Introduction to Fishing
The first time I went fishing was with my dad when I was little, catching Bream off a dock in the neighborhood. My dad loves to fish, and I can’t imagine the level of patience it took to deal with young me, who wouldn’t touch the fish, hold it, bait hooks, tie knots, or anything. It wasn’t until I moved to Florida a couple of years ago and started fishing with him again that I really got into it, and I’ve been hooked ever since!
Experiences and Challenges
Trying to put yourself out there as a beginner is scary! When I first started on social media, it was intimidating to see all the experienced anglers I looked up to and their knowledge and accomplishments. I felt like I hadn’t earned a place in this space yet and worried that I wouldn’t be taken seriously, especially in such a male-dominated industry. I didn’t grow up knowing how to fish; I didn’t learn to tie my first fishing knot until I was an adult. Most of what I’ve learned is self-taught since I got into the game late. Dealing with people on the internet can be challenging, especially with negative and degrading comments during live streams where thousands are watching. But I’ve learned to tune it out, focus on the support, and just keep casting.
On the flip side, now that I’ve dived more into the industry and had the opportunity to meet and speak with so many wonderful people, I’ve found the fishing community to be extremely welcoming. Especially with women, there are so many more of us in this space than I ever expected, and it’s inspiring to see the journeys of other female anglers I look up to. It means a lot to have that support and to know there are others in your corner who understand.
Perceptions and Attitudes
I feel like the fishing community has come a long way in recent years. I see so many girls on high school and college fishing teams, and that was never even an option when I was that age. It’s becoming more “expected” to see women fishing, which is great.
But there’s still a large gap. When I competed in the iCast Cup recently, only 10% of the teams were female, and that ratio is even smaller in larger tournaments and series. I think there’s still a lot of opportunity for women to take up more space and be taken more seriously in the industry.
Support Systems
One of the best decisions I made was following @girlfishinggang on Instagram. I saw events and meetups posted on their stories that I started tapping into, which introduced me to some incredible women. The BassmastHER workshop in Alabama was the first in-person event I attended, and it was such a positive and inspiring experience. Angling Women in Action held an iCast event as well, and getting to know the women in this community more has made everything so much easier. I’ve learned from so many people and established a lot of great connections by getting involved in these groups.
Representation and Visibility
Women are a lot more included in the fishing industry now. I’ve seen firsthand how many companies have made it a mission to push and promote more female opportunities, which is great to see. But like in any industry, you still see women being sexualized and used more as “models” rather than active participants in the countless other roles that can be filled in the industry. Many women are genuinely interested in the sport aspect of fishing, and it would be nice to see more representation of that.
Advice for Aspiring Female Anglers
There is space for you. Younger, older, beginner, advanced—it doesn’t matter. There is so much opportunity in the industry right now. Whether it’s just for fun or at a competitive level, I encourage you to just start. Some of the most peaceful moments of my life have been outside with a fishing rod in my hands. Dive into a sport that is exciting, challenging, and so rewarding all at the same time. There is a community of women here ready to support you, and we would love to see as many girls fishing as possible.
Personal Achievements
As a mom, it’s been important to me to pass on my love and knowledge of fishing to my son. When he caught his first bass, he was SO excited, and I feel like I got to witness the moment where his own love for fishing ignited. Winning and participating in tournaments is great, but that moment with him is probably my most proud and exciting moment so far. I feel closer to God when I’m outside in nature and I thank God everyday that I’m able to spend time doing what I love. I want my son to have no hesitation following his dreams and passions since he sees me pursuing mine.
You can follow my fishing journey and adventures on Instagram @BaitBarbieFishing.
