How’d You Meet Your Angler? – Kayla Jocumsen

When the landscape of Idaho meets the outback of Australia, that’s about the most unlikely connection of two souls. Yes, Carl and Kayla Jocumsen hail from opposite ends of the globe, but they were made for each other.

It’s a good thing that Kayla didn’t “fear her heart.” Instead, she sent that good luck message, one of the good impacts social media has had and wow, what a story it created.

HPFC: Can you share the story of how you and your husband first crossed paths?

Kayla Jocumsen: Because Carl and I are from two completely separate parts of the world our one in a million chance of meeting was a good luck message I sent him through social media. We were destined to fall in love and I’m so glad we took that chance.  

HPFC: What were your initial impressions or your husband when you first met him?

Kayla Jocumsen: My initial impression was, “He talks funny and I like it,” haha. Truly we just connected from day one. After spending the week together I quit my full time job and moved from Idaho to be on the road with him full time. 

HPFC: Did you know anything about fishing when you first met?

Kayla Jocumsen: I had very little knowledge about the sport of bass fishing but I have a relative, Brandon Palaniuk, who Carl competes with and against, so I’ve been close to it. I’ve always had a passion for the water and the outdoors since I was a kid.  

HPFC: What, if anything, did you know about professional bass fishing before you met?

Kayla Jocumsen: Some people know I have a cousin who fishes on the Elites with Carl. I knew Brandon fished professionally but had no idea of what that entailed. Growing up in Idaho is a long way away from the bass fishing culture in the south.

HPFC: Was there a specific moment or event that made you realize your feelings were more than just friendship?

Kayla Jocumsen: The first week we spent together he went above and beyond to take care of me and make me feel special. Ten years later he still does the same thing every day! 

HPFC: How long have you been married?

Kayla Jocumsen: It’ll be 5 years this year!

HPFC: What doubts might you have had with him going on tour and how did you overcome them?

Kayla Jocumsen: Carl had been competing in professional tournaments his whole life in Australia. When we met he had just qualified for his first year on the Bassmaster Elites. The only doubts I had were about us being apart. We made the decision to travel together as a family and navigate this game as a team. 

HPFC: What if any challenges or obstacles did you have to work through?

Kayla Jocumsen: Every season of life has brought us new obstacles. Through our ten years together we’ve encountered endless adversities (visas, green cards, finances, living in the back of a truck, cheap hotels, kicked out of Elites -- you name it, we’ve seen it). Through that adversity we’ve started Fear My Heart LLC, built up an incredible team of supporters, started a family, and continued to grow in many other ways! Communication will always be the best way to overcome any situation life will bring to you! 

HPFC: How do you manage the frequent separation and limited time together that affects many pro anglers’ families?

Kayla Jocumsen: This was something that we personally wanted to avoid. To keep us together on the road we’ve traveled in a camper for seven years. For the 2024 season we’ve upgraded to the RV life and momma will be towing the fifth wheel! Whoohoo!

HPFC: Are there any activities or special events that you and your husband enjoy doing when you are together after he has been gone all season?

Kayla Jocumsen: Once the season is over we make a special effort to spend time with our family and friends. Because we are on the road so much it’s not easy to stay in touch, you have to make a conscious effort! We also try to visit Carl’s family in Australia every other year. This year we will be spending all of November there!

HPFC: Do you have any pet peeves about him?

Kayla Jocumsen: How patient my husband is!!

HPFC: What do you think your husband’s pet peeves are of you?

Kayla Jocumsen: My impatience! 😊

HPFC: What are your retirement plans?

Kayla Jocumsen: Because we travel so much for work, someday we’d love to buy a nice chunk of land, start homesteading and stay in one place for a while!

HPFC: What is something off the wall that no one knows about the two of you.

Kayla Jocumsen: Carl, me, and our daughter are all O-blood type! I hear that’s super rare!