Women on the Water: Jean McElroy
What’s your name, where are you from, what do you do for a living, and where do you currently live?
I'm Jean McElroy and I was born and raised in Northern Palm Beach County in Southeast Florida. I currently reside in Tequesta, FL where I work in the fishing industry. Seriously, pinch me!
How long have you been on the Old Town Pro Staff?
I've been a part of the Johnson Outdoors team since around 2010. It's been a wild ride watching what would seem like the simple concept of fishing from a kayak become an amazing hobby, competitive sport, and the creation of an entire specialized industry just for us!
How did you get into kayak fishing, and how long have you been doing it?
It was an accident really. Sometime around maybe 2003, I brought a fishing pole along for an overnight kayak camping trip with friends on a river in Florida, ironically called Fisheating Creek. My thought process was fishing when we landed at our campsite. Who knew that I would take a cast at a disturbance in the water and that would be the beginning of something amazing? I did get the lure stuck a few times and struggled to fight the current and the tree obstacles to get back one of the few pieces of tackle I brought.
What is your favorite thing about kayak fishing?
My kayak is my little world that I can just chill out on and enjoy life. Every day brings something new...excitement, peace, adrenaline, friendships, places to explore, wildlife to see, and lots of fish hopefully.
What is your favorite species to target, and why?
I love targeting snook! Those big girls are hard fighters that will give you a serious run. When I'm pedaling or paddling along peacefully enjoying the scenery, and suddenly a HUGE boil scares the heck out of me, it's usually a big snook I spooked in the dark tannic river where I enjoy fishing. (Thankfully, it wasn't all alligators like I originally thought years ago, haha. Live and learn!)
What is your kayak of choice and how have you customized it?
My favorite kayak would be the BigWater PDL 132. Honestly, I haven't felt the need to do much regarding customizing except for adding a fish finder. I feel like this setup fits me perfectly and there is a place or mount already there for everything I use.
What is one place you haven’t fished that’s on your bucket list?
"My name is Jean and I'm a Google Earth addict." I spend a lot of time dreaming about new places to explore in my home state of Florida. However recently, Corpus Christ area in Texas has been calling my name for a visit. Who couldn't use big redfish and beautiful seagrass in our life? I do dream of kayak fishing with my friend Annie out in Northern California. Salt or freshwater... it doesn't matter. Just looking for the adventure!
If you could give any advice to someone who is starting to kayak fish, what would it be?
Jump in the kayak with the bare necessities when getting started just to keep things simple. Not much more than one or two rods a small tackle pack and some pliers, and your states required gear (lifejacket, whistle, license, etc). No pressure, just get out and have a good time!
What’s one goal or accomplishment you would like to achieve in 2021?
2020 was a rough year for many... I just want to get out and spend quality time with family and friends on and off the water. A tournament or two are certainly calling out to me. Let's see what the year brings!
What do you think is special and unique about who you are and how you fish?
I have two fishing personalities...
- Relaxing and fun day on the water, catching fish, hanging with friends, and taking in the scenery
- Tournament style - focused, dedicated, competition, "I can win" attitude, challenging myself, intense, hardcore, non-stop
Blend those together and bam....You just have me, Irishjean.
Do you have any advice for women looking to get into kayak fishing?
Don't hesitate to head over to your local kayak shop and ask questions. Kayak fishing is for everybody. There are no boundaries... now go fishing!