Entry 69-1
Debra Hengst
Being A Female Angler
Editor's Note: Debra Hengst of San Antonio, Texas, a member of Strike King’s Pro Staff, guides part-time at Amistad, Falcon and Choke Canyon lakes in south Texas.
Question: What is being a lady angler like?
Hengst: Being a female angler in bass fishing right now is wonderful. I believe a woman can break into bass fishing. It does take a lot of support from sponsors. Too, more women need participate in bass fishing for it to really grow as a female sport, even though there are more women participating in professional bass fishing than ever before.
Question: When did you begin bass fishing?
Hengst: I started fishing in the late 1980s. In 1995, I started as a rookie in the Bassin’ Gals Tournament Circuit and then worked my way up to being on the Strike King Pro Team.
Question: How did you get on the Strike King team?
Hengst: I started about 7 or 8 years ago, and I had to work from the ground up by showing my dedication to the sport. I have to believe in a product before I can promote it, and I love the Strike King products. So I enjoy promoting them.
Question: What is your favorite Strike King product?
Hengst: I love the spinner baits and the 3X Zulu. I just returned from a tournament and did very well fishing with the Zulu.
Question: Are you a full-time professional angler?
Hengst: Currently, I’m not a full-time professional angler, but I’m moving toward being full-time. I guide part-time, and I also hold down a full-time job as accounting manager for an insurance agency.
Question: What are the differences between men and women anglers?
Hengst: Fishing is not a gender-related sport, but many people still think of it as a male redneck sport. This perception is not true. Bass fishing has advanced tremendously since ESPN bought BASS. Men and women now compete in tournaments together, with women also placing in the top rankings. I think bass fishing will eventually be on the same popularity level as NASCAR.
