How’d You Meet Your Angler? Taren and Lee Livesay

Pete initially wanted to work with Texas pro Lee Livesay because of Lee’s incredible skill catching and landing huge fish. I immediately liked his wife Taren because we both have red hair – but I knew there was more of a story than that, and I wanted to figure it out. Fortunately, Taren was ready to spill the beans about how they met and the details of their life together. Here she is in her own words:

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

Taren Livesay: Junior High. I was in 7th grade and he was in 8th grade. Lee moved to a neighboring school district to play football but we grew up knowing the same people and never running into each other again until our late twenties.

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

Taren Livesay: He’s tall, he’s shy, and he’s obsessed with fishing. Probably in the opposite order to be honest. When we actually got to know ach other later in life my impression didn’t change. He wasn’t as shy but he was taller and more obsessed with fishing!

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

Taren Livesay: Actually yes, my dad and I would go fishing together and when Lee and I hung out for the first time in 2014 we were actually on a guide trip together with Lee.

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

Taren Livesay: I knew it was extremely difficult to make it. I grew up in East Texas and that’s where the bass dream is BIG. Some small towns have their GW heroes and some have their Lee Livesays.

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

Taren Livesay: The moment we spent time together we were not going to not see each other after that. That part was always easy! The rest of it had been a RIDE!

HPFC: How long have you been married?

Taren Livesay: Three years on September 11, 2024.

HPFC: When you met was he already fishing professionally or did he have another job?

Taren Livesay: When we met Lee was guiding 320 days a year. He lived in a rented trailer across the street from the Minnow Bucket. He qualified for the Elites after we had been dating for four years.

HPFC: How did the two of you come to terms with him going out and living his dream?

Taren Livesay:  I already owned my own business when we met and I was fully prepared to support us if I needed to. He would never let that happen but we both agree it makes a difference when you aren’t fishing to live. It’s a mental thing. I think you have to just fish. Thankfully we haven’t had to worry about him having a bad year yet. We are always ready to sacrifice for it! I don’t want to be married to Lee if he can’t fish!!!! lol

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

Taren Livesay: Never a single doubt. Ever.

HPFC: How do you manage the frequent separation and limited time together due to his on the road schedule?

Taren Livesay: We both agree that if we didn’t have to be apart we wouldn’t be near as close or appreciate the time we have together. Basically, it’s what makes it work! He’s not built to be at home every day and I’m built to be alone sometimes.

HPFC: How do you adjust when your husband returns home after being away for weeks at a time practicing or from competitions?

Taren Livesay:  It’s an adjustment! When he gets back we’re all excited and then we have to get used to him being here again, lol!

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?

Taren Livesay: We love fishing together. We like going to football games and concerts!

HPFC: Do you have any pet peeves?

Taren Livesay: Plenty! Lol

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

Taren Livesay: When I don’t like something he cooks.

HPFC: What are your retirement plans?

Taren Livesay: We are both self-employed so we don’t talk about it! Lol

HPFC: Something off the wall that no one knows about the two of you.

Taren Livesay: Neither one of us has a tattoo.