James RickardA little diversity in the Anglers' Corner
December 31st 2007 04:56
It's not every day that you use COOL and FISHING in the same sentence. Then again, it's not every day that you meet an angler like Ish Monroe.
Ish is short for "Ishama." That's how he signs his checks. "Shama" to his parents and "Ish" to anyone else. Ish is cool and Ish has style--two qualities professional angling needs to cross into the mainstream.
Growing up in San Francisco, California, Monroe followed the path of most city kids, playing football and basketball but, always loving fishing. Saltwater or fresh, lake, pond, river, or stream, it didn't matter as along as he got to fish until the day arrived when he looked at a fishing magazine and figured, "I can do that."
His mother's response was like that of many who hear an angler's aspirations, "Get a real job!"
None the less, Monroe remained focused and when his friends were hanging out after school or going to practice, he was on the water.
Some may wonder what a black guy from California is doing on tour. California isn't known for the anglers it's produced, and then--there's the Black thing--uncommon in a sport with its roots in the American South.
Until Monroe started making his mark, it had been 20 years since an Africa-American appeared in the Bassmaster Classic.
With a style more hip-hop than country, one has to wonder how Monroe fits in with the good old boys.
Let's just say that he's "different." Perhaps the old schoolers grit their teeth when Monroe shows up for tournaments with his hat turned sideways. You don't often see 24" rims on a truck but it's that kind of diversity the sport needs to gain public acceptance.
If television exposure is any indication of success, Monroe has made his presence felt in that arena also. His fishing tips program, YO ISH!, just finished its first run on ESPN2.
TV, tournament wins, and personal appearances. Ish Monroe is doing his part to ensure the diversity of competitive fishing.
Ish is short for "Ishama." That's how he signs his checks. "Shama" to his parents and "Ish" to anyone else. Ish is cool and Ish has style--two qualities professional angling needs to cross into the mainstream.
Growing up in San Francisco, California, Monroe followed the path of most city kids, playing football and basketball but, always loving fishing. Saltwater or fresh, lake, pond, river, or stream, it didn't matter as along as he got to fish until the day arrived when he looked at a fishing magazine and figured, "I can do that."
His mother's response was like that of many who hear an angler's aspirations, "Get a real job!"
None the less, Monroe remained focused and when his friends were hanging out after school or going to practice, he was on the water.
Some may wonder what a black guy from California is doing on tour. California isn't known for the anglers it's produced, and then--there's the Black thing--uncommon in a sport with its roots in the American South.
Until Monroe started making his mark, it had been 20 years since an Africa-American appeared in the Bassmaster Classic.
With a style more hip-hop than country, one has to wonder how Monroe fits in with the good old boys.
Let's just say that he's "different." Perhaps the old schoolers grit their teeth when Monroe shows up for tournaments with his hat turned sideways. You don't often see 24" rims on a truck but it's that kind of diversity the sport needs to gain public acceptance.
If television exposure is any indication of success, Monroe has made his presence felt in that arena also. His fishing tips program, YO ISH!, just finished its first run on ESPN2.
TV, tournament wins, and personal appearances. Ish Monroe is doing his part to ensure the diversity of competitive fishing.
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
*image from blackvoices.com
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