Born to Fish: A Q&A with BOTE’s Fishing Ambassadors

Fishing is more than just a sport for BOTE’s ambassadors—it’s a lifelong calling, a passion that’s deeply woven into their lives. Whether it’s battling snook in tight mangrove creeks, stalking bonefish on the flats of Andros Island, or exploring rivers for that perfect catch, these anglers were born to fish. In this Q&A, we take a closer look at the personal journeys and unique experiences of five BOTE fishing ambassadors: Drew Chicone, Skye Bailey, Kayla Lockhart, Gabrielle Barnes, and Eric Goodson. They share their stories, fishing memories, and insights on what makes fishing an essential part of who they are – Fischers.

DREW, HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A FISHERMAN?

My earliest memory is sitting at the end of our dock with my father. I couldn’t have been much more than 4 or 5 years old, but I can vividly remember watching intently, hoping, praying, willing that red and white bobber to disappear beneath the surface. Fishing has always been more than just catching fish. It’s about the whole experience — the anticipation, the preparation, and the time spent with loved ones. My dad passed down invaluable life lessons, and now, as a father myself, I get just as much joy watching my daughter catch fish.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF FISHING? WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CATCH?

Saltwater sight fishing is my absolute favorite. While I’m a bonefish fanatic, snook are my true obsession, especially the big ones hiding in hard-to-reach places. There’s something about casting through mangroves and threading the needle that makes it all so challenging and rewarding.

My biggest catch? It’s a tough choice, but it’s tied between a 40.25″ snook and a 34 lb. permit. Both took years of effort, but the reward made it all worth it.

SKYE, WHAT’s The first fish you shot? What is your FAVORITE FISH to shoot?

The first fish I speared was an Amberjack – which if you know your fish – you know they put up one hell of a fight! Luckily, I stoned it (even thought I didn’t know what that meant at the time). But, targeting cobra on the oil rigs off the coast of Louisiana will always be one of the most adrenaline-fueled fights in spearfishing. I like to bring a pole spear into the mix for a little extra challenge.

THE DISCIPLINE OF FREEDIVING AND ITS ACCOMPANYING BREATHING EXERCISES HAVE BECOME PART OF MY EVERYDAY LIFE, BRINGING A DEEP SENSE OF CALM. AS A RESULT, BEING UNDERWATER HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY MOST PEACEFUL AND GROUNDING PLACE.

WHAT AGE DID YOU START FISHING? What was your first catch?

I started fishing as soon as I could walk, spending summer days on the lake in Minnesota with my dad and grandpa. That was the initial spark. Fast forward to my adulthood, and I picked up a fly rod, eventually working in the fishing industry for the past decade.

Largemouth Bass was my first & it’s still one of my favorites to catch. They’re aggressive, honest fish, and you can catch them in so many ways — streamers, poppers, dry flies, spoons — you name it!

So, tell us Kayla, What is your best fishing story?

I was tarpon fishing in Holbox, Mexico, and hooked into a 150+ lb. tarpon. I got so seasick; I ended up puking all over myself — and the guide! After 45 minutes of struggle, the rod broke in my face, and I thought I’d lost the fish. But my incredible guide managed to trap the fish at the same time the rod snapped. It was wild!

GABBY, WHAT DOES FISHING MEAN TO YOU?

For me, fishing is about presence. I started fishing at 5 years old with my pop. Back when I was in high school, my dad and I would fish on party boats. One time, I was given the small rod and ended up catching a ton of Mingo snappers while my dad didn’t catch a thing. After two hours of fishing, he finally let me switch rods, and in less than a minute, I hooked the biggest gag grouper of my life. Fishing is about being in the moment and tuning into the world around you. Sight fishing, in particular, requires total focus, and that’s exactly what I need — a break from the noise and a chance to connect with nature.

I had been defeated by the fly, time and time again, but after a half-day with a Bahamian guide, I went back to the water, applied everything I had learned, and hooked my first bonefish on the very first cast. It was a moment of pure triumph.

What was your first ever catch & What was your favorite catch?

The first fish I caught was a bluegill, or bream, as we called them in the country. Without a doubt, river fishing is my favorite type of fishing. I love the challenge of navigating a river, working with the current, and the unique fish you find along the way. My personal best was a shoal bass, which I hooked right at the boat. The visual eat was incredible!

How has fishing impacted your life, ERIC?

Fishing gives me the opportunity to explore places most people never get to see. It’s also about enjoying time outside, seeing wildlife, and finding those hidden gems. There’s something incredibly special about the places fishing takes me.

One time, my friends and I found this amazing river on Google Maps. It looked perfect — until we realized it was covered in fallen trees. After porting over 15 trees and dragging our kayaks through mud, we finally caught one small fish each. Definitely one of the more memorable, though not the most productive, trips.

For Fischers, it’s more than just a sport — it’s a lifelong journey shaped by their experiences on the water. Whether they’re hunting for bonefish on the flats, battling snook in tight mangroves, or exploring rivers off the beaten path, these BOTE ambassadors are truly born to fish. Their stories remind us that fishing is about more than the catch — it’s about connection, adventure, and being fully present in nature.