Pictured above: Melinda Mize Hays photo Courtesy MLF

By Steve Chaconas

It’s been said fishing is nothing more than a jerk on one end of the line waiting for a jerk on the other. With no definitive physical fishing advantage, men dominate over women in competitive bass fishing with a significant time on the water Edge.

In June a woman won the Major League Fishing Toyota Series presented by Phoenix Boats, Strike King co-angler division and another woman finished second.  Marking the first time women claimed the top two spots, they were the only two women participating in this event. Both winner Deanna Moreno and runner-up Rachel Uribe are accomplished anglers. In addition to trophies and prizes, these ladies are motivating girls to pursue their fishing dreams.

Second generation pro angler Melinda Mize Hays, the first woman in FLW history to win a Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship, credits all-lady trails and her pro angling parents with being able to spend time on the water. Girls starting early and spending more time on the water narrows the gender gap. Hays says the high profile of Moreno and Uribe will encourage girls and women to pick up a rod. Mental confidence is more important than physical ability for any angler and time on the water separates all anglers, especially men from women. “Women don’t believe in themselves as much.”

What transpires off the water stands between women and trophies. According to Hays, “Women have different priorities when it comes to family. When I had my girls, my priorities changed. My job focused on them.” Rather than launching her boat, she drops off and picks up her kids at school, sacrificing time on the water. Hays insists this isn’t an excuse, rather a choice. The women’s trail didn’t lower the bar, but put women literally in the same boat competing with the same priorities and responsibilities.

Muddying time on the water for women are significant others uncomfortable with them alone in a boat with a man making it difficult for women to find fishing partners. “I’ve talked to girls about getting little girls involved so they have someone to fish with. Start at a young age.” Hays advises parents to take little girls fishing and allow them to fall in love with fishing, not forcing them. “Not every little girl or every little boy is going to enjoy fishing. If they get the opportunity and do like it, then we’ve won.”

As her girls get older Hays builds family connections and lasting memories when she takes them fishing. They encourage her to compete. “You know you’re a good mom, and following your passion is good too.” Keeping her lines in the water and working for sponsors Strike King Lures, LEWS rods and reels, and Bajio sunglasses, Hays also works with several tournament organizers and encourages kids to fish.

Saying she doesn’t want to put men in a position to be chivalrous and let her catch fish, Mare Marine, Green Top pro Christie Bradley fishes as a boater.  Competing against top male anglers, she has the highest BASSMASTER finish of any female angler, still making cuts and cashing checks.

Bradley is excited for the one-two female finish creating buzz around women participating in professional bass fishing. “I hope it helps get girls into the sport and makes more girls comfortable fishing and competing.” Bradley says a more representative leaderboard sampling will be achieved. “If you don’t feel you belong with everyone assuming you’re going to fail, that could affect you. Women jump in and don’t stick around.” Female angler confidence and winning are becoming less of an anomaly.

Hooters girls worked fishing shows 20 years ago. “That was a time in our history, women weren’t taken seriously. Some built social media based on being hot, holding big fish, wearing a bikini. Sponsors got a mixed message.” Women should think of little girls before they post on social media. “If you follow that line of thinking, sponsors see that, and they will fall in line.”

“Never pass up an opportunity to network or engage with media or fans.” Networking isn’t business as usual. Guys might view women as flirting. “Network with girls who aren’t competing in the same events. Most of us are happy to network with you on techniques and waypoints.” Bradley is accessible. “When I was coming up it was hard to reach out or engage. I want to be proactive to offer my advice and not standoffish.” For Moreno and Uribe finishing first and second, “Working together to capitalize on that moment, there’s something there. When you have a door open, jump through it.”

Hays and Bradley agree that as more young girls get into the sport and stick with it; trophies and sponsorships will follow. As Bradley says, “I look forward to where we’re not having this conversation and it’s more normal.” Hays adds, “With more time on the water, women will gain confidence and show up as winners.”

Potomac River Bassing in AUGUST

Heat puts fish in grass. Hit mats with heavy weights and frogs. Both require 60 pound test Gamma Torque braid. Look for thick grass beds near deeper water. For frogs, tie double Palomar knots and work over thick grass. This bait is also effective over cover without grass. When bass explode on it, set the hook upward and horse them out of thick cover. White frogs make it easier to see strikes. Punching mats involves 1-1.5 ounce tungsten weights pegged with a stopper. A stout hook is needed to prevent bending. Use small Mizmo tubes. Pitch to thick mats and shake until it drops through. Fish bite baits and swim off, loading the rod. Pull to set the hook.

In areas around grass, swim and bladed jigs in craw patterns come through grass to produce bites. For this, spool with 14-16 pound test Gamma Edge fluorocarbon line. Snap free from grass.

About the Author: Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. YouTube channel NationalBassGuide.