Entry 71-1
Emily Shaffer On Handling Different Fishing Situations And The Baits And Colors She Uses
Being A Lady Angler
Editor's Note: Emily Shaffer of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, a member of Strike King’s professional team, and a 9-time Bassin’ Gals Classic qualifier, has three first-place titles, 15 top-10 finishes and the WBFA 2002 Angler-of-the-Year title. With her career winnings at just over $200,000, Shaffer holds the record for the single largest bass, 9.01 pounds, weighed in at a Bassin’ Gals Classic event, beating the 25-year history of the Bassmasters Classic and the 19-year history of Bassin' Gals Classic.
Question: What is being a lady angler like?
Shaffer: Well, the fish can’t tell a difference if I’m a man or a woman. I’m out on the water for the same reason the guys are, because I love the sport.
Question: Are you treated differently than the male anglers are?
Shaffer: No, I’ve fished all of my life. So, I proved early on that I wasn’t a fair-weathered angler. Since I’ve also been bass fishing professionally for 12 years, most of the male anglers know me, and I’m friends with them.
Question: When did you begin bass fishing?
Shaffer: About 15 years ago, I started fishing in bass tournaments with my husband and then eventually on my own. I actually won the boat that I have now in one of my first tournaments.
Question: What is your favorite lake to fish?
Shaffer: Sam Rayburn in east Texas has everything I like to fish for and all types of different fishing situations.
Question: Are there any differences between men and women and the ways they fish for bass?
Shaffer: Well, men may know more about motors and stuff, but I think an angler’s gender stops where the water begins.
