Age: 35
Occupation: Waitress
How Long Bass Fishing: All my life
How Started Bass Fishing: My parents got me started in the sport
Career Dream: To not only be a Women's Bassmaster Tour champion but also an Elite Series champion
Favorite Bass Water: Toledo Bend Reservoir, Texas/La.
Big Bass: 9-pound largemouth from a private lake in Baker, Fla., on a buzzbait
Favorite Fishing Technique or Style: Finesse fishing
Sponsors: Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassfeed.com, Life According to Booger, Xtremeglove, Americangirl Army
As an angler, I feel blessed to be able to follow my dreams of fishing on a professional level with a tour as spectacular and organized as the Women's Bassmaster Tour. But following my dream just wasn't enough. I not only wanted to be seen on the water and on stage at events, I also wanted to be heard. I wanted the opportunity to use my voice to talk about something I am as passionate about as I am fishing and that is our active duty military and veterans.
Every time I hit the water and go fishing or drive across country to fish an event, I know I have this freedom because of our men and women in uniform. They sacrifice so much for me and this country, I felt I needed to do something to recognize and give back to them. My dad, Samuel Whitstine, is a disabled Vietnam veteran, and my sister, Carla Whitstine, is a Gulf War veteran as is my ex husband.
In 2006, I designed a boat wrap to do just that — honor our military and veterans. At that time, it was simply a dream. I could not afford to have the $5,000 wrap applied. But I wasn't going to let that keep me from making it happen. I got on the phone and internet and starting contacting companies that did boat wraps. I told them my story and asked if they wanted to jump on board and support our military. I was fortunate to have several companies offer me a discount, but on a waitress' salary, it still was out of my reach.
Finally, I shot out one last e-mail for the day and prepared to get up the next day and start the process all over again. When I awoke the next morning and checked my email, Liquid Wraps out of Phoenix, Ariz., wanted to talk with me and learn more about my goals and wanted to do whatever it took to make them a reality. At that moment the tears began to pour, and I was shaking as I reached for the phone.
My dream was becoming a reality. Liquid Wraps jumped on board and donated the $5,000 wrap! My next obstacle was getting 3,700 miles round trip to Phoenix, Ariz. I called my sponsor Arctic Outdoors and they immediately offered to help me with anything I needed and paid for the entire trip there and back, including hotel, gas and food costs.
I made the trip in September 2006. There were some obstacles. We had two blow outs, a speeding ticket, got robbed, our truck was damaged and there were a few more unfortunate events, but once it was over it was all worthwhile.
I have had several sponsors add their logo to the boat to help support me in getting it out on the water: Mustang Survival, BIA, Rockpile Lures and Eagle Claw. I also teamed up with the Armed Forces Veterans Home Foundation to help bring donations and awareness to the organization.
Whether I am at the gas pump, in a parade or simply launching the boat, the reactions are all the same. I have had veterans, active military and retired military come up and shake my hand and tell me thank you. But I tell them the thanks go to them. People pull alongside me on the interstate and give me a thumbs up.
So when you see me on tour, without saying a word, you will hear my voice. And it is saying, "Thank you!" Pass on the message to all our military and veterans. When I am on the water following my dream of fishing this tour, I am complete, and the world will know I am an American girl who is full of American pride.
Boat wrap ... $5,000
Trip to Arizona ... $2,700
Broken glass window ... $450
Opportunity to follow my dream ... Priceless!
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