Central Florida kayaker Wendy Biles with a spotted seatrout.
September 02, 2024
By Florida Sportsman
Interview by Steve Dougherty Like many seeking refuge during the uncertainties of the pandemic, Wendy Biles found solace and accessibility in kayak fishing amid COVID closures. Unknowingly embarking on a life-changing journey, Wendy also inspired others to explore kayak fishing as a safe and fulfilling outdoor activity.
Q: When did you start fishing? A : I grew up fishing with my dad in Virginia. All my life I have fished from a boat. Now, our family has a bass boat that my 16-year-old competes out of for the Bassmaster High School Series with my husband as his captain.
Q: Do you enjoy tournament fishing? A: If there’s any way to compete in something that I have a passion for, then I want in. I was a marshal for a couple of years with FLW trying to learn how the guys on the bass boats conduct themselves and see what it would be like to be a co-angler. I was about to pull the trigger to start fishing as a co-angler when COVID hit.
Q: What was your first experience fishing on a kayak? A : Even though boat ramps were shut down during COVID, having a kayak meant finding places to launch. At first, I bought a very basic plastic kayak that I fished from for an entire year. It had the most uncomfortable seat in the world, and I have a herniated disc in my back. As I was researching kayaks knowing I wanted to eventually upgrade, my brother bought himself an Old Town Sportsman pedal drive. One trip alongside him in that kayak and I placed my order for the same one that night.
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Q: What kayak do you currently fish out of? A : Both of my kayaks are pedal drives. I have the Sportsman 106; it’s 10 feet, 6 inches. I also have the Sportsman 120, which is a 12-footer. I’m a fitness trainer, so I love the exercise. But even though the pedal drive seems like exercise, they are so efficient and they are so easy to pedal. The seat is comfortable, and the kayak is sturdy; I can easily stand up and fish.
A : I’m on three trails in Florida—Bassmaster Kayak Series, Florida Kayak Bass Trail, and Kayak Bass Fishing. I’ve had a few top 10 finishes and secured two Big Bass wins, one of which was a 10.2-pounder that landed me on the cover of the FWC’s Freshwater Fishing Regulations magazine.
Q: Do you like to saltwater fish? A : Being in Central Florida, we’re pretty close to the coast. When I’m not fishing bass tournaments, a lot of times I’ll take off to Mosquito Lagoon or Ponce Inlet. My brother is really into saltwater fishing, so we’ll get after the reds, snook and tarpon.
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Q: Female participation in fishing has been steadily growing over the past decade. Have you seen that translate to the tournaments as well? A : It’s slowly starting to happen across the country. From the outset, it was clear that kayak fishing, like many other forms of fishing, is predominantly pursued by males. I don’t mind, I am so thankful that my dad and brother shared their love and skills of fishing with me.
Q: Do you have any recommendations for women looking to get involved in kayak fishing? A : There’s a group called the Women’s Fishing Federation (WFF). It’s all about getting women on the water, building that awesome camaraderie and friendship that we all love and need. Through their conferences we learn and share about safety on the water, and basic fishing techniques for kayak, boat, and bank fishing. We’re really trying to promote women to just get out there and enjoy it and have fun. You don’t have to wait for your boyfriend or your husband or whoever to take you. You can go out there and do it on your own. Just be safe about it. Especially if you’re in a kayak. Make sure you have your PFD on, whistle handy, things like that.
Q: What’s your bucket list fishing destination? A : I would love to visit Panama. I enjoy hiking and camping , so combining the adventure aspect with a fishing trip would be fantastic. I have a couple of friends who have traveled to Panama to kayak fish, and it’s definitely at the top of my list.
A : Well, I have a tournament tomorrow on Lake Toho. It was a tough decision because my son also has a tournament, and I usually go with them. However, I’m currently high in the AOY points in my other club, so I need to fish tomorrow. Just a typical weekend for us—we’re a fishing family.
This article was featured in Kayak Fishing Fun in the June 2024 issue of Florida Sportsman. Click to subscribe .
