Introduction to Fishing
My first fishing memory… well, it’s more like a collection of memories. I grew up going to Round Lake in Havelock, Ontario, Canada every summer with my family for two weeks. I started going at a young age and continued until I was around 15, when I got really into high school sports and summer conditioning.
My dad was an avid fisherman. His passion was muskie and bass. He was the one who taught me how to throw a spinning reel for the first time. I remember standing on the point by the beach, casting out my live worm to catch fish. At night, I’d catch crawdads to use for bait and use my bare hands to catch as many bullfrogs as I could—just for fun.
The one who really got me hooked on fishing was my husband, Danny. Our first date was on the lake, fishing. He’s the one who taught me how to throw a baitcaster and everything else about bass fishing and tournaments. He is—and always will be—my Mr. Miyagi of bass fishing. Lol.
Experiences and Challenges
Honestly, I don’t have anything negative to say about my experiences—there have been way more positives. When I started fishing competitively as a co-angler in 2014, there weren’t many women competing against the men like there are today. In the Indiana Bass Federation Trail and Major League Fishing BFLs in the Hoosier Division, I might see just one other woman, if that. It was the same at Major League Fishing Regionals.
The men were always respectful to me and never looked down on me for being a female in a male-dominated sport. Not once did I feel like I didn’t belong. But I do think I proved myself, and maybe that had something to do with the respect I received.
In my third tournament—an Indiana Bass Federation event on Lake Patoka in 2014—I became the first woman to ever win, taking the co-angler side with 19.48 pounds. No woman has won on the angler side yet, either. I took those winnings and entered my first MLF BFL Hoosier Division event at Rocky Point and placed 8th. From then on, I was hooked on tournaments. I’ve met some really great people along the way who have become close friends to this day.
Perceptions and Attitudes
There’s been a big change in perception from when I started to now. A lot more females are competing in tournaments against men. You’re seeing women on high school and college fishing teams now. Big sponsors are supporting not just men but women, too.
However, I do feel like the focus should be on fishing performance, not just social media following. Audiences want to see results—they want both.
Support System
I had never competed in an all-women’s tournament until last year at the ICAST USA Team Qualifier. Being around so many women who love the same thing I do was amazing.
The next day at ICAST, my teammate and I met some women from the Fishin’ Girl Women’s Fishing Club, run by Cathy Sanders. These ladies were super friendly and easy to talk to—it felt like we’d known them forever.
If there’s any woman out there who wants to learn how to fish or already knows how but wants to connect with other women to fish with, you need to check out Cathy’s new group at www.fishingirlnation.com. It’s a great bunch of ladies from all over the country, and you won’t be disappointed.
My biggest supporters are my family, friends, and sponsors—because without them, I wouldn’t have made it this far.
I’d like to thank all my sponsors:
Dan-O’s Seasoning
Svivlo Reels
Wicked Rods
Whitewater Supply
TuckTate91
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance – Barrett Agency
PH Custom Lures
Chompers
Naptown Tackle
Willow Grove Marina
Representation and Visibility
When it comes to women being adequately represented in the fishing industry—media, events, and leadership—it’s definitely improved over the years, but we’re not there yet. We still have a long way to go.
But remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Fishing is still a male-dominated sport. If we keep getting young girls involved from grade school on up, the change will come.
Changes Over Time
Women aren’t being overlooked as much anymore. It’s gotten better. Now we have female-specific fishing apparel, rain gear, and cold-weather gear—none of which existed when I started.
Equality and Inclusion
I’d love to see some fishing shows on TV featuring women. Most shows are centered around men—why not highlight women too? Or even better, do a coed show. We have female commentators in sports like basketball, so why not fishing? Let’s support and welcome women to be part of the spotlight too.
Personal Achievements
- In 2014, I was the first woman to win an Indiana Bass Federation tournament (on the co-angler side).
- In 2017, I was the MLF BFL Hoosier Division Co-Angler of the Year.
- I’ve had 9 Top 10 finishes in MLF BFLs.
- I’ve qualified for multiple Regionals over the years.
- And in 2024, my partner Julie Leavitt and I won the ladies division of the ICAST Cup, earning us a spot on the USA Bass Team for 2025.
My teammate Julie and I were supposed to head to the Pan American event in Mexico on Lake Cuchillo at the end of May as part of Team USA Bass. However, due to some difficulties surrounding the current political and economic environments, we were asked if we would prefer to earnestly pursue the Mexico event this year or hold off and represent Team USA at the 2027 Pan Am, which is tentatively slated—though not confirmed—to be hosted at a venue in the United States.
There is no Pan Am scheduled for 2026, and as of now, Team USA will not be going to Mexico. However, if that changes, we still have the option to attend.
We were also invited to make an appearance at the World Championship next year in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on Lake Hamilton. While we won’t be fishing the event, they want us there to help promote Team USA and support the growth of women in fishing.
After discussing everything with Julie and our husbands, we’ve decided to take the second option. We will not be going to Mexico this year, even if the team does end up attending.
Advice for Aspiring Female Anglers
Remember, there’s always something to learn. Someone out there knows something you don’t—so be open and listen. There’s always going to be someone better than you, so focus on becoming the best version of you.
Try not to be too hard on yourself (something I’m still working on). Have integrity—that’s a big one. Be someone others look up to and strive to be like.
“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.”
What I mean by that is, learn to make specific casts, understand how to reel properly, read water conditions, interpret graphs, and know what lure to use and when. Just randomly throwing a line out there isn’t “perfect practice.”
And last but not least—NEVER GIVE UP.
That’s something I learned from watching my youngest daughter, Baylee, when she was 17. During her senior year of high school, she suffered a severe stroke. That girl taught us all a lot that year—and still does—with the challenges she continues to face. She’s never given up or stopped trying.
You can follow me on Instagram: @fishergirl_nicole or on Facebook: @Nicole Abrams or on TikTock: @fishergirl.abrams
