By Marta Rose-Thorpe
Suzy Nichols has been fishing since she was four years old, and her fondest memories go back to when she was a kid fishing with her dad. “I have always been my dad’s fishing buddy,” she says. She recalls a memory of when she was nine years old, catching a blowfish in the bay of Long Island, New York. “They deflate when you bring them up to the surface, but after a few seconds, they begin to blow themselves up. I remember thinking it was so cool to watch him expand with his big front teeth, and thought he was the cutest!”
More recently, a favorite memory is of her trophy “Hebi” caught off the island of Kona, Hawaii. “Hebi is a shortbill spearfish,” she explains. “Its dorsal fin is shorter than that of other billfish species, and its bill is very short in comparison. He was beautiful!”
In 2013 Suzy created Reel Ladies of Panama City Beach (RLPCB) to encourage more women to fish. The club was made official in 2018, and in June 2021, launched in Panama City Beach with its inaugural meeting taking place at the newly reopened Bay Point Yacht Club. It is the first team of its kind, and the only fresh and saltwater ladies fishing team in Panama City Beach, Florida. “Through the years I’ve introduced many girlfriends to fishing, and they always love it… it’s better than a trip to Disney World!” she laughs. “Fishing has always been a male-dominated sport, and we want more ladies to explore all that fishing has to offer. Perfect example: there are hundreds of men fishing teams, but only a handful of lady fishing teams. I want to share these experiences and make memories with other ladies who like to fish.” RLPCB offers ladies the opportunity to explore fishing in a relaxed, friendly, fun environment with other ladies. Both beginner and experienced anglers are welcome to participate.
Encouraging more women to fish was one reason, but there was another motivation for the team’s creation. “I have to thank my husband, the captain of our boat. When we first started dating, he didn’t believe that I truly loved to fish or that I could bait or de-hook my own fish. After a few fishing trips, I earned a permanent spot on the Tiger and became a member of his all “guy” fishing team! RLPCB will allow my husband to have his guy trips and his team. After all, I fish like a girl, and if they tried harder, they could fish like one too!”
Suzy’s fishing repertoire includes inshore, offshore, bluewater, river, stream, and ponds. “I practice bait fishing, bait casting, spinning, and trolling. I also participate in catch and release and have caught many of my first trophy fish in this manner. I have fished in some of the most amazing places such as Costa Rica, Aruba, Hawaii, Cozumel, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Key West, Bahamas Alaska, and the Cumberland River in Tennessee. My travels all incorporate a fishing experience.”
RLPCB is made up of a diverse group of 21 and over women who love to fish, explore the outdoors, experience the camaraderie and sportsmanship of fun or tournament fishing, and are involved in promoting conservation and sustainable fishing through education. As a member of RLPCB, ladies will have access to the members-only Facebook group page, the website, and a variety of events and opportunities including hands-on workshops, seminars, socials, and ladies-only fishing tournaments. RLPCB plans to connect with today’s youth by offering fishing clinics and providing starter kits for kids consisting of a fishing pole, tackle, and a fun-filled day of fishing lessons. There are also opportunities for lady anglers to compete and earn RLPCB club records and awards if the angler first applies to and receives a record from the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). The annual membership dues are $70; Reel Lady shirts are required to be purchased and worn at all events. A valid Florida Fishing License required.
“Reel Ladies of Panama City Beach are ladies who love to fish, laugh, socialize, educate, and meet new ladies who will encourage and support each other – and promote our mission,” says Suzy. “This is a ‘No Drama’ ladies club; if you share the same, we invite you to apply!” For more information visit ReelLadiesofPCB.com.
