Women on the Water: Katie Backa
What’s your name, where are you from, what do you do for a living, and where do you currently live?
My name is Katie Backa, and I’m originally from the great Steel City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! I am an artist, writer, and content creator. I design, code, and maintain websites - including www.FishLikeAKat.com. I currently live in Little Elm, Texas.
How long have you been on the Old Town Pro Staff?
I became part of the Old Town family in December of 2019.
How did you get into kayak fishing, and how long have you been doing it?
I got into kayak fishing in 2017, frankly because I was tired of being stuck on the bank!
What is your favorite thing about fishing tournaments?
Hands down, the camaraderie! Don’t get me wrong, I’m incredibly competitive, and I LOVE cashing checks - but spending time with friends, doing what we love, and geeking out about it without any weird looks or unnecessary commentary, is the best part of tournament day.
What is your favorite non-bass species to target, and why?
Trout. I grew up chasing trout in the rivers and creeks of western Pennsylvania, so it’s something that always reminds me of the good old days - not to mention, the scenery back home is incredible.
What is your kayak of choice and how have you customized it?
I rock a red Predator PDL with pride!! I customized it by installing an electrical system with my Humminbird Helix 9 fish finder, two pivoting spotlights on the bow, side running lights for safety, interior lighting to help see my gear when it’s still dark out, and auxiliary power outlets in case my phone needs charging. The entire system is controlled by a rocker panel with red lights to match the kayak. I also have a bunch of decals all over my boat, two fabric cup holders on the front of my seat to hold my phone, pliers, and terminal tackle, and a YakGear YakSack hanging on the bottom bar of my chair, full of all the little miscellaneous things I might need on the water. Most recently, I also added a Navarre scupper measuring board holder to keep my board standing up on its side and out of the way when I’m not measuring a fish - which is great if you like to stand up on your boat. You can watch and learn how I installed all of the electrical components here.
What is one place you haven’t fished that’s on your bucket list?
I’ve heard pretty awesome things about the Devils River in Texas.
If you could give any advice to someone who is starting to kayak fish, what would it be?
You don’t need to buy every toy on the market to have a great day on the water. All of the extra equipment is awesome, but what makes your time on the water enjoyable is the overall experience. I’ve had some of my greatest catches on days where I carried one tackle box and two rods. But wearing a PFD is an absolute must - and personally, I prefer not to go out on the water alone. You don’t have to fish on top of each other, but having someone within earshot is always a good idea.
What’s one goal or accomplishment you would like to achieve in 2021?
Placing in a national tournament event, and catching a new PB (personal best) would be pretty freakin’ epic!
What do you think is special and unique about who you are and how you fish?
I feel like what makes me unique is a combination of my personality, laidback nature, tenacity, and creativity. When I hit the water, I’m soaking in the outdoors - the air, the sun, the sounds, the wildlife - it’s my happy place. After I get home, I love documenting my trips with photos, stories, artwork, articles, and everything in between. When it comes to fishing, I enjoy doing things the way it works for me, rather than worrying if I’ll look weird to other anglers. I tend to think outside of the box, reimagining gear, rigs, lures, and using things totally differently than most people. Fun fact: I tie the same reliable, old school fishing knot for everything I throw!
Do you have any advice for women looking to get into kayak fishing?
When you’re looking for a kayak, go to a demo day at your local shop, and get the one that fits YOU the best - not the one a bunch of random people on the internet told you to buy. Whether you’re still on dry land, getting ready to launch, or when you’re out on the water, trust your gut if the situation gets dicey or seems unsafe. Always be aware of your surroundings, the weather, and the way out if something were to happen. But whether you’re hitting the water alone or with others, remember that you’re much stronger than you give yourself credit for!
