Sophomore Gabi Frye caught the biggest fish of her life in the summer of 2016.

“I was 13 when I caught a 50-inch mahi-mahi,” Frye said. “I was so excited and proud.” 

Frye has been fishing her whole life. She started at a young age and has continued doing it through her teenage years. 

“I really love it,” Frye said. “It’s an adrenaline rush and very rewarding.”  

Frye pushes through the sunburns and blisters for the feeling she gets when she catches a fish. 

“It makes me feel accomplished,” Frye said. “It’s so exciting — especially when it’s hard.” 

While the satisfied feeling of catching a fish may be one of the reasons she goes fishing, family also plays a role. 

“It’s a way to get closer to the people I love,” Frye said. “Like my dad, we go together a lot.” 

Frye’s father had  taught her to fish when she was just 2 years old. 

“I was fishing before I was walking,” Fyre said. “I’ve done it my whole life.”