Introduction to Fishing
This all started cane pole fishing with my granddaddy on Lake Guntersville while sitting on the big rocks at the dam. Of course, my dad has taken me fishing my whole life and it’s the reason I’m hooked, but my earliest memory is with my granddaddy. I’m fortunate to have a whole family that loves the sport of fishing and the great outdoors.
Experiences and Challenges
I won’t sugarcoat it—it has always been a challenge for women in the fishing industry. There is always the struggle of feeling like you have to prove your knowledge and skills to your counterparts. But at the same time, you will not find a more friendly industry that often feels more like family.
One of the most challenging things I’ve done is start a high school bass fishing team. My 15-year-old daughter wanted to compete, but there wasn’t a team at our school or even in the whole county at the time. The principal and the board of education wouldn’t approve it, so we had to start as an area park team, similar to most softball teams.
I don’t know what I would have done without the help of friends, family, other coaches, and B.A.S.S. guiding me through it. So many people, including pro anglers like Randy Howell and Aaron Martens, volunteered their time to help. I was starting from scratch, and nearly 90 kids showed up at our first meeting. Even with my industry connections, it was incredibly challenging. But by my daughter’s senior year, we were a competitive team with anglers winning tournaments and earning college scholarships.
Thanks to our success, we made a presentation to the Jefferson County School Board, highlighting our team’s diversity, the improved grades of our students, and the scholarship opportunities fishing provided. As a result, the board approved fishing teams for all county schools, and the Gardendale Rockets officially became a varsity team. I am most proud of the 17 anglers who went on to fish in college and those who are now working in the industry.
Perceptions and Attitudes
Unfortunately, I think the industry doesn’t give women anglers the credit they deserve for the hard work they do. How many times have I been at a weigh-in where a female angler’s catch was attributed to her male partner? Or I’ve heard female anglers who secure sponsorships be labeled as only getting them because they’re women, as if they didn’t work just as hard for those opportunities.
Most women juggle family responsibilities as moms while trying to get in their time on the water. They work extremely hard and should be respected for their efforts. There is still a glass ceiling in the Elites, and I can’t wait to see someone break through. The fish don’t care about gender, and neither should we.
Support System
I am a member of the American Sportfishing Association, and we have started a women’s group of industry leaders to not only promote inclusion but also influence policy decisions affecting women anglers. Support networks like these are crucial for making meaningful change.
Representation and Visibility
The leadership in our industry is still male-dominated. There is a need for more women and minorities in leadership roles. I commend B.A.S.S. for the steps it has taken to recognize women in fishing through BassmastHER and for the talented female staff it has hired.
Changes Over Time
Women’s participation in fishing is one of the fastest-growing segments of the industry. However, they are also twice as likely to quit before their male counterparts. There are still cultural barriers that need to be changed. Studies show that most female anglers do not feel respected by the angling community. At least a third report experiencing jokes or mocking from male anglers, and half feel belittled. We’ve come a long way, but there is still a mountain to climb.
Equality and Inclusion
I would like to see more women in leadership roles within companies and organizations—especially on the board of the ASA, where there is only one woman among ten men. Additionally, we need to see more diverse female faces in ads and products designed specifically for women anglers, not just pink versions of existing gear.
While I believe every female is capable of competing at the highest levels, a well-supported women’s tournament trail could make it easier for women and moms to compete without the cultural challenges we still face.
Personal Achievements
Founding and growing a major tackle brand in the fishing industry is what I am most known for, but my proudest achievement will always be the role I played as a high school fishing team coach. Watching my daughter become the first female Bassmaster All-American and seeing my anglers go on to compete at the college and BASS Open levels is the most fulfilling part of my journey.
Advice for Aspiring Female Anglers
Go for it! The only thing holding you back is yourself. There is absolutely no reason a girl can’t fish, enjoy it, and excel at it! Fishing builds perseverance, patience, reduces stress, and promotes overall better health.
