I attended the recent workshop at the Bassmaster Classic in Ft. Worth and found it to be motivating and valuable. Bass fishing has long been a male-dominated sport, with tournaments, sponsorships, and media coverage reflecting that reality. While more women are currently making their mark in the industry, there’s still plenty of room for greater diversity. But this isn’t just about getting more women involved, it’s about making the sport more welcoming to everyone. By encouraging new faces, helping hesitant or uncertain would-be participants overcome obstacles, and contributing to an inclusive community, we can ensure bass fishing thrives for generations to come.
Bassmaster has encouraged this through their BassmastHER events. If you’re intimidated or don’t have a teacher or role model, I encourage you to check one out.
Even though I came to fishing relatively late in life, I was fortunate to have female role models and fishing partners. I have been lucky to fish the best lakes, use the best equipment, and fish with some amazing people. I recognize that not everyone has those blessings.
During the workshop, as the pros went through the basics, I realized that I’ve learned a lot over the years, yet this was far from a waste of time. I met so many new people from whom I could potentially learn. Perhaps some will be future fishing and travel partners. At the very least, they’ll become friends and connections.
The sport helped me realize how important it is to give back. I’ve seen that with Elite Series angler Carl Jocumsen, who rewards other Elite Series anglers for positive gestures during each Elite Series event. Likewise, Brandon Palaniuk and Kevin VanDam contribute their free time, ideas, hands-on labor, and their clout to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. It’s because they want the sport to continue to get better.
I knew there were accomplished professional female anglers but hadn’t seen them in their leadership roles. Watching Anastasia Patterson, Kristine Fischer, and Maggie Jo Carsello not only teach but truly break down their techniques, provide knowledge, and share real-life experiences showed me the difference between simply participating in the sport and taking the initiative to lead, inspire, and elevate others.
This workshop inspired me to want to become a leader, too. I may not be a successful tournament angler or YouTuber like these ladies, but BassmastHER taught me that each of us has something unique or distinctive that we can contribute.
I love taking people to exotic fishing locations on hosted trips. So many women seem apprehensive and are so uncertain. I take pride in showing them how and why to go on trips. I give the single woman angler a chance to check something off her bucket list. The female instructors at BassmastHER opened my eyes and made me more confident in my own leadership skills. That was a true gift. Yes, I got to hone my skills, but I also saw that fishing can be about more than just catching fish. It’s a way to be the best version of yourself by giving back and taking the lead.
A huge thank you to B.A.S.S. and the event sponsors — Toyota, Skeeter, Kistler Rods, and several others — for putting this important event together. Make sure to look for more workshops and check one out, you won’t regret it.
