When it comes to showcasing the lady anglers of our sport, everybody knows GAFF chopped that trail. Unless you are completely new to this publication, you are well aware we give the women who play a part in this wonderful game equal time in our arena. Therefore, it should be no surprise to discover that once we heard Sheli Sanders would be the new host of television's most exciting fishing tournament, we had to shoot on over to Boca Grande, Florida, to meet her. During some of her down time, we had the opportunity to do a little fishing together, and here's what we learned.
Sheli Sanders began her angling pursuits back in the Lonestar State under the tutelage of her father. He carefully instilled in her the subtle techniques that served him over his years of stalking largemouth bass as a professional. Her brother, too, went pro for a while, so it's easy to see how she could become immersed in the sport. It's unlikely, however, that either knew she was developing the fundamentals to become an expert saltwater angler and one of the most recognizable fishing show hosts on television.
After graduating from Armstrong State University in Savannah, Georgia, Sheli's desire to fish in the big pond for larger challenges finally drew her to Florida. "Bliss, to me, is living on the water on a west-facing coast, so I can always watch the sunset and fish everyday." She told us.
After her relocation, Sheli's saltwater skills gained momentum and she began fishing local inshore tournaments whenever she could.
"I grew up with boys, so I'm competitive and I love a challenge. Fishing tournaments? Perfect! Competitive AND challenging! Game on!" She said, playfully.
Her angling reputation swelled as she began entering high-stakes inshore tournaments against the big boys. But it exploded when she entered, and won, the prestigious Mercury Grand Slam in Tampa. She was the only female angler in the entire event and bested fishing legends Stu Apte and Roland Martin, not to mention all of the top inshore anglers from the Tampa area. The victory earned her a spot at the IGFA Inshore World Championship.
As passionate as she is about fishing, Sheli still finds the time to juggle her intense career as the host of two television shows, including of course, the Professional Tarpon Tournament Series filmed in Boca Grande Pass and airing on Sun Sports and The World Fishing Network. As a natural performer with a knack for ad-libbing, Sheli was the perfect pick for the position. "I absolutely love the thrill of fishing for tarpon. Everything from the fight they put up, to the many different ways to fish for them." She pointed out.
Sheli's professional resume is even more impressive than her fishing accomplishments. With 20 years of acting experience, she has appeared on the big screen, the small screen, the stage, and in over 500 commercials. Joe Mercurio, founder of the PTTS, knew he had a winner when she agreed to join the team.
"I can't think of a more qualified person to join our crew than Sheli. She is a great personality, and her fishing knowledge far exceeds that of most veteran anglers I know." Said Mercurio.
While pitching live bait along the Cayo Costa State Park shoreline, just south of the Pass, this professional woman with such an extraordinary array of achievements, laughed and slipped down to our level, almost, while continuing to tell her story.
"I'll rig my own rod and bait my own hook. But, I don't mind playing the 'girl card' every now and then to get out of retying broken-off rigs when the bite is on... or cleaning fish."
Watch Sheli host the wildest, most action-packed fishing show on the air - the Miller High Life Professional Tarpon Tournament Series. For show times, please visit: www.tarponanglersclub.com.
Posted
08-13-2009 1:43 PM
by
GAFF Mag Issue Jul-Aug 2009