Jimmy Houston, America’s Favorite Fisherman: Jimmy’s been on national TV for 48 years now! His show, Jimmy Houston Outdoors, was the top outdoors show on ESPN for 21 years. In 2021, it made a comeback on ESPN2 and is still going strong! You can also catch it on PURSUIT NETWORK, WFN (World Fishing Network), Space City (ATT Sports Southwest), SWX Sports (8 channels WA-MT), My Family, YouToo America, Walk TV, Heartland, Action Channel, Wired2Fish, and more!
Known as the hardest working pro in the country, Jimmy’s always busy with trade shows, store promotions, and speaking at churches. Jimmy’s a big hit at bass tournaments and makes over 60 personal appearances a year. He represents top outdoor brands like Ranger Boats, Shell Rotella, Mercury, Bass Pro Shop, Tracker Boats, and many more.
Since winning the Oklahoma State Championship in 1966, he’s won over a million dollars in bass tournaments, fished 15 BASSMaster Classics, and won the B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year title twice. He stepped down from tournament fishing in 2020 because of rule changes that wouldn’t let him practice with his wife, Chris.
Jimmy’s a legend in the fishing world. He’s in the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, the Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, the IGFA Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, and the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. He’s also received numerous awards, including the Jim Thorpe Man of the Year and the Bass Pro Shop Angler of the Century.
Jimmy’s written six books, including the best-selling “Caught Me a Big’un.” His other books, like “Hooked for Life” and “The Reel Line,” are full of spiritual and inspirational stories from his fishing adventures. His latest book, “Catch a Better Life,” is a daily devotional with fishing tips and outdoor teachings.
Jimmy has a growing presence on social media too. His YouTube channels, Jimmy Houston Outdoors Fishing, Jimmy and Chris Houston’s Twin Eagle Ranch, and Catch a Better Life, are always buzzing with activity. His Facebook page, Jimmy Houston Outdoors, is also popular with posts and videos about his sponsors, daily devotions, life on the ranch, fishing tips, and his deer herd. You can also find him on X, Instagram, and TikTok.
Jimmy’s a deacon at Midway Hill Baptist Church near Sulphur, OK. He’s been married to Chris for 61 years (1963). Chris was one of America’s top female bass anglers and was the first woman inducted into the Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. She was also inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. In 2021, Chris survived a major brain bleed and is on a long road to recovery with the full support of Jimmy and their family. They have a son, Jamie (Amanda), and a daughter, Sherri (Jack), who are both active in the family business. They also have five grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
