EDITOR’S NOTE: THEIR STORY: Ashley Rae Presented by Toyota is part three of a four-part series on women who have created inspiring paths through the world of bass fishing.

In late 2020, Canadian angler Ashley Rae was faced with a life change and a decision: continue to seek the 9-to-5, Monday-through-Friday corporate schedule to make a living, or take a leap of faith and pursue fishing as a full-time job?

Rae leapt.

After more than 10 years of gradually building her website www.SheLovesToFish.com and carving out a nice side hustle on the weekend, holidays and after work as a writer, video editor and public speaker, Rae dove headfirst into the world of GoPros, editing apps and talking to the camera when a change in her full-time employment provided her the final coaxing that she needed. Nearly five years and countless days on the water (and at the keyboard) later, Rae beams with joy when she’s talking about SheLovesToFish.com and the experiences and relationships the fishing world has provided her.

“It didn’t come about how I expected,” she admits. “It was that moment of crossroads where I had a decision: Go back to the corporate world or take a leap and be able to go all in (on fishing). It’s been honestly incredible.

“There are so many ways you can get involved in the fishing community. One of the most amazing things about the sport is that you can dive in and get really involved or just enjoy the basics. Everyone’s welcome.”

Rae will compete Nov. 7-9 in her third Toyota Series Championship, on Alabama’s Wheeler Lake. Rae was the top-finishing co-angler in the International Division in 2023.