On the hook with Captain Tanya Dowdy

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Captain Tanya Dowdy

Introduction to fishing

The first fish I remember catching was a bluegill bream when I was about 4 years old at our family’s lake house on Lake Moultrie. I used a bamboo cane pole to catch it right from the bank. My grandfather and great-grandfather were avid anglers, but the passion skipped a generation with my father. Thankfully, my parents’ best friends—who I considered my second parents—loved to fish, and I joined them often on the lake growing up.

Experiences and challenges

Most of my experiences in the fishing community have been positive, though one challenging memory stands out. About six years ago, after selling our business, I needed a part-time job to keep busy. My dear friend, who managed the local tackle shop, had me come in a few days a week, and it was a foot in the door to the angling industry. One day, a man came in looking for tackle advice but looked right past me and asked one of the guys instead. My boss, Simon, quickly corrected him, saying, “You need to go ask Tanya! She’s the one catching all the fish!” That experience opened my eyes to the assumptions people can make, but I’m grateful for how supportive Simon and my other co-workers have been. Working at the shop opened doors that eventually led me to start my own charter company, Reel Chica Charters.

Perceptions and attitudes

I think women are finally being embraced and perceived more as equals in the fishing community. If we’d stop putting people in boxes, it would be so much easier! In my opinion, we should just be seen as anglers, with our skills and professionalism defining us—not our gender.

Support systems

While working at the tackle shop, my manager launched a monthly seminar series called “Women’s Wednesday,” which has been a success for years. I had the honor of leading the first seminar, offering a “Fishing 101” class just for women. Sharing my knowledge and passion with other women was incredibly rewarding, and it’s something I look forward to every chance I get. In January 2022, I also helped start a group called “Angling Women of the Lowcountry,” where a group of us meet monthly to fish together. Women now have a buddy to fish with, and it’s inspiring to see women supporting women. On the professional side, I’ve worked hard to earn respect in the industry and now have support from companies like St. Croix Rods, AFTCO, Zman, and Eye Strike Fishing, who have embraced my passion and contributed to my success.

Representation and visibility

I believe we’ve kicked the door down a bit, but there’s still work to be done. Women are being noticed more each year, but it takes a lot more effort for us to be seen and heard in this industry.

Changes over time

We are definitely being seen and heard more than ever. The industry is beginning to invite women to participate in fishing events, trade shows, and tournaments, recognizing the number of women actively involved in or wanting to enter the fishing community.

Equality and inclusion efforts

Right now, I think we’re heading in a positive direction for women in the industry. There are many “movers and shakers” around, and hopefully, this momentum will continue to grow.

Personal achievements

One of my proudest moments was running my very first fishing charter. I’m a people-pleaser, so I put a lot of pressure on myself. I always joke at the start of each trip that “it’s called fishing, and catching is a bonus.” Thankfully, on that first trip, we caught quality fish, and everyone had an amazing time. Returning to the dock, I felt a surge of confidence, knowing I was going to succeed as a female charter captain.