Mary DiVincenti's path to a Professional Angling Career

Never really having been the pink bow and baby doll type, it seemed only natural for me to follow in my Dad and brothers footsteps. This meant growing up in a home where motorcycles and racing were a way of life. That sounded like a good plan, and an enjoyable life.

I never anticipated eventually meeting a man that did nothing, but, of all things, FISH! I remember thinking after he proposed, "Great, with your love of water, and mine of dirt, we'll just make mud pies!" Little did I know that during the first year of our marriage, I'd be spending more time in a Skeeter bass boat with a big 225 hp Yamaha outboard, than I would on my dirt bike or four wheeler.

The competitive drive that was instilled in me from constantly competing with my brothers, just would not go away. I needed an outlet to prove my worthiness for my new found love, which was bass fishing. It's hard to describe my excitement when in the early 90's I learned of Bass n' Gals, a professional tour for female anglers. After fishing my first event, I was well aware I had found my calling, and went to work right away trying to secure sponsorship. Willing to do whatever was required to help feed this tournament addition I had, I developed a working relationship with Scott Graham, and Cajun Outboards (my Skeeter/Yamaha dealer). No matter if it was washing/waxing boats, answering phones, working the parts department, or greeting customers, it mattered not. Just like the dirt tracks I had rode on in years past, I was laying and packing what would become the foundation for a successful professional fishing career.

Although a win with Bass n' Gals was not to be, I was consistent enough to qualify for the championships. In the late 90's, when Bass n' Gals closed their doors, it was like a death in the family. That was until learning about the new WBFA (Women's Bass Fishing Association). Being one of the first to join the new organization, I was on the road again! It was during one of the WBFA events in 2000 that I landed a 6.52 pound smallmouth. That fish would break the ladies tournament record, and it still stands. That was a great thrill, but there was still something missing. So many years, and still no wins. It was during the 2001 season, while preparing for the WBFA Championship, that I began to wonder if I'd ever win a "big" one. After a disappointing 5th place finish in 01', and a 2nd place in 02', I finally hit it on the Red River in my own home state of Louisiana. I was the 2003 WBFA World Champion! Between the consistency, the willingness to work hard, and that title, my career was kicked into high gear.

In professional angling, one cast can change our life, just as one phone call is capable of doing the same, I'm proof of that. When Yamaha Outboards called me in 2004 confirming my spot on the Wal Mart FLW Tour, I knew things would never be the same again. Not only was I going to fish with the "big boys", but the opportunity to give back to those that had helped and supported me all those years was at hand, and I intended to seize it. It was the perfect avenue to promote my sponsors, learn from the best, and get my name "out there." Actually cashing a check the first year was just a bonus.

Just when I started thinking "it doesn't get any better than this," ESPN and BASS announced the new Women's Bassmaster Tour (WBT). There was never a second thought about following the two tours. Even though it does require a lot of time away from home and family, it also brings many rewards. The most recent being an invite from PAA (Professional Anglers Association) to complete as the only female, in the Toyota Texas Bass Classic on Lake Fork with 159 of the top names in the business. It was truly an honor and a privilege to be considered for such an event by my peers.

There is not a day that goes by that I regret exchanging the handle bars for a rod and reel. After all...I still get to run a Yamaha, it just goes on the water now, instead of the dirt.