FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2025
Media Contact
Cat Kaiser
Golden State Salmon Association
cat@goldenstatesalmon.org
Women Take the Helm: GSSA Hosts All-Ladies Salmon Fishing Trip off Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay, CA — The Golden State Salmon Association (GSSA) proudly hosted its second All-Ladies Salmon Fishing Trip of the year on Saturday, September 6, departing from Half Moon Bay aboard the New Captain Pete. Led by the incredible Captain Melynda Dodds and her all-female crew (even the boat dog is a girl), the trip brought together 21 women for a full day of connection, laughter, and time on the ocean.
With such a limited salmon season this year, GSSA is especially thankful to have made two of these trips happen. The first outing in June was a huge success, with strong fishing and high energy throughout the day. While the September trip saw slower fishing, it was still packed with everything that makes these events special, including a full-blown whale show, a spontaneous dance party on deck, and an undeniable sense of camaraderie and joy. Fishermen and women from the other thousands of boats on the water couldn’t help but take notice as the New Captain Pete revealed a bow, then a rail, then a deck filled entirely with women. With cheers echoing across the fleet each time a fish came over the rail, it was clear the ladies were having the most fun on the ocean even during the slow bite periods.
“These trips are about so much more than catching fish,” said Cat Kaiser, Vice President of Operations and Engagement at GSSA. “They’re about creating a space where women feel welcome, empowered, and supported on the water. Whether it’s someone’s first time fishing or they’ve been doing it for years, everyone leaves feeling part of something bigger.”
Part of GSSA’s ongoing Fish Like a Girl series, these events are designed to bring more women into the world of fishing and inspire the next generation of anglers and industry leaders. GSSA is committed to continuing this work every day, both on the water and off, to ensure more opportunities like this exist in the future.
Golden State Salmon Association (www.goldenstatesalmon.org) is a coalition of salmon advocates that includes commercial and recreational salmon fishermen and women, businesses, restaurants, native tribes, environmentalists, elected officials, families, and communities that rely on salmon. GSSA’s mission is to restore California salmon for their economic, recreational, commercial, environmental, cultural, and health values.
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