudest moments in fishing.
Lauren Parker:Growing up my family has been a part of the Florida Sport Fishing Association and throughout the years I have set records, and caught some awesome fish. One of the best moments ever would have to be when I shot my personal best and only third-ever hogfish weighing an ounce shy of 10-pounds, I just recently got into freediving and I’ve never had such an adrenaline rush it was awesome.
BD:What other “aspects of you” would you like to portray if any?
Lauren Parker:I couldn’t even begin to explain my love and respect for the water, fishing has always been my life and always will be. I’ve been blessed with awesome mentors and friends who have shown me the ropes and taken me out there.
It doesn’t get much better holding up a big fish that you just caught.
Our thanks to Lauren for sharing her fishing story with us. Check out more BD Fishing Chicks HERE.
