BassmastHER
From early memories of bonding with her father on the water to breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport, Brooke Finner’s journey as an angler exemplifies persistence, passion, and the drive to inspire other women in fishing. Her story highlights the challenges faced by female anglers and her determination to change perceptions in the fishing community.
Written by
Brooke Finner
Introduction to Fishing
I started fishing with my dad when I was about 10 years old, and ever since then, it’s been something we’ve been able to bond over. Those early fishing trips laid the foundation for my passion for the sport, and being part of the fishing community has allowed me to continue that connection for many years.
Experiences and Challenges
Fishing is often seen as a male-dominated sport, and unfortunately, women are not always taken seriously. But the silver lining is that every time we go on the water, we have the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong. I’ve encountered my fair share of skepticism, but I see those moments as opportunities to demonstrate that women can be just as skilled and competitive. It’s incredibly empowering to step up and challenge the stereotypes.
Perceptions and Attitudes
Let me ask you this—when someone mentions fishing, do you picture a man or a woman holding the rod? For most people, it’s a man. That’s the perception we’re working to change. Sponsorships tend to go more often to male anglers because of this ingrained mindset. However, with more visibility, we can start to shift those attitudes.
Support Systems
I’ve met some amazing female friends who share my love for fishing. Their passion to reshape the fishing industry has been a huge inspiration for me. Knowing that there are other women out there striving to change the face of fishing gives me hope and motivation to keep pushing forward.
Representation and Visibility
I feel like women are getting more involved in fishing, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Companies should start advertising more women in the sport. We’re seeing progress, though—there are women in fishing ads now, and that visibility helps promote us in a positive way. It’s important that the industry continues to show that women can fish too, and we deserve to be recognized.
Changes Over Time
When I was in high school and college, there were no fishing teams I could join. I wish I had those opportunities when I was younger, but I’m glad to see that things are changing now. There are more opportunities for women to get involved, and it’s encouraging to see how the sport has grown in terms of female participation.
Equality and Inclusion Efforts
I’d love to see more representation of women in the fishing industry. It’s one thing to have a few women here and there, but greater representation will spark more interest among other women and help grow the sport as a whole. With more visibility, more women will feel empowered to pick up a rod and compete.
Personal Achievements
One of my proudest moments in fishing was winning a local tournament with my dad in my hometown. That victory was special because we’ve always bonded over fishing, and it felt like a true team win. Another highlight was catching the biggest bass in a tournament where most of the competitors were men. Getting recognition from them felt great, and it’s a moment I won’t forget.
Future Perspectives
In the next 5 to 10 years, I hope to see more women competing in fishing tournaments and an even number of male and female anglers across the board. The future looks promising, and with continued growth and inclusion, we’ll see women becoming more prominent in all areas of the fishing industry.
Advice for Aspiring Female Anglers
My advice for young women interested in fishing is simple—go fishing with your dad or someone who loves to fish. Get out there as much as you can, and learn the basics like backing up a trailer or driving a boat. My dad had me practicing every time we went fishing, and that’s how I got better. And don’t be afraid to join your high school or college fishing team! It’s a great way to hone your skills and get involved in the community.
You can follow Brooke Finner on Instagram: @brooke.finner and Facebook: Brooke Finner Outdoors.
