Feb. 8, 2006, 12:22PM

By TOM BEHRENS
Chronicle Correspondent


Jimmy Houston, known by friends as the "Huck Finn of Fishing" because of his blond hair and trademark laugh, and known by bass fishing anglers for his fishing accomplishments, will be the featured speaker on Feb. 21 at the quarterly meeting of the TrueNorth Outfitters. TrueNorth Outfitters is part of the Men's Ministry at Champion Forest Baptist Church.

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Paul Stirling, one of the founding members of the TrueNorth, is excited about having Houston come to the meeting.

"I don't know how we happened to get Jimmy to come here, but Wade Liberator, who is one of the pastors at Champion Forrest Baptist Church, came in and said, 'Guys, you won't believe it, but.' "

Houston, 61, won his first professional fishing tournament in 1966. He has appeared in five BASSMASTERS Classics and received B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Awards in 1976 and 1986.

In 1990, he was inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, the Hall of Legendary Anglers, and was an original inductee in the Pro Bass Angler Association Hall of Fame. The host of the Jimmy Houston Outdoors television show for 19, Houston is America's most recognizable and highly regarded angler. He lives with his wife, Chris, a pro-fishing champion in Cookson, Okla. They have two children, Sherri and Jamie.

TrueNorth Outfitters have been meeting once a quarter for a little over a year. The purpose of the group, according to Wade Liberator, Pastor to the Adults at Champion Forest Baptist Church is to deal with the needs that men face every day.

"Men are spiritually searching, success driven, and confused about what it means to be a man, let alone a Godly man/husband/father," said Liberator. "Many are emotionally isolated, competitive, self-sufficient and have few real friends. We learn together, pray together, and have fun together as we depend upon the Lord to change our lives."

Scott Fenter, who is in charge of TrueNorth Outfitters, states the aim of TrueNorth Outfitters is to bring men together from all walks of life who share one common passion: A love for God's great outdoors.

"It's through that shared passion that we strive to connect men to our Creator and strengthen them spiritually."

Stirling stated that February's meeting is the fourth event that the group has sponsored. Previous meetings had about 250-350 men in attendance.

"We are hoping and praying for 1,000 plus guys."

Previous meetings featured wild game dinners, fish fries, and a presentation of one of the member's trip to the Arctic Circle hunting polar bear with a bow and arrow.

In addition to Houston's presentation, attendees will have the chance to browse and visit at several different booths featuring outdoor related products and services.

The quarterly meeting of the TrueNorth Outfitters is Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at Champion Forest Baptist Church Worship Center, 15555 Stuebner-Airline Road.

There is a $5 cost. Tickets can be reserved by calling 832-249-3050 or can be purchased at the door the night of the event.