Introduction to Fishing
My first memory of fishing was with my dad and little brother in Houston, Texas. Growing up near the coast, we mainly saltwater fished back then, and I loved the thrill of those early mornings on the water, the competition with my brother, and seeing the pride on my dad’s face at the end of the day with our catch. As I grew older, my dad and uncles began fishing local bass tournaments, which sparked my interest in bass fishing. I’ll never forget my first tournament on Sam Rayburn—it hooked me for life! My dad, brother, and uncles are now fishing together in heaven, but the memories of our time spent on the water are priceless.
Experiences and Challenges
As a woman in the fishing community, I’ve encountered both positive and negative experiences. Over 15 years ago, I noticed that most fishing gear and apparel were made for men, so I started my own company, Reel Girls Fish!. I was surprised by how excited women and young girls were to see fishing merchandise made just for them. Interestingly, I had a large number of male customers who were eager to buy gear for their wives and daughters. However, being a woman in a male-dominated sport comes with challenges, such as not always being taken seriously. Even today, I get comments about my pink boat wrap, with people assuming it’s my husband’s boat. Sponsorship opportunities have improved over the years, but there is still a long way to go.
Perceptions and Attitudes
The fishing community often holds women to different standards than men. Both men and women can be tough on each other, but it’s especially important for women to keep putting themselves out there to earn respect in the sport. When I first considered fishing the Opens, I hesitated because of stories about how men treated women in co-angler circuits. However, once I took the plunge, I realized things weren’t as bad as I had heard, and they are improving. The more women we have competing, the more the community will realize that we are serious about this sport. Sponsorships and audience perception are gradually getting better, but we must continue proving ourselves on and off the water.
Support Systems
Thankfully, there are now more networks and groups supporting women in fishing. National and regional women’s tournament trails, social media groups, and podcasts have become invaluable. I’ve been part of several, and the camaraderie is unmatched. Groups like Lady Bass Angler Association, East Texas Lady Anglers, and The Woman Angler & Adventurer have all played a role in helping women like me thrive in the sport. The support and encouragement I’ve found within these communities have been incredible, and they’re helping reshape the fishing industry for the better.
Advice for Aspiring Female Anglers
To any young women or girls interested in fishing, my advice is simple: JUST DO IT! Whether you want to tournament fish or just enjoy the sport for fun, there are so many groups to join and people willing to help you along the way. I wish I had started sooner and not doubted my skills or experience. Find a local group, go fishing, and learn as much as you can. You’ll make lifelong friends and never regret the time you spend on the water. Lastly, always take a kid fishing—especially a little girl—you never know the impact you might have on her life and the memories she’ll cherish.
You can follow Denise Sustaita on Facebook at Reel Girls Fish! and East Texas Lady Anglers, or on Instagram at @denisesustaita. For more information, visit Reel Girls Fish! or East Texas Lady Anglers.
