Interview with Judy Israel – BP Pro Bass Angler

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Judy Israel a BP Pro Bass Angler who in 2004 became the first woman to win the Wal-Mart FLW tournament.   From a teacher in the Bronx, to an owner of a security alarm company, Judy has found her passion in fishing, the outdoors and believing that a female of any age can follow their dream. 

Judy’s fishing career began from the encouragement of her husband Abbie.  Abbie had been in Florida on a business trip when a group of colleagues invited him out for a day of fishing.  I should point out that Abbie arrived in a dress shirt and jacket as any businessman would on their first fishing expedition.  From a husband who truly knows his wife, Abbie knew this was something Judy would truly enjoy. 

Fishing wasn’t exactly something new to Judy.  She holds dear the memories of growing up fishing for flounder on Saturdays with her Father.   When she started fishing with her husband, she fell in love with fishing all over again and as Judy pointed out, “You never do forget fishing when you were a kid”. 

Judy and her husband Abbie, who she likes to refer to as her “Bass Caddy”, eventually packed up, moved to Florida where Judy began her fishing career.  Judy and Abbie spent a lot of time fishing and soon after she was asked to join the FLW bass tournament.   Being the only woman against 300 men, she is well deserving  of “being a pioneer for women in the fishing world.” 

Judy had to overcome a few obstacles along the way.  On her very first fishing tournament,  Judy left empty handed her first day out because she couldn’t set the hook.  This didn’t discourage her because the very next day she placed in the tournament and was rewarded her first check.  On another fishing tournament, Judy was partnered with a male who told her he wouldn’t fish with a woman.  She is one competitive, strong lady who wasn’t  going to let the likes of a male’s insecurity stop her.  The man was thrown out of the tournament and Judy found herself with another partner.

Judy’s passion for fishing doesn’t just stop there.  Judy was asked to be a part of the BP Wish to Fish Clinics and has found a way to combine her love for teaching and her love for fishing together by bringing fishing to the youths of the Boys and Girls Clubs across America.  It’s a wonderful program where Judy feels, “Our youths today need to come back to the outdoors and enjoy what nature has to offer.” 

I look forward to following Judy’s fishing career, the Wish to Fish Clinics and hearing more about Judy’s fishing tales.  She promised me she had a few we all would have a good laugh over.

Thanks to BP and Judy for allowing me such a wonderful opportunity to share her story here.  She’s strong, competitive, has paved the way for other female anglers and someone I can look up to when I join my first crappie tournament.  Is there such a thing?

Tagged as: bass fishing, BP, Fishing, judy israel, wish to fish