Few names in bass fishing history carry the weight and reverence of Pam Martin-Wells. Known not only for her competitive accolades but for the grace, mentorship and trailblazing spirit she embodied, Martin-Wells leaves behind a legacy that continues to shape the sport — especially for women.
“She was such an amazing coach”
“She was a huge part of my success and motivation when I fished full time. She was such an amazing coach! And she did my first podcast with me on IKE Live back in 2015.”
—Nicole Jacobs
“She made me feel my son would be safe”
“My one and only time meeting Pam was at last year’s Bassmaster High School Combine. She was so sweet and caring and told me if my son picked her school, I would not have to worry about his safety because she would make sure he had everything he needed.”
—Wendy McIntyre Biles
“Her influence extended far beyond the boat”
“I really wish I could have met her, but I do know how much of an influence she has made on myself and the female bass fishing community and beyond. Sending my love and prayers to her family during this very, very difficult time.”
—Alicia Marie
“She cheered the loudest for others”
“I only got the chance to talk to Pam once, but I’m forever grateful for the strides she’s made as a woman in the industry and paving the way. She’s genuinely kind, supportive, and the type of person to cheer so loudly for others even when she’s on the stage herself. Bass fishing would not be what it is without her.”
—Kylee Short
“She sparked my courage”
“I never had any personal moments with her, but knowing her career definitely sparked my courage and love for getting more into bass fishing. She inspired me to fish my first tournament — something I never would have had the courage to do without her story.”
—Tiffany Whiteman
“Grace, strength and passion”
“She has always been someone I have looked up to and admired — not just for her incredible talent on the water, but for the way she carried herself with grace, strength and passion. Her impact goes far beyond the trail she blazed.”
—Elizabeth Eastman
“She made the Classic feel possible”
“Pam is a huge inspiration to all female anglers to go ahead and chase their dreams to get on the ‘big stage’ in a male-dominated sport. I hope to one day be half as great as her and would love to have a Bassmaster Classic appearance.”
—Michaela James
“She exemplified the heart of a warrior”
“I’ve never met her personally, but her story — the highs and lows — display the heart of a warrior. She’s such an inspiration, a trailblazer, and will forever be a treasure to us all. Every female angler should know her story.”
—La’Tonya Blanding
“She told me to keep fighting for girls who fish”
“I remember the first time I was on a Zoom call with her for BassmastHER. I was like… no way… is that Pam Martin-Wells? Then she talked to me! She encouraged me to keep advocating for those girls out there who love fishing as much as we do.”
—Braci Ault
“She lived up to the title ‘GOAT’”
“I hate I didn’t get to know her. I did fish a couple tournaments that she was in, but she was already sick. She is a great lady and truly lives up to the title ‘THE GOAT’ bestowed on her by the ladies of the LBAA.”
—Rhonda Pitts
“She changed the game”
“Such a sad situation for such an amazing woman. I never met her personally, but it’s evident she changed the game. Praying for her, her family and her friends.”
—Samantha Gay
“She inspired me from afar”
“I fished one tournament against her in the LBAA, and I’ll never forget it. She ended up winning, and I ended up fifth. I’ll always be inspired by her journey. Without her, many of us wouldn’t be chasing our dreams.”
—Emily Freeman
“A pioneer for women anglers”
“She’s an inspiration and a pioneer for women anglers. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her loved ones.”
—Emilie Desjardins
“Her legacy will live on”
“My heart goes out to Pam and her family during this incredibly difficult time — she’s truly an inspiration to us all.”
—Tessa Vanover
“A straight-up machine on the water”
“Her life on Earth may be over, but her legacy will live on forever. Grit, strong will and a straight-up machine when it came to fishing. I’m thankful for the time the Lord allowed our paths to cross.”
—Anastasia Patterson
“Her tenacity left a mark”
“Pam’s tenacity and competitive spirit left a mark on the fishing world that will continue to impact many.”
—Kristine Fischer
“She made us feel worthy”
“Pam was part of one of our first ever BassmastHER conversations. I remember feeling starstruck at first, but her humor and warmth quickly made me feel like I belonged. She will always be remembered as one of the most influential female anglers in history.”
—Maggie Jo Carsello
“She proved I didn’t have to defend my abilities”
“Even now, people ask me, ‘Where’s your husband to drive that boat?’ or ‘Do you need help with that?’ But Pam gave me the confidence to handle those comments with grace. She already proved to the world that stereotyping genders is outdated and irrelevant. God bless her and her family. The Lord has a special lake waiting for her in heaven.”
—Laura Ann Butts
A lasting legacy
Pam Martin-Wells didn’t just fish — she forged paths. She competed with excellence, led with humility and inspired with courage. Her impact lives on in the next generation of anglers who continue to walk the trail she carved, casting forward with the same passion that defined her extraordinary life.
She will be missed. But she will never be forgotten.
