Bless Your Heart – How Southern Belle Jennifer Maguire Fell for the Salt Life

Salt Life stickers are everywhere, even in landlocked places like Tennessee, Missouri and even Wisconsin where there isn’t any saltwater for miles. I occasionally fish in the salt, and I’ve learned to love and rely upon their clothing for ladies.

What I even like more is that the Salt Life team is loaded with talented lady anglers, including Jennifer Maguire -- Southern Belle as she calls herself -- who was nice enough to discuss her background and her passion for fishing. Here is her story in her own words:

HPFC: Who is Jennifer Maguire?

Jennifer: I am a Christian, adventurer, mother, friend, and daughter. I explore all bodies of water while raising two incredible children. I am the supervisor at a very successful coffee shop in my hometown. Whenever I have any extra time, you will find me fishing.

 HPFC: You live in East Texas, the heart of big bass country – was that your introduction to fishing?

Jennifer: Fishing has always been a big part of my raising. My father, born and raised in Corpus Christi, always encouraged us (my brother and me) to go fishing. We moved to East Texas when I was very young and my father started bass and crappie fishing in these waters and very quickly fell in love with it. It wasn't until I was in my twenties that I started tournament fishing with my father on lakes in East Texas. When he suffered a hand injury, I ventured off on my own. I started kayak fishing for bass all around East Texas and I quickly became addicted to the tug.

HPFC: How did you transition into other types of angling?

Jennifer: Bass will always have my heart, but I believe being born by the ocean, salt life always calls my name. I absolutely love how incredibly strong saltwater fish are and how many crazy species you can catch. For the last two years, I started fly fishing and river fishing, and it has opened a whole new world for me. I’m now fishing with hooks the size of a grain of rice! I’m laying a fishing line down just slow enough to not spook the fish, but still being very precise. The river is a new playground I’m enjoying exploring.

HPFC: What are some things outside of that realm you’ve enjoyed?

Jennifer: I love exploring and traveling, I also love cooking and gardening. Panama has been incredible to learn about new cultures and see the way people live in other countries. In my travels, I'm always looking to see what ingredients they are using and how locals prepare different meals. Wildlife always has my attention as well; when I'm in nature, it is so hard to come back to civilization.

HPFC: What are some other things you’d like to try?

Jennifer: I’m always looking for a new way to fish: ice fishing, kite fishing, trolling, and spearfishing are just a few of the different methods I’m interested in trying one day. I enjoy learning the ins and outs of different techniques—I don’t like just being handed them. 

HPFC: Have you had trouble developing women role models or partners in the sport?

Jennifer: I have had great support from women in the fishing industry! I have been just fortunate to fish with some of the best out there. It is a beautiful thing.

HPFC: What advice would you give other women to get involved?

Jennifer: I always tell women to be patient with themselves. Learning to go after a specific species of fish takes time. There are so many different techniques when it comes to fishing, but there is a great company of women out there that would love to help you get into the sport.

HPFC: You have two young children – what steps have you taken (or will you take) to introduce them to fishing?

Jennifer: Both of my children, Emma (9) and Barrett (7), love fishing. I take them as often as our schedule will allow. Emma loves bass fishing while her brother loves crappie. They started bluegill fishing as soon as they could hold a rod and reel. My family has ponds full of hungry bluegill, and it makes my heart smile so big when I hear “I GOT ONE!!!”

HPFC: You call your page “Southern Belle Fishing” – Where does the name come from? What does it mean to you?

Jennifer: Southern Belle Fishing really comes from the way I talk and being from the South. We say, “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am,” “y’all,” and “bless your heart.” I have never met a stranger and I welcome everyone. I don’t have anything bad to say and always encourage people in the fishing industry. 

HPFC: You’re very involved in the kayak fishing world. What are the challenges and advantages of fishing from that sort of craft?

Jennifer: I absolutely love kayak fishing! I don’t use a motor but I do use a pedal kayak. I like this because it’s nothing but me getting to the spot and landing the fish. I have a small working place, and to do well, it matters what I have and where I have it. When I get on the lake, I usually look at maps and apps to figure out where I need to go. With kayaking, you are so close to the water, you see so much more wildlife than in a boat. The best way I can explain it -- it’s like taking a hike through the woods versus a side-by-side. You will cover more ground with a motor, but only see some wildlife right before you scare it. When you are walking through the woods, you can stop and admire your surroundings more. That is how I feel in a kayak.

HPFC: I saw you fishing out of a kayak in Panama (one of our favorite places). What was that experience like? What were your most memorable catches?

Jennifer: Panama is epic, it’s just extreme fishing the whole time. Kayaking in the open ocean is tough because you have so much more going on than on lakes. Between the current, swell, waves, tide, rocks, and everything, you have to be on your game. I have caught several species out of a kayak at Los Buzos, Panama; I’ve caught everything from jacks, snappers, sharks, and now my most recent 40 pound almaco jack.

Let me tell you, that fish was insane. I was going after roosterfish (which is still on my most-wanted list in Panama). I caught a bonita and quickly moved it over to my live bait rod and dropped it down over a reef. It only took 5 minutes, and then I was hooked onto the BIGGEST FISH I have ever caught from a kayak. This fish was pulling me out to sea! I tried to crank on the reel and nothing happened. I couldn’t believe the power, this fish had pulled me and my kayak. This fish fought so hard, but I wasn’t going to let it get the better of me. I finally reeled that monster in, and my boyfriend helped me set it in my lap. It was huge! I can't wait to experience that again.

HPFC: What are some other places that are on your short-term or long-term agenda?

Jennifer: Right now, I plan to head back to Panama in April. I hope to reel in that roosterfish that still haunts me and I want to do some fly fishing for mahi. I hope over the next year I can grow my brand more and travel to some new places.

HPFC: What are your other fishing goals for the future?

Jennifer: My number one dream trip is Montana, I want to stand in the rivers of Montana with mountains around me. I only want the sound of the rushing river, the beat of my heart, and a tight line in my hand. I have dreamed about this trip since I was a little girl. I'm not sure when it will happen, but one day…

HPFC: What’s your most-worn Salt Life product in general? 

Jennifer: I was a fan of Salt Life clothes before becoming part of the team. I’m a true angler but I’m a girl too! I love that we have super cute, lightweight shirts for fishing, as well as bathing suits, everyday wear, and cute dresses for the cantina.

HPFC: Which Salt Life products helped you in Panama?

Jennifer: Our performance line is critical for fishing. I wear the long sleeves and leggings from our Salt Life performance line almost every time I'm on the water. I never forget our polarized sunglasses—it’s something I will literally drive back home for! Oh, and I can't forget my good ole Salt Life hat.