Challenging Stereotypes
The first stereotype and the one I get the most is: “You just fish because you want to be different.” Or, “You just fish because you want attention.” Encountering this negativity can be hard, it can make you want to snap back, but that wouldn’t do me any good! Instead, I explain that I fish because I genuinely love it with my whole heart. I love the feeling of catching a big bass, successfully catching a solid limit, and the endless laughs and memories made out on the water. Absolutely nothing can beat the feeling of waking up and watching the sunrise, the adrenaline is going because you are about to take off, and you know that you could be on some winning fish (Lord willing). I do it because I love it. I do it because it makes my anxious thoughts go away. I do it because it makes me feel closer to the Lord. I do it because it’s the best sport in the world.
The second stereotype I encounter almost on a daily basis is that “I have no idea what I’m talking about because I’m a woman.” Do the fish know if we are a man or a woman? No. Do the fish care if we are a man or a woman? No. Just because it is a male-dominated sport absolutely does not mean that women can’t love it just as much as men. Women are allowed to study the sport just as hard as men. I honestly can’t wrap my mind around how this comment has any logic! Who says women can’t be just as good as men just because there aren’t as many of us? It always upsets me, you know. We are brave enough to join this male-dominated sport and we still get questioned about our ability all the time. No matter your gender, how could you not love bass fishing? We’re all doing this sport because we all love it so much. The bass don’t care what gender we are! If you love something and want to learn more about it, do that! Passion overpowers any kind of negativity. Go out there and fish, and show that you do know what you’re talking about!
Breaking Through Gender Norms
Nationals on Lake Hartwell in 2022! This was my first national tournament that I had to qualify for. And as you can imagine, there was a vast majority of men. I’m not going to lie… I was nervous. I felt overpowered. My brother and I fished our hearts out for two days. Found the shallow bite we were hoping for and caught a 5-pounder and a few solid ones to get us to the FINAL DAY! We were sitting in 10th out of 314 teams. The final day we got interviewed and our pictures taken. I was the only woman to make it in the top 12 teams. Although I was surrounded by men that final day, I wasn’t nervous anymore. I had the confidence I needed because we had made it to the final day on Lake Hartwell. It was the coolest experience of my life. The national anthem with fireworks, the crowd cheering us on, tears and strong emotions because the passion and love for this sport are unmeasurable, running to the first spot, giving my dad and brother a fist bump, and praying that, Lord willing, the day would go the way we hoped. I’m getting emotional just writing this because the Lord did provide. Brody and I caught a solid 5-limit sack and ended up 7th in the nation. Not only that, but we also won a brand new bass tracker. That final day when I was up on the stage, I honestly forgot that I was the only woman there. I was just happy to be there. I was happy to be able to do what I love so much. That’s when I knew that I broke through the gender norms. I no longer felt nervous because I am a woman; I felt powerful.
Changing the Narrative
The presence of women throws some more light on the sport! The presence of women inspires other young women to follow their dreams and not be scared that this sport is male-dominated. The presence of women challenges the everyday stereotypes and the doubts that others have about us. The presence of women shows that when you love something enough and are so passionate about it, you get out there and do it, even if you’re scared. It shows that we are strong and not afraid anymore of what others might think of us. We’re not in this sport to cause any trouble or hurt anyone’s feelings. We’re in this sport because we want to catch big bass too.
Community Evolution
Over my years of bass fishing, I have seen so much more support and acceptance gained. Honestly, we shouldn’t have had to feel welcomed in the first place, but we did. We didn’t feel worthy or good enough because people told us we weren’t. But for those of you who have supported us and made us feel welcomed, you are the BEST! I have had so many guys tell me that I am good at what I do, and that they wish the best for me as I continue down this path. For those men that doubt us still, your negativity isn’t going to make us quit bass fishing, so let’s just all support each other! Negativity is doing nothing other than fueling our fire and making us want to become even better. There is nothing you can say to make me quit doing what I love. We all want to be successful and win, so let’s all cheer each other on in life!
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
So far, the online social media site “girlfishinggang” has been the most supportive of women in bass fishing. Now we have BassmastHer, which I’m so excited about! I just recently joined the Bass Pro team as well, and they have been so supportive and welcoming to me. It is so exciting going there and seeing people so passionate about fishing. I am so thankful for all of the support so far and I can’t wait to watch it evolve over the years.
The Importance of Mentorship
I believe being a mentor is so important in these upcoming generations of young women in bass fishing. Being a mentor gives these girls confidence and helps them overcome the negativity and stereotypes. I love talking to these young women about bass fishing and seeing how much they love it. I can’t wait for these young women to overcome the stereotypes and be absolute hammers! Being a mentor and talking to these gals is such a blessing because I see them in myself. I see their potential and how badly they want this. It is such a beautiful thing to be able to mentor these girls and see the passion I also had when I was that age, and still do have today.
Handling Doubt and Discouragement
Quite honestly, although others tell me to ignore it, sometimes I struggle to keep my mouth shut. Instead of getting all fired up and getting angry with the discouragement, I show that person grace. Obviously, if someone is trying to bring you down or make you feel unworthy, they’re struggling with some things in their life causing them to be bitter towards others. Barking back at them will make them continue, it is important to show grace as Jesus did to the people who showed him doubt and discouragement. I often have to tell myself: “What would Jesus do?” Would Jesus fight back, or would He show that person love? It is so important to remember that the doubt and hate do not make you any less worthy. You are worthy of winning; you are worthy of being successful. It is hard to ignore the doubt and discouragement, but use that as fuel! Get out there and do your thing! Show those who doubt you that they are doubting the wrong person. Confidence is key.
Advice for Young Girls
Girl… I was nervous too! It can be scary to get out there and do something out of your comfort zone. Especially when you are surrounded by men. It can be intimidating. Remember who you are and why you’re out there. You’re out there to catch a bass! You’re out there to win a tourney! You’re out there to have fun! Don’t focus on what others are saying or thinking. Focus on how to catch that bass, focus on how to win that tourney. Never let the fear of judgment keep you from doing something you love. When I tell you that this sport has changed my life, I truly mean it. If I would have never had the courage to fish my first tourney, I wouldn’t have the successes I have today. I didn’t let the fear of judgment stop me, and now I have fallen in love with bass fishing. It has made me a lot of the person I am today. Be confident! Remember who you are and why you do it. You got this!! I am here for you and always cheering you on!
Amplifying Women’s Voices
BassmastHer is a perfect example. Support each other in real life and on social media. Advertise it! Put more women in bass fishing commercials, and involve them in more fishing products! There may not be as many of us as men, but there are still plenty of us out there that would love to support and advertise for this sport! The Instagram account “girlfishinggang” is another perfect example. Advertising women catching fish. Also, when we see each other at tournaments, we should support each other. Cheer each other on. Meet up and talk about why we love this sport so much, and how we can make it better! We are in this together!
Follow Braci on Instagram: @braci_ault
