Terri Talks

Last time everyone heard from me, it was the Bob Sandlin Tournament update for the Big Stringer/Screamer Bass whatever.  I’m so confused.  I had everything planned and bought for the year, from equipment, clothing, lures, maps. etc. I’d researched the WBT lakes for 2010, done my homework, and was ready to start fishing - all I needed to do was update the website and start fishing the WBT trail at Lake Wheeler in Decatur, Alabama in March, April at Sam Rayburn in Zapata, Texas, June at Lake Belton in Temple, Texas, followed by September back at the Ouachita River in West Monroe, Louisianna.  I was so excited to be going back to the Ouachita River - where I did the best of the season last year, that I called all of my friends and set everything up.  I was even hoping to be fishing on Sam Rayburn when the women had their championship in October.  So when my registration time came in November, I dutifully doled out the deposit for all four tournaments and was ready to go.

Imagine my surprise on January 6th when I got the email announcing that ESPN/BASS had cancelled the trail due to lack of participation.  It’s amazing how many ladies have been participating in starting up not one, not two, but THREE separate tournament trail entities for women, as of this date alone.  First Secret York and Cheryl Bowden came out and announced the Kentucky Lake tournament with all of the former WBT Anglers in May.  Then, Sabrina Thompson announced the IFBBA (International Federation of Black Bass Anglers) is having a WBD (Women’s Bass Division), fishing March at Lake Sandlin, April at the Arkansas River, May at Truman Lake,  and June at Lake Belton.  Today, the ALA (American Lady Anglers) announced the start of the all new, Ladies TEAM Tournament Trail, a five-fish stringer tournament where the front and the back of the boat work as a team to bring in the largest five-fish limit.  Tournament dates and lakes to be announced shortly! The WBD has a Co/Pro format, with a Buddy Tournament as their Diversity Tournament at Lake Truman. 

I’m so proud and excited I could burst.  Way to go ladies!  When lady anglers get kicked to the curb they certainly bounce back quickly!  Oh, by the way, did I mention that my own personal Bass Caddy (Rod) is, with a friend, running the team trail?  Way to go baby, thanks for the platform to get more women fishing.  Check out his website at www.AmericanLadyAnglers.com . As Rod says, “Ladies, Come Fish with Us!”

After Bruce sent out my greeting to my fellow anglers, inviting them to take a look at my fledgling website, I was very pleasantly surprised at the response from my new colleagues.  I have now concluded that the women who fish the Womens Bassmasters Trail must be about the nicest women on the planet.   I have been warmly welcomed by everyone who has emailed me.  In addition, I have been given support, advice, and encouragement from all these women.  Never before have I experienced such a genuine offering of unlimited friendship.  I am overwhelmed and grateful.  Since making the decision to join the women as they fish this year, I have been excitedly anticipating the start of the season so I could meet the women of the WBT and make new friends.  I can’t wait to meet all of these nice women who have already contacted me, along with those I haven’t had contact with yet.  I am going to be going to the Bassmaster’s Classic in Shreveport, and have heard from many of the other WBT Anglers that they will be also.  I am hoping to meet many of my colleagues at that time.  Less than a month away!  I can’t wait. 

Thank you to all of you who have emailed me.   Many have invited me to link with their websites, and being invited to do so thrills me.  I have been following everyones websites, tournament blogs and journals, and am willing to link with you one and all.  I welcome all advice, suggestions, and input, and I love hearing everyone’s stories of how they got started, and how long they have been in the sport.  I am amazed and awed at what these women have done to pave the way for someone like me to be able to live her dream.

Thank you to all of the Women of the WBT.  You’re a terrific bunch and I’m pround to be among you.

Catch two fish and blog me in the morning!

Dr. Terri Elkins, M.D.

The Fishing Doc