We sat down with professional angler and DiamondBack Ambassador Moe Newman to discuss growing up on the water fishing alongside her mom and how it shaped not only her childhood, but her life today.

Q: What are some of your fondest memories from childhood?

A: Some of my favorite memories revolve around the water. Every weekend after school in Mississippi we’d head east. We’d make a quick grocery stop, or sometimes grab Popeyes chicken, and head to Grandpa’s camp in Long Beach. Our weekends were about family, fishing, and just being together on the water.

Q: What role did fishing play in your childhood?

A: Fishing was everything! Saturdays were for dropping our lines straight to the bottom with double sparkle beetles and racing to see who could fill the bucket first with white trout. It wasn’t just about catching fish. It was about the joy, the laughter, and even the funny memories, like burying fish carcasses in the backyard after a long day on the water.

Q: How did your mom influence your love for fishing?

A: My mom was a powerhouse on the water. She always caught the first fish, the most fish, and the biggest fish. Watching her handle her catch—slapping a speckled trout against her chest, dehooking it, tossing it in the cooler, and baiting her hook again—was amazing. She hated being out-fished, and she usually wasn’t!

Q: What did growing up with a strong mother teach you?

A: It showed me that strength, confidence, and competitiveness aren’t limited by gender. I grew up watching my mom consistently out-fish everyone, including my dad. She taught me that women can dominate in any space, even in places traditionally seen as male-dominated.

Q: When did you start taking a bigger role in these family fishing trips?

A: When I turned sixteen, I started driving the boat. I became the captain of “Fun Fishing Fridays.” If you missed a Friday of fishing in the summer, it was a huge deal. Mom would be furious! So every Friday, while Dad was at work, I’d take Mom out fishing. It was just the two of us, making memories and strengthening our bond.

Q: Did your family experience influence how you view your profession?

A: They have a huge impact. Today, I get to take women—moms, daughters, friends—out on the water. I encourage them, help them, and remind them that they are strong and capable. Just like my mom taught me, I want every woman to know that she can carve out her own place, and that having someone supportive by your side can make all the difference.

Q: How did your mom shape who you are today?

A: I owe her everything—my career, my love for fishing, and my belief that being a strong woman means standing tall, competing fiercely, and having fun along the way. She’s the reason I know that you can be a woman in this world and still kick your dad’s butt!