Welcome to my website, as some of my closest friends already know, my name is Derek Jenkel; however, I go by Duke.

I was born, raised and still currently reside in Southern Illinois. I am an avid outdoorsman, enjoying both fishing and waterfowl hunting; I also like to cook, especially on my Big Green Egg. Having long dreamt of being a professional angler, I was afforded that opportunity in the summer of 2007. Since that time, I have been very fortunate to qualify for the 2009 TTBC, the 2008 Forrest Wood Cup and have several top-ten finishes in FLW and PAA events.

I also have been very blessed to pursue two of my favorite hobbies as professions. during the winter months I work as a waterfowl guide at one of Southern Illinois’ best waterfowl hunting clubs.

I'm single with no children, but not alone. I have two Labrador retrievers named Calli and Harley, who you'll see from time to time on my blog. Thanks for stopping by, I hope you'll continue to follow my blog as I make my way into the world of professional fishing, with a few blurbs about the scenery along the way.

God Bless,
Duke

Name: Derek "Duke" Jenkel
Height: 5’ 9”
Weight: 180
Birth date: October 12, 1971
Hometown: Pinckneyville, IL
Home Lake: Rend Lake
Tours I Fish: PAA Tour, FLW Outdoors Everstart Series
Primary Fishing Strength: Flipping
Secondary Fishing Strength: Shallow cranking
Biggest fishing Weakness: fishing for deep suspended fish
Favorite Lake: I like a lot of them, the Kentucky/Barkely Lakes and the Mississippi River are two of my favorites
Least Favorite Lake: Lake Erie (great fishing, I just don’t like the physical conditions)
Hobbies: Waterfowl hunting, Fishing, and cooking on my Big Green Egg
Favorite Food: Baby Back Ribs (if I cooked them), otherwise Ribeye Steak (medium)
Favorite Book: The Bible
Favorite Movie: Too many to pick just one, can’t leave out Talladega Nights
Favorite Music: Anything from Sarah McLaughlin to Rascal Flatts to Fleetwood Mac
Dream Job: Currently living it
Why I fish: I love competition, I feel like the Lord has blessed me with a talent for the outdoors and a love for angling.