Hillary Holman is a passionate angler and advocate for the fishing community, with roots in the Pacific Northwest that trace back to her childhood.
We recently caught up with Hillary at the Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show, and asked her about her passion for fishing and her commitment to promoting the sport.
She reflected on her roots and how her upbringing in a small town in Washington shaped her view on fishing and its importance in her life. "I started out fishing in the southern Puget Sound. I lived in a town called Home, Washington," she recalled. "We didn't have a grocery store, so fishing was how we ate. When I was hungry, I went out and fished." Gig Harbor, where Hillary later moved, has always been known as a fishing town, but the commercialization of the area and the decline of the fishing industry led Hillary and Rob to take action.
"We decided to do a couple of community events to get reintegrated into the fishing community," Hillary shared. Trying to reconnect with the fishing network.
The work of Rob and Hillary and Michael Carey has paid off, as Northwest Fishing has become a staple in the fishing community, helping others discover and engage in the sport. Hillary’s passion for fishing goes beyond her work with Northwest Fishing; it's a way of life that she deeply believes in. "Our right to sustenance through sport fishing is critical," she said. "Fishing is about more than just recreation. It’s about feeding ourselves, sustaining our families, and keeping a tradition alive for the next generation."
One of Hillary's fondest memories is the time spent fishing with her father in their little John boat in the Puget Sound. "We grew up fishing Mack’s Lures Wedding Rings," she recalled with a smile. "It wasn’t just a tool; it became a symbol of my childhood and the fishing culture I cherish. Every time I see that wedding ring in my tackle box, it brings back those beautiful memories."
Her journey in the fishing world hasn't been without challenges. "I’ve seen some pushback, especially as a woman," Hillary admitted. "I've encountered situations where I wasn't allowed to fish on the boat." Despite these obstacles, Hillary is encouraged seeing more women guides stepping up and earning recognition through results. Seeing women becoming successful in the field is outstanding and is something Hillary sees as a positive for the sport.
My hope for the evolution of fishing is to empower young women to know their abilities and not feel limited by their gender," Hillary explained. "We need to teach kids, especially young girls, how to be confident and successful in this sport. That’s how we’ll ensure fishing remains a part of our culture.
Hillary has used her platform to encourage fishing equipment that works for women anglers. "Poorly made gear is a major problem for women anglers," she noted. "I've been working with manufacturers to design better, more functional gear for women. Last year, I field-tested some new pants from GH Gunders, and this year, we’ll be releasing new leggings that I’m proud to wear and confident in."
Hillary’s advocacy also extends to practical issues on the water. "One challenge for women on boats is the bathroom situation," she shared. "It's a controversial subject, but I’ve found that bringing a smaller bucket instead of a big five-gallon one can make a huge difference. It’s more discreet, more manageable, and gives you confidence."
Her advice for anyone looking to improve their fishing skills is simple: Endurance is key. Don’t quit just because you’re not successful one day. Even if you only practice for 10 minutes a day, those small improvements will add up and make a difference in your fishing game."
In addition to being an advocate for fishing, Hillary Holman is a true champion of the sport who inspires others to embrace the outdoor lifestyle through her work in the media, her involvement in the community, and her personal experiences. Hillary continues to take the lead in protecting the customs she loves and making sure that future generations can have the same experiences she has, whether it is by sharing her knowledge, establishing a network of women fishermen, or designing cutting-edge equipment.
Hillary notes that fishing provides a range of mental and physical health benefits, such as stress relief and connection with nature that is important for people of all ages to experience. Having lived a life spend in the outdoors, Hillary encourages everyone to get out on the water with a guide or a knoweldgeable angler to learn the thrill of reeling in a fish for themselves.
Her work with Northwest Fishing and her partnership with Mack’s Lures, showcases her lifelong dedication to the fishing community and her desire to see the sport thrive for years to come. For Hillary, fishing is more than just a pastime—it’s a tradition, a way of life, and a cause she’ll continue to support for the rest of her life.
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