by EZ Angler Staff -
Amy J
In recent months through our social channels we have been coming across several images of Amy J. Usually with a beautiful smile and big bass in hand, Amy is quickly becoming the female, social media ambassador of weekend power fishing. So, of course it struck our curiosity, especially after others began asking us “do you know who she is?” We approached Amy J and asked her a little bit about her life as an angler up in New Hampshire. What we found was one cool lady who is passionate about fishing, family and fun.
When and how did you get started fishing?
Bass fishing is my passion. I’ve loved fishing my whole life. As a kid, like many, I’d spend countless hours fishing for sunfish with a simple bobber and worms.
I recall one morning watching a fishing show with my Dad and the “guys” on the television were all catching these huge bass. I always wanted to reel in a big lunker like they did. The problem was I didn’t have any cool lures of my own. But with some kid determination and a little improvisation I decided to make one.
Inspiration as my guide, I created a lure using a wooden dowel, an old eye hook, some friendship bracelet strings and few old hooks tied on. Of course, my family didn’t think
that I could possibly catch anything on that big, goofy looking thing. Well, three casts later I reeled in a monster of my own! They heard me
“My 1997 “Lucky Lure” made of a wooden dowel, an old eye hook, some friendship bracelet strings, and few old hooks tied on.”
screaming my head off down at the lake and ran down thinking something was wrong, but it was they who were wrong! I did it and caught a nice size lunker. It was at the moment that I was the one that really became hooked.
Today, like most anglers, I love to wake up really early in the morning to beat the sun to water. For me there’s nothing more beautiful and peaceful than watching the sun rise while sitting in the middle of a lake on my kayak. A lot of people don’t understand how I can spend five hours fishing in a kayak, but to me that’s not long enough.
What is your gear of choice?
My lure of choice is soft plastics. I’ve learned that they are the most versatile in color choices and rig techniques. I can use them anywhere, and it doesn’t cost me an arm and a leg to replace them when I have one of those days when I can only seem to cast into the trees!!
My other piece of gear that I find it hard to be without is my kayak. I can’t say enough about the experience and for me it’s perfect because I fish alone 90% of the time. I can load it into the truck myself, don’t have to worry about running out of gas, and it’s quiet on the water. I can get into places that boats can’t and hit those hard to hit spots and coves. Oh, and it’s a great workout!
What do you get from fishing?
Patience plays a huge role in fishing for me. There are days where I’ve been out there on the water feeling rushed, and thinking “I NEED to catch a fish! I only have a little time!” That’s when I have my worst fishing days. To me, fishing is a stress reliever. If I had to choose between “retail therapy” or fishing, I’m going fishing.
And you are the mother of two boys. Does fishing play into your role as a mother?
Yes, as a mother of two boys, 7 and 2, I think teaching my boys to fish is very important. While it is a great way to also teach them patience, it’s a fun way to get them to enjoy the outdoors. I love to fish with my oldest son, and it’s been nice to show him over the last several years examples of tranquility derived from this quiet sport. Since he was little, I had him out on the dock or the water’s edge, on that very same pond where I fished as a young girl. He loves it. Getting him outdoors and having that one-on-one time with him is the best. There’s nothing cooler than seeing the excitement on a little kids face when they are reeling in a fish. I believe it’s something that every child should get the chance to learn and experience.
What’s ahead for mad angling Amy J?
Since last spring, I have been a part of the Lockett Lures Outlet pro-staff team and was also welcomed by and named “First Lady” of Bass Crazy, which is an awesome community, dedicated to Bass anglers everywhere!
For the upcoming year, I’m excited to also be a part of Silent Harvest Outdoors 2014 SHOBaits pro-staff team and I have recently joined the Rudy Project Sunglasses Fishing Team, and am now pro staff for War Dog Lures and Jase Custom Fishing Rods. I’m looking forward to an awesome year with some great companies. Until then, I’m currently enjoying my very first year of ice fishing. I have some great friends who have been showing me what I have been missing all of these years!
Follow Amy J on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AmyJBassLady
