Introduction to Fishing
My first memories of fishing are with my Daddy, “Pops,” and my big brother, Jeff, at a local stream. Armed with my pink Zebco fishing rod and some sparkly Powerbait Trout Nuggets, I’d wake up early on weekends, ready for our adventures by the water’s edge. The calmness and anticipation of a potential catch kept me content for hours. Although my love for fishing started as a young girl, my passion for bass fishing truly took off when my then-boyfriend, now husband, Kasey, introduced me to it on his Skeeter bass boat. I often say we fell in love on that boat, spending countless hours on various lakes over the years. Fishing together, no matter the weather, has always been our favorite pastime, filled with learning new skills and sharing unforgettable moments.
Experiences and Challenges
As a woman deeply passionate about fishing, I’ve made it a point to seek knowledge, ask questions from experienced anglers, watch videos, and read articles. This has helped me build confidence in my conversations and interactions within the fishing community. Most of my experiences have been overwhelmingly positive and welcoming. Finding other women who share my passion can be challenging, but that’s why BassmastHER holds a special place in my heart. It provides a space to connect with female anglers of all ages who love fishing as much as I do. Though I don’t aim to become a professional angler, I’m open to participating in more kayak tournaments. I competed in one charity kayak tournament with the Ike Foundation a few years ago, where, despite catching no fish, I was proud of putting myself out there. I want to encourage other women to feel confident on the water, stay true to themselves, and embrace new challenges.
Perceptions and Attitudes
I believe the fishing community is progressively creating more opportunities for women to find their place. The leaders of BassmastHER are paving the way into the Bassmaster Opens, and witnessing young women competing in college tournaments is truly inspiring. There’s a noticeable shift towards greater acceptance and recognition of female anglers, which I hope continues to grow.
Support Systems
My biggest support systems are my husband, Kasey, my family, and my faith. They encourage me to stay true to myself and reach for my goals. Recently, I attended the BassmastHER seminar at the St. Lawrence River in Waddington, NY. The event was filled with an amazing group of supportive women, both experienced anglers and newcomers, all passionate about fishing and learning more about the sport. I had the pleasure of meeting several wonderful women that day, and I hope to maintain and grow those friendships.
Representation and Visibility
Now more than ever, I feel that women are being represented properly in the fishing industry. The incredible female anglers showcased by Bassmaster, such as Anastasia, Kristine, and Maggie, demonstrate the grit and perseverance required to be a professional angler. These women are not only talented but also exemplify their true selves and their faith, which resonates deeply with me. I believe that women bring a unique flair to the sport of fishing, and I wholeheartedly support their journey and the representation of women in fishing media, events, and leadership roles.
Advice for Aspiring Female Anglers
To all women and young lady anglers out there, my advice is simple: You’re never too old or young to learn how to fish and appreciate the moments spent in nature. Trust your intuition on the water, stay true to who you are, and continue to learn and evolve. Strive to make a positive impact on everyone you meet along your fishing journey.
You can follow Alicia Marie on Instagram: @Lil_mrs24 (personal)
@Girlyoutdoor_boutique (owner of Etsy shop) with homemade creations made for ladies and youth who love spending time outdoors. I continually add new listings frequently and the inspiration comes along. Click here to visit!
