At the A.C. Boat Show this winter I had the pleasure of sitting in on a “how to” seminar by Bass Pro Shops’ staffer Ericka Johns, an engaging and dynamic speaker who has fished all over the world, from night diving the waters of Guam for lobsters to tackling blacktips and goliaths on rod and reel in the Caribbean. “Kid you not, Jersey is up there in my favorites,” Ericka told me when I later asked her to sit down for Profiles in Angling spotlight. Ericka was also working on a few articles for The Fisherman, but because of what could best be called a “pothole in a long road” of unexplained health issues that affecting her brain and spinal chord, Ericka’s articles have been a bit sidetracked this summer. As she battles through a series invasive surgical procedures and “healing for my next big catch” as she put it, we thought it might help by bringing the story to Ericka this first time out!
JH: Do you remember the very first fish you ever caught?
EJ: I do remember one of my very first keepers, which was caught on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. My father set up an easy kids rig: a hook, a bobber and a bloodworm. After not getting any bites I was goofing around with my sisters and I told them I was going to catch a fish with my huge wad of Bubble Yum! Sure enough I casted and hauled in a huge summer flounder and no one could believe it! I was the happiest little five year old in the world. Flounder fishing still remains one of my favorite fish to target!
JH: There are some lady anglers I know who’ve had to deal with a little bit of chauvinism in the ranks, which they typically respond to by seriously out fishing their male counterparts. Has this been something you’ve dealt with?
EJ: Very funny question! My fly-fishing mentor Mark always messes with guys at Bass Pro Shops and says, “You can’t go fishing with her, she will catch all the fish!” This always puts a huge smile on my face. I have had some hard times however. I have got a ‘hooting and hollering’ out surf or jetty fishing being a young girl by herself fishing. Even offshore I’ve heard men a time or two messing with me on their radios. But once they see me breaking out my fly rod or reeling in fish they soon find out I’m no joke. Sometimes at seminars at expos I can come across a few chauvinists as well. At these events, I typically have at least one serious angler who has probably been fishing longer than I have been alive. They look at me with there arms crossed, thinking there is not one thing I could teach him. By the end of the seminar, I watch their eyes light up and really get into the discussion. I like to think their attitude changes once they realize I genuinely love the sport and I care about my fellow anglers catching more quality and quantity of fish!
JH: You’ve been battling some serious health issues lately; I have to say, personally, you’re one of the toughest people I’ve ever met. What’s the prognosis?
EJ: Thank you Fisherman Magazine for all your support during this hard time and all the support from the fishing community! My prognosis is unknown at this point. After conquering eight brain surgeries, 10 plus procedures, and Lyme’s disease since the age of 15, I can tell you I have such a passion for life! I am now suffering with three cysts on my spine, leaking cerebral spinal fluid and screws loose in my skull. So yes, I have screws loose and I sprung a leak! If my body does not fix itself within a month, I’m going back under the knife X2 (twice more). I’m doing the best I possibly can, trying to stay positive and schedule fishing trips for when I am healed with some great people. My neurosurgeon already knows what my number one question is: when can I get back to fishing?
JH: Do you think being a hunter/angler has that helped in the fight?
EJ: Absolutely, hunting and fishing gave me that reason to push through. It helped me get up on those early mornings for those bittersweet catches or harvests. My illnesses have made me appreciate every little thing in life, every person, every interaction, every fish I’m able to catch. My antidote to my pain has always been fishing. Every person goes through trials and tribulations in life and its how you overcome it. That’s what defines you. My goal today is to get as many women, children and even men into fishing and hunting as possible and to share the passion!
JH: Any other sportfishing projects lined up for the future?
EJ: I’m working with some amazing companies and hoping to start filming hunting and fishing once I am better! I’m in the process of working on a television series called “Cooking Wild” with Robert Gourley. We will be filming a fluke-fishing trip with JoeBaggs tackle and ice fishing trophy northern pike trip with Ridgeview Resort. I’m also working closely with Ibass360, Woodsnwaves and Yobuck! I am focusing on growing my YouTube channel by professionally filming my Bass Pro Shops Seminars as well.
JH: Bucket list fish?
EJ: Catching a tarpon on a fly! Ice fishing for a trophy musky or catching a beautiful sailfish. Oh, and a 10-foot-plus sturgeon.
