By Emily Reed. Emily Reed is an editorial pen name used by Sonar Shield.
Women starting bass fishing deserve useful instruction and examples of anglers making their own place in the sport. Anastasia Patterson is one to know. B.A.S.S. names her among its 2026 BassmastHER ambassadors and identifies her as a founding member of Presbyterian College’s bass fishing team. B.A.S.S.’s January 14, 2026 team introduction supplies that background.
A lesson that travels beyond tournament fishing
In Walker Smith’s July 30, 2025 B.A.S.S. profile, Patterson discusses patience, kindness toward herself and the risk of carrying a difficult first day into the next. Her account is a reminder that learning continues even for competitive anglers. This article draws on published reporting; it is not an interview conducted by Sonar Shield or a new tournament-result announcement.
A manageable plan for your next trip
The following exercise is Sonar Shield’s suggestion, not a set of instructions attributed to Patterson. It works whether you are learning from the bank, a boat or a fishing kayak.
- Choose one skill you can describe. Replace “get better” with something observable: place a cast beside a safe target, tie a familiar knot neatly or find a particular menu on your fish finder.
- Choose a practice setting with fewer distractions. Work on casting where you have room and permission. Learn electronics controls while safely stationary, with the equipment’s instructions nearby. On the water, conditions and safe boat handling take priority.
- Keep a two-line note. After the session, write what you tried and what you would change next time. A useful observation counts even on a day without a catch.
- Ask one specific question. Tell a trusted fishing partner or group what happened. “My cast lands left when I rush” is easier to help with than “I’m terrible at this.”
Make the first kayak outing simpler
If kayak fishing is new to you, learning the craft is its own task. Practice boarding, handling and your safety routine before adding an ambitious fishing plan. A properly fitted personal flotation device, suitable conditions and an appropriate local paddling lesson are more useful starting points than copying another angler’s entire electronics setup.
When you are ready to add equipment, test whether you can reach it comfortably and keep your working area clear. A larger display is not automatically the right answer for every cockpit. Choose around your own boat, mobility and intended use.
Find people who make learning easier
Explore B.A.S.S.’s BassmastHER coverage for women’s fishing stories and program information. Check the current event details before making plans. A local club, instructor or experienced friend can also help you choose a realistic next step.
Who made your first days of fishing feel welcoming? Share the lesson that helped you keep going.
Explore Sonar Shield gear
For readers building their own electronics setup, these are general Sonar Shield accessories to explore. No product use, sponsorship or endorsement by Anastasia Patterson is implied.
Fishing Graph Cover Strap
Help retain your display cover during travel and storage. Review Single, Twin and XL options and confirm fit for your equipment.
Fish finder visors
Browse by your exact display model for shade around the screen while you fish. Model and generation matter; a screen size alone does not establish compatibility.
See the store for current prices, options and availability. These links do not imply universal compatibility.
Image: AI-created editorial still life, not Patterson’s equipment or a photograph of her. Profile sources are linked above; the practice routine is Sonar Shield editorial advice.