How’d You Meet Your Angler? The Cherries on Top

Jaclyn and Hank Cherry have been together for a long time and their relationship remains as strong as the fishing line that helped Hank win consecutive Bassmaster Classics in 2020 and 2021. Whether Hank was bass fishing or involved in another professional sport, Jaclyn has always been his number one cheerleader and the rock who keeps the family going.

HPFC: Can you share the story of how you and your husband first crossed paths?

Jaclyn Cherry: Hank and I met in 2004 from mutual friends. We were friends for some time and I enjoyed watching him play softball with some of our mutual friends.

HPFC: What were your initial impressions or your husband when you first met him?

Jaclyn Cherry: I thought he looked like Woody Harrelson.

HPFC: Did you know anything about fishing when you first met?

Jaclyn Cherry: No, I just liked to eat fish. 🙂 I didn’t even know professional bass fishing existed.

HPFC: Was there a specific moment or event that made you realize your feelings were more than just friendship?

Jaclyn Cherry: Hank has a really big heart. I loved how he loved others and for me, our friendship was so special. He was there for me and I was there for him.

HPFC: How long have you been married?

Jaclyn Cherry: 18 years.

HPFC: When you met was he already fishing professionally or did he have another job?

Jaclyn Cherry: He was fishing more BFL, EverStart, and local tournaments when we met. He worked for his dad at a wine distributor as a Sales Manager.

HPFC: How did the two of you come to terms with him going out and living his dream?

Jaclyn Cherry: Once he won the BASS Open event on Smith Lake, we knew that God prepared him for the transition to BASS and to fish professionally. It just felt right and that it was his calling to be there.

HPFC: What doubts might you have had with him going on tour and how did you overcome them?

Jaclyn Cherry: I actually had no doubts. I trusted God’s path fully and knew that Hank was meant to fish.

HPFC: How do you manage the frequent separation and limited time together due to his on the road schedule?

Jaclyn Cherry: We make the most of his time when he is home. He is such a family man. He picks the kids up from school and makes every sporting event. The kids and I know and understand the sacrifices he makes.

HPFC: How do you adjust when your husband returns home after being away for weeks at a time practicing or from competitions?

Jaclyn Cherry: This is a funny question. Hank and I joke that it takes a week for us all to adjust to him being home. He needs to rest for a few days and we have to adjust to not smothering him all the time. He is used to his space and the same for us…lol. So, I say about a week for us all to adjust.

HPFC: Are there any activities or special events that you and your husband enjoy doing when you are together after he has been gone all season?

Jaclyn Cherry: Hank and I love to hunt together. We also enjoy being at our kids’ sporting events. Our son plays baseball and our daughter cheers.

HPFC: Do you have any pet peeves?

Jaclyn Cherry: You know that Hank is about to leave for a tournament because he gets into his routines and you can’t mess with him on them. He has to have things a certain way and done a certain way, which I actually respect, but he is so laid back normally, so you know that it is about tournament time.

HPFC: What do you think your husbands pet peeves are of you?

Jaclyn Cherry: I can be a bit of a nag sometimes and I am not a great cook.

HPFC: What are your retirement plans?

Jaclyn Cherry: We will most likely live close to the coast someday and Hank will want to speak and work with The Warrior’s Journey and continue to grow the BassMooch brand.

HPFC: What is something off the wall that no one knows about the two of you.

Jaclyn Cherry: That Hank was almost a professional baseball player.