Fishing is in her Blood

When you first meet Barbara Evans, you'll be struck by how much energy she channels into her petite five-foot frame. Her journey to where she is today is remarkable, and her enthusiasm is instantly contagious. Engaging in conversation with Barbara, it's hard not to be swept up by her positive outlook and the determination she has invested in becoming a part of the world around her. Her passion and drive are evident from the very beginning, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she meets.

I have known Barbara Evans since 1986, the year I first bought property on Marco Island. For longtime residents, Barbara was a familiar sight, rollerblading around the island with enthusiasm. She has always been deeply committed to health and fitness, dedicating herself to an active lifestyle. Unfortunately, Barbara now finds that this part of her life has been put on hold. The increase in traffic, along with the prevalence of electric bikes and scooters on Marco Island’s roadways—which were once much calmer—has made it more difficult for her to continue enjoying rollerblading as she once did.

I would guess you’d have to say her love of the water, boats, and the sport fishing industry runs very deep in her DNA, going all the way back to her great-grandmother, who was born in 1869 and loved to fish. For Christmas in 1949, at the age of 80, she told her husband, Thomas, that all she wanted was a new rod and reel to celebrate the milestone, so she could continue her love of fishing!

Barbara’s grandfather, George Evans, and his wife Hilda, were responsible for introducing her to the water, as she would spend a great deal of her time with them on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. It was along the Chesapeake Bay that her grandfather kept his boat and where Barbara’s father and mother first introduced her to sailing on a small catamaran-style vessel when she was only six years old, as well as to fishing with her grandmother and grandfather along the Chesapeake shoreline. Barbara would become the fourth generation of women in her family to answer the call of the sea.

Evans graduated at 17 years old from her high school in Towson, Maryland. As part of her studies there, she learned the art of barbering in one of the many classes she took. That skill would help fund her lifestyle while she works over the next two years. She would also take on numerous other jobs, especially if they had something to do with the water and casting a line while living down at the shore during summers. During that time, she would become fascinated by the tales from other friends who would spend summers on the Chesapeake, escaping the biting cold winds of the northeast as they migrated south to the Florida Keys to find work.

It would take Evans about two years to scrape enough money together to finance the purchase of a suitable van that would be converted into her rolling home on wheels. She would spend winters in the Keys working various jobs from teaching sailing lessons to crewing on boats, cutting hair, and waiting tables, before moving back up to the Chesapeake Bay area for the summer season. Her goal would be to eventually captain her own boat and fish for a living.

Having done that for a few years, Evans listened to friends tell her about this new place on the west coast of Florida, as it seemed to be on the verge of making a name for itself. That place, of course, was Marco Island. Evans, being the adventurous soul that she is, would venture across U.S. 41 and never look back.

Evans seized her first local opportunity by running a small vendor operation at Tigertail Beach. She managed the rental of entry-level sailboats for the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department, a role that allowed her to become familiar with the newest community in Collier County. Throughout her initial year on Marco Island, Barbara gained valuable experience and insight into the area, laying the foundation for her future endeavors on the island.

Her growing reputation and proficiency eventually led to a unique position: Evans was invited to captain a pleasure boat for a part-time resident during the winter season. In this role, she expertly navigated the vessel, enabling the owner to entertain guests and enjoy the waters, relying on Barbara’s seasoned skills and steady leadership to ensure a memorable and safe excursion. Eventually, she would move that vessel down to Duck Key, after the gentleman decided that it would provide him with more opportunities for better fishing,

In the early days, she would also help crew one of the first boats that traveled down to Key West and back to Marco, allowing her to gain more experience and time on larger vessels. Evans would take a significant step in her maritime career by obtaining her Coast Guard Captain’s License, qualifying her to operate vessels up to 100 tons.

This achievement allowed her to put her angling expertise to practical use, launching her first charter services. These early ventures not only showcased her skills as an angler and navigator but also opened new opportunities for her on the water, a place that was difficult in the early years for women who desired more opportunities to follow their dreams and make a living on the open waters.

Evans has been all over the world, chasing game fish tournaments, sometimes as an angler, a crew member, or assisting with the International Game Fish Tournament organization as a certification observer. Many of these tournaments occur in the Caribbean, off the Carolina and Mid-Atlantic Coast, as well as Central and South America. When asked what type of game fish were preferred for these tournaments, she would joke, “anything with a bill,” which includes swordfish, sailfish, marlin, and spearfish as the game fish of competitive sport-fishing professionals. For the most part, Evans prefers the warmer climates but will venture this summer up to the Outer Banks to fish herself in an event held up there.

One such tournament, which was held in Pescadores in Costa Rica, was an “all-female” event, which Evans was proud to have participated in. Her team placed in the top three out of more than 50 boats during that outing.

When not fishing, Evans donates a great deal of time in volunteering for groups that introduce women to the world of fishing. One such group is the “Ladies, Lets Go Fishing” organization, which is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded by Betty Bauman. On her webpage, Bauman points out that they have offered over 9,000 women affordable instruction for over 27 years since incorporation.

On a recent Saturday, Evans invited me to attend a special event in Naples: the “Heels and Reels” fishing event, sponsored by the Freedom Waters Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This gathering provided young ladies with an opportunity to experience fishing firsthand, while pairing them with skilled female mentors who guided and supported them throughout the day. The event was designed to foster confidence, teach new skills, and build lasting connections among participants, all within a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere.

The Naples Boat Club graciously hosted the group at its clubhouse facility, located on picturesque Naples Bay. Upon arrival, the participants gathered for a brief introduction and a comprehensive safety briefing, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and prepared for the day’s activities. Following this orientation, as many as 25 boats and their captains welcomed the attendees aboard their crafts, creating an inviting and friendly environment. The young participants were joined by their mothers and female instructors, fostering a supportive atmosphere as they embarked on their boating adventure together.

The event was a great success as witnessed by the smiles and enthusiasm of its participants, as they sprinted off their assigned craft and back into the clubhouse to share their three-hour adventure with other young ladies. The event’s participants were addressed by Deborah Hanson, who is the Community Outreach Director for the Freedom Waters Foundation, who explained the goals of the Foundation and the work they do to assist young men, women, veterans, and those at risk within our community.

Needless to say, Barbra Evans is more than just a talented angler, boat captain, and community activist. She has grown to be a respected member among her peers in the organizations she belongs to, and among those who share her love of the sea, while serving as a guardian of that wonderful asset that covers over 71% of our earth’s surface. A fourth generation of women in her family, who went down to the sea and fell in love with it

If you see Evans out on her Grady White around the island, you’ll notice her boat proudly displays the name “Pirate Princess.” This vessel is an extension of her maritime legacy, reflecting both her adventurous spirit and her dedication to the craft. Whether she’s navigating local waters or preparing for her next tournament, the Pirate Princess stands as a testament to Evans’s reputation as an accomplished captain and angler. Her presence on the water is recognized and respected throughout the community, and her boat serves as a symbol of her lifelong connection to the sea.