Captain O.L. Hawk was one of the most influential anglers in the American South from the 1920s-1950s, deeply impacting a number of important fishermen ranging from famed bass professional Glen Andrews to the Captain's own son Dave Hawk. In 1938, he embarked on a nationwide coast-to-coast casting tour for the American Legion, giving almost 100 demonstrations along the way. Here we catch up with Captain Hawk in The Abilene Reporter-News dated 13 September 1938.
Champ Fisherman to Give Exhibition
Capt. O.L. Hawk, champion fisherman of the American Legion and representative of a nationally known fishing tackle manufacturer, will give a demonstration of his art with the rod and reel here this afternoon at 6 o'clock. This exhibition is to be sponsored by Dub Wooten's sporting goods store and will be given on the Abilene high school practice field, South First and Vine. The public is invited, especially all members of the Taylor county Gun and Rod Club.
Hawk is on a tour from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Los Angeles, California, host city of the 1939 national convention of the American Legion. He has given exhibitions in most of the larger cities on his route.
Capt. Hawk also has an interesting display of mounted tropical fish which he caught off the Florida coast. His collection will be on display today in front of Dub Wooten's store. The collection includes a giant sailfish, 7 ft. 8 in. in length; a bonita weighing 15 or 16 pounds; a 3-foot dolphin, a 4-foot kingfish, and a 10 1/2 pound fresh water bass.
Capt. Hawk has been fishing 27 years, professionally for 15 years.
-- Dr. Todd
My grandfather was a friend of Capt. Hawk (fisherman). I have one of his fishing lures. I was wondering if you had any more articles about him.
ReplyDeleteLisa McNamara