The LBAA Rookie of the Year: Stephanie Hemphill-Pellerin

We were finally able to catch up with the LBAA Professional Rookie of the Year, Stephanie Hemphill-Pellerin! She is a tough lady to squeeze in because she is always fishing, and when I say that, I am being very serious. For instance, her schedule for next year? She is fishing as an MLF, Central Opens, AND LBAA professional! Aside from actual tournament days, she will be driving, practicing, researching, and in all honesty, the lady does have to sleep at some point! When it comes to catching fish, Stephanie is a threat to everyone she fishes against. She came in 4th overall in Angler of the Year points during her Rookie season with the LBAA and she also came in 34th out of 188 boats in a BFL Wildcard tournament on the boater side. She makes good, solid decisions on the water, and what's even more dangerous than that? She "grades her own paper" at the end of a tournament and identifies the mistakes she made or the little things she could have done to improve her performance. Essentially, Stephanie doesn't "put a tournament behind her." She is always learning and "upping her game." In my opinion, her talent and instincts make her good. However, her work ethic, ability to critique herself, learn, her dedication, desire, drive, and ability to self-motivate are what make her great. One thing is for certain. Stephanie is a Stick on the water that people will be chasing for a long time. She is also a wonderful role model for women in fishing and she is actively advocating for women in the sport both on Social Media and behind the scenes. As long as women of Stephanie's caliber continue to advocate for women, we will continue to progress in this sport in so many ways!