On June 27, 2024, one bright young female angler will win the title of Ms. Reel Lady Panama City Beach, becoming the next Community Ambassador of fishing and fishing events taking place all over Bay County, FL. The Reel Lady PCB Pageant is being held at this year’s Bay Point Billfish Open, taking place at Point South Marina at Bay Point (baypointbillfishopen.com) on the stage during the Thursday evening Ladies Night Concert With all Female Lineup, starting at 7:30 p.m. To apply for the Pageant, and to view Pageant rules and details, please visit reelladiessportfishing.com.
In 2013, local Panama City Beach resident Suzy Nichols created Reel Ladies of Panama City Beach (later named Reel Ladies Sportfishing to allow nonresident ladies the opportunity to participate) as a means of encouraging more women to fish. The club was made official in 2018 and launched in June 2021. “We are a diverse group of ladies who enjoy fishing, boating and the great outdoors,” says Suzy. “We all share the passion to promote and educate sustainable fishing with special attention to encouraging other ladies to give fishing a try.” Nichols’ mission of empowering women is a component of the Pageant, which will award the winner an academic scholarship for furthering her education.
Nichols is also passionate about promoting conservation and sustainable fishing through education. The club connects 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. “We’re all about inspiring outdoor activities and encouraging children to get outside and get online with a fish,” says Suzy. “Let’s get kids off their devices and out fishing and boating!” she says. For more information on Reel Ladies Sportfishing and the Ms. Reel Lady PCB Pageant, visit reelladiessportfishing.com.
