![img_0.1583774612908481.jpg](https://images.ecency.com/DQmV3cAiPAyJx1nCsm5dBbgKuaWtmvU5YJH7CKkYbuyBrF2/img_0.1583774612908481.jpg)

Extreme Fishing Africa's Lady Angler  is Michelle Soekoe! 🎣🐟

Michelle lives and breathes the ocean🦈 and is living every 'fisherman's dream'!. This Lady Angler has chosen a life where she can do what she loves in every aspect of her life and has achieved in a  Big way🏆

![img_0.30441415248127873.jpg](https://images.ecency.com/DQmYfDmd2yCbgSMRyPNnHZBGbzESkJ8Hsat9ZVYuiXZdxJ8/img_0.30441415248127873.jpg)


Brief fishing history in her own words:

Hi Neo, 
Thank you for the opportunity. More importantly, thank you for all you are doing for ladies angling!

My name is Michelle and, in a nutshell, I am a self-certified beach bum, a dedicated marine scientist, a passionate conservationist, AND an angler.


![img_0.5134556140502757.jpg](https://images.ecency.com/DQmRpLoVKQkGcYRdZcd9adLpMKccyzLkDATi1vWD6PCS3BP/img_0.5134556140502757.jpg)

How did I get hooked? I started to dabble in rock and surf angling in 2011. I loathed (because “hate” is a strong word) that I had to rely on others to catch specimens for my PhD. So, after incessantly pestering the real anglers, I was finally loaned some tackle and put on bait catching duty. This was probably an attempt to shut me up, but that backfired! I soon graduated to reeling in bigger fish, after which, there was no turning back! 
I started fishing competitively in 2015. After doing my time (we must fish three nationals before nominating for President colours), I selected to represent my country at the Gus, 2018. I was fortunate to be part of incredible team of strong, talented, and highly entertaining women. A team that knew how to have an absolute blast, and make history doing it. The SA ladies finished in the top three, the only women’s team to be awarded the prestigious galjoen pin. I placed 1st in the lady’s division and 4th overall. The highest-ranking female in the history of the tournament. The stuff dreams are made of!
What do I do? Not only do I fish for sport and for fun, I also fish for work. I am the founding director of Reel Science Co. An NPO aimed at forming and maintaining a coalition between anglers and scientists to protect, conserve and educate. Truly blessed with the best life!

![img_0.5149918702107918.jpg](https://images.ecency.com/DQmef9AXT5QXmuVmNKdqZiLHfNLUfxm5RYTcWzKBBNHNZh2/img_0.5149918702107918.jpg)

What do I strive for? Responsibility… Catch and release? Absolutely! But also respect in the form of responsible fish handling. It all goes hand in hand to ensure that our recreationally caught fish have the best chance to swim off strong, healthy, and able to reproduce and fight another day. 
What you need to know? We all have those bad days (or weeks/months)! Keep the positive vibes flying high (even during the worst of those mombaks streaks). Never lose the love (show those wind and FG knots who’s boss). Hold onto the passion (especially when your hooks pull on that trophy fish). Do not lose sight of the beauty that is Mother Nature (when you are left “watching TV”, at least it is the nature channel). 
Push hard, love what you do, always have fun and be the mentor you wish you had!


![img_0.12254450749514069.jpg](https://images.ecency.com/DQma9enRchfFmELw3HmLztb34ZE7dACVp2iArUQLxn5CScf/img_0.12254450749514069.jpg)


Well done Michelle I am very honored to be able to feature you on Extreme Fishing Africa as a Lady Angler and a legend 🎣😎

Extreme Fishing Africa is proud to be the first Lady Angler only feature done by woman for woman fishing our African waters ❤️

If you are a avid Lady Angler that would like to be featured or  would like to nominate someone please Dm us directly or email us at extremefishingafrica@gmail.com

Link to the original post:
https://www.facebook.com/1039304319465872/posts/3703277576401853/

#schoolofminnows #extremefishingafrica #ladyanglers #women #fishing #steem-fishing #silverblogger