While Julia Davis may be the first full-time female pro walleye angler, there is another woman making waves in the RCL – co-angler Jackie Perry of Milaca, Minn. The 2002 season was her first effort at fishing an entire circuit, and she showed what she was made of by finishing in the No. 12 spot in the co-angler-of-the-year rankings and finishing as high as sixth at the Lake Winnebago event.
“My dream since I was a kid has been to be a pro angler,” Perry said. “I work for Crystal Pierz Marine in Brainerd, Minn., one of the biggest Ranger, Crestliner and Lund dealers in Minnesota, so I am around the business all the time.”
Perry believes in taking her time to get things right. That is why, despite her excellent walleye-fishing skills, she is holding back from a move into the pro ranks. She is also hoping to gain a little more experience behind the wheel of a walleye boat before making the leap from co-angler to pro.
No matter where she is, or what challenges await her, Perry can count on her family for support. Her parents are excited about her prospects in the world of walleye-tournament fishing. In fact, her mom, Shirley, is her traveling partner on the RCL Walleye Circuit.
“She gets really excited every morning (at takeoff),” Perry said. “It is great having her with me, traveling all over fishing for walleyes. I think you really need the support of your family to be successful as a tournament angler at any level.”