Casting a Line for the Future of Our Coast
The water has always been my happy place. It is where I have found peace after long days, made lifelong memories with family and friends, and discovered a passion that eventually led me to study sustainability and marine biology. Fishing has given me more than a hobby. It has given me purpose, a deeper appreciation for our coastal ecosystems, and a desire to help protect them for future generations.
That passion inspired me to create the Reel Her In Women’s and Youth Fishing Tournament through my business, Shoreline Collective, an event and marketing company dedicated to creating experiences that celebrate the Mississippi Gulf Coast while bringing people together. Reel Her In was created to connect women and girls through fishing, conservation, education, and community while inspiring the next generation to fall in love with our coastal waters.
I am proud to host this event in partnership with CCA Mississippi, our official conservation partner. CCA Mississippi shares our commitment to protecting our fisheries, educating future generations, and preserving the coastal resources that make our way of life possible. Together, we hope to inspire more people to not only enjoy our waters but to become lifelong advocates for conserving them.
This tournament is not about proving who the best angler is. It is about proving there is a place for every woman and every girl on the water.
This tournament is for the woman who has always wanted to fish but never felt like she belonged. It is for the mom who wants to create lasting memories with her daughter, the experienced angler ready to inspire the next generation, and the young girl who dreams of a future on the water. Whether that future is as a charter captain, marine biologist, conservationist, fisheries scientist, or simply someone who develops a lifelong respect for our coastal waters, Reel Her In is about opening doors, building confidence, and showing women there is a place for them in the marine world.
One of my favorite things about this event is that it welcomes everyone, regardless of experience.
Whether you have spent years fishing tournaments or you have never picked up a rod and reel, you belong here. You do not need a boat to participate either. Fish from a boat, kayak, pier, shoreline, beach, or your favorite fishing spot. We wanted to remove barriers and create an event that is truly accessible for every woman and girl who wants to experience the joy of fishing.
As someone studying sustainability and marine biology, I believe conservation starts with connection. When people fall in love with our waters, they naturally want to protect them.
My hope is that the Reel Her In Women’s and Youth Fishing Tournament inspires more women and girls not only to enjoy fishing and the outdoors, but to become the future stewards of our Gulf Coast. Whether they choose careers in marine science, conservation, fisheries, environmental education, or simply become lifelong advocates for protecting our coastal resources, every journey begins with that first cast.
Fishing has traditionally been viewed as a male dominated sport, but that story is changing. I would love to see more women becoming charter captains, marine biologists, conservation leaders, fisheries scientists, researchers, and business owners throughout the marine industry. Every woman who discovers a passion for our coastal waters helps shape the future of conservation.
Of course, there will be plenty of friendly competition throughout the day.
Anglers will compete for the Miss Reel Her In title, while younger participants will have the opportunity to earn the Junior Miss Reel Her In title. There are multiple species divisions, exciting cash payouts, custom awards, beautiful prizes, and giveaways made possible through the generosity of local businesses and sponsors who believe in our mission.
One competition I cannot wait to see is our Best Dressed Contest. I want everyone to have fun with it. Wear matching team outfits, coastal inspired attire, bright colors, fishing themed costumes, or anything that shows your personality. Get creative, laugh a little, and make memories. Fishing is about having fun, and this contest is just another way to celebrate the amazing women and girls who make this event so special.
Even if you are not fishing, I encourage you to come out and be part of the day.
Bring your family. Bring your friends. Cheer on the anglers during weigh ins from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., browse local vendors, meet conservation organizations, enjoy interactive activities, and celebrate with us during the awards ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m.
This year’s tournament will be held at The Funky Monkey Bait and Tackle in Ocean Springs, and we hope the entire community comes together to support the anglers and enjoy the family friendly atmosphere. Whether you are competing, volunteering, or simply spending the day with us, everyone is welcome.
Because September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we are also honored to welcome nonprofit organizations dedicated to mental health awareness and support. They will be on site sharing resources, raising funds for their missions, and reminding us that taking care of each other is just as important as taking care of our natural resources.
None of this would be possible without the incredible sponsors, volunteers, local businesses, community members, and partners who have rallied behind this dream. Through Shoreline Collective, my goal is to create events that strengthen our communities, support local businesses, celebrate the outdoors, and leave a lasting impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I am incredibly grateful to CCA Mississippi for partnering with us and helping bring the conservation mission of Reel Her In to life.
At the end of the day, I will not measure the success of this tournament by the number of fish weighed in.
I will measure it by the little girl smiling because she caught her very first fish.
By the mother and daughter making memories they will never forget.
By the woman who finally found the confidence to enter her first fishing tournament.
By the conversations about conservation that continue long after the trophies have been handed out.
By the friendships that begin at the weigh in stage.
By the women who leave believing they belong on the water.
That is what the Reel Her In Women’s and Youth Fishing Tournament is truly about.
It is about building a community where women feel welcomed, encouraged, and empowered. It is about introducing more families to the outdoors, creating future conservationists, and ensuring the next generation grows up with a love and respect for our Gulf Coast.
If you have ever thought about fishing but did not know where to start, this is your invitation.
If you have been fishing your entire life, come help inspire someone who is just beginning.
If you simply love our Coast and want to support something bigger than a tournament, come spend the day with us.
Together, we can celebrate our waters, strengthen our community, and inspire the next generation, one cast at a time.
Registration is now open.
Visit www.reelherin.com to register, explore tournament divisions, learn more about the event, and become part of something bigger than fishing.
Until Next Tide…
This is your Shoreline Siren, bringing you the people, places, and stories that make the Mississippi Gulf Coast one of a kind.
Want to see this adventure come to life? Follow along for behind the scenes videos, local adventures, and the incredible people who make our Coast so special.
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