Kevin Hunt: 21 Years of Leadership in Competitive Fishing
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 10, 2025) – For Kevin Hunt, fishing is more than just a profession; it’s a passion and a purpose. Now entering his 21st season with Major League Fishing (MLF), Hunt has become a cornerstone of grassroots fishing and professional circuits. As the Senior Director of Tournament Operations, Hunt oversees the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Abu Garcia College Fishing, and Abu Garcia High School Fishing programs, playing a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s future and fostering the next generation of anglers.
Hunt’s journey with MLF began in 2004, shortly after graduating from Freed-Hardeman University with degrees in business management and Bible studies. A chance meeting with then-FLW President Charlie Evans led to Hunt’s hiring just days after graduation.
“I didn’t know much about competitive fishing when I started, but Charlie saw potential in me,” Hunt reflected. “I’ve been learning and loving it ever since.”
Two Decades of Leadership
Over his 20+ years with MLF, Hunt has taken on diverse roles, including customer service representative, tournament director, and even TV host for the former FLW Walleye Circuit. However, his proudest achievement is the creation of the College Fishing program in 2008.
“Building the College Fishing program from the ground up was a dream come true,” Hunt said. “Seeing young anglers develop into skilled competitors has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.”
The inaugural College Fishing event in 2009 was the start of a program that has since introduced thousands of students to competitive angling. Today, Hunt’s dedication extends to managing the Abu Garcia High School Fishing circuit and leading the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, a vital stepping stone to professional bass fishing. Since 2022, Hunt has ensured the Invitationals remain a dynamic and competitive circuit.
“Kevin Hunt is the backbone of so many of our programs,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “His vision and leadership have built pathways for anglers at every level to succeed.”
The Hunt Family and Love for the Outdoors
When not shaping the future of competitive fishing, Hunt cherishes time with his wife of 23 years, Diana, and their sons, Davis (16) and Karden (12). From fall hunting trips to summer lake outings, the Hunts share a love for the outdoors that fuels Kevin’s passion for his work.
“The Invitationals, College Fishing, and High School circuits are more than competitions,” Hunt explained. “They’re platforms to inspire and connect anglers. Even after 21 years, I’m as excited as ever about what’s ahead.”
High-Stakes Competition and Opportunities
Under Hunt’s leadership, the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals have become a premier platform for anglers aiming to compete at the highest levels. With national coverage on CBS Sports, daily livestreams on MLFNOW!, a top prize of $115,000 (including a $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus), and advancement opportunities to the Bass Pro Tour (BPT) and REDCREST, the Invitationals are a proving ground for the sport’s brightest talent.
“We’re not just hosting tournaments; we’re creating opportunities for anglers to realize their dreams,” Hunt said.
Registration Open for 2025 Invitationals
Registration for the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals is now open. Interested anglers can sign up here or contact MLF Membership Services at 270.252.1000. For tournament-specific questions, Kevin Hunt can be reached directly at 270.205.5155.
For complete details and updated information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 13 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Major League Fishing – WE ARE Bass Fishing™
See more bass tournament news here
Discover the ultimate resource for bass fishing enthusiasts with Bass Angler Magazine! Packed with expert tips, the latest cutting-edge techniques, and in-depth articles, our magazine is your go-to guide for mastering the art of bass fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Bass Angler Magazine delivers the insights and inspiration you need to reel in the big ones. Subscribe today and elevate your angling game!
.aioseo-author-bio-compact{display:flex;gap:40px;padding:12px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #000;border-radius:5px;color:#111;background-color:#fff}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-left{flex:0 0 120px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right{flex:1 1 auto}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-left .aioseo-author-bio-compact-image{width:120px;height:120px;border-radius:5px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-header{display:flex;align-items:center}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-header .author-name{font-size:22px;font-weight:600}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-header .author-job-title{margin-left:12px;padding-left:12px;font-size:18px;border-left:1px solid gray}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main{margin:12px 0;font-size:18px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main>p:last-of-type{display:inline}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main .author-bio-link{display:inline-flex}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main .author-bio-link a{display:flex;align-items:center}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main .author-bio-link a svg{fill:#000}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-expertises{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-expertises .author-expertise{padding:4px 8px;font-size:14px;border-radius:4px;background-color:#dcdde1;color:inherit}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-socials{margin-top:12px;display:flex;gap:6px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-socials .aioseo-social-icon-tumblrUrl{margin-left:-2px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-site-editor-disclaimer{color:#000;margin-bottom:12px;font-style:italic}@media screen and (max-width:430px){.aioseo-author-bio-compact{flex-direction:column;gap:20px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-left .aioseo-author-bio-compact-image{display:block;margin:0 auto;width:160px;height:160px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right{text-align:center}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-header{justify-content:center}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-socials{justify-content:center}}
$post[‘post_content’] .= ‘Source‘;