AS SEEN IN THE FALL 2003 ISSUE

When it comes to tournament fishing, the ‘Beastie Girls’ from Miami, are proof positive that women can be formidable adversaries in the predominately male world of competitive offshore fishing. These three women, whose team name came from the fact that they fish on The Beast, a 27’ tournament equipped World Class Cat, have had to fight more than just fish to prove that they have what it takes to be winners. The male teams that these ladies compete against learned the hard way that the ‘Beastie Girls’ can outplay, outlast and out fish their opposition more times than they care to admit.

The ‘Beastie Girls’ shown here (left-right):
Sharon Barlett,Amy Barlett, and Sharon Scott (LB)

The team was established in 1997, when the former all male team disbanded. Sharon Barlett, wife of Capt. Jim Barlett who owns and operates ‘The Beast’ came up with the idea to form an all-female team. The idea was met with some reservation, although everyone agreed that the tenacious drive and fishing abilities of the women would make an awesome combination. The original team consisted of three members anchored by Sharon Barlett along with Sharon Scott (referred to as LB due to the obvious confusion caused by having two Sharons on one boat). A few changes have been made through the years, but the current team which now includes Amy Barlett, is definitely the ultimate “fishing combination”. Sharon and LB are in their 40’s, and Amy is in her late 20’s, all are well-known for their pit bull ability at fishing as well as keeping the tournament kick off parties going strong all night long.

They truly have a great time on and off the water. All three women are business owners. “Sharon Barlett, my wife, is the mother of four grown children and two grandchildren. She owns a deli and catering business. Sharon is a breast cancer survivor of four years, and although she has undergone a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, and chemotherapy, she has fished through it all” says Jim. She found that being out on the water challenging her body and mind through fishing has made her recovery a little faster and a little smoother. The peace and serenity of the ocean has helped her escape the reality of the hectic world surrounding us. Sharon is the mediator of the group. She keeps a level head during adversity. Of course, she has to since she goes home with the Captain!

Sharon Scott (LB) is the mother of three children and the grandmother of one. She owns and solely operates a thriving lawn service. She loves all outdoor activities such as biking, kayaking, camping, and horseback riding. LB is the loudest member of the team, and is well known for throwing off our male competition by yelling some very colorful remarks. From what I have gathered, LB is also the team member who most often butts heads with the Captain. “I often retreat to the tower to contemplate my revenge. Our love/hate relationship stems from us both having the same birth date” mentions Jim. This leaves few dull moments on the boat!

Amy, the youngest teammate is a part-time bartender and also owns a house-keeping service. Amy is the shortest (and youngest) member of the team and is often lovingly referred to as “Mini Beast”. She never argues with the captain and seems to take things in stride.

When the team was formed, they were met by a lot of skepticism from their competitors. At first, they were bombarded with remarks like, are you crazy? A boat full of women? No way! At the first few events, these same men had a first hand opportunity to replace their laughs with envy. They soon began to realize that having a boat full of attractive women wasn’t such a bad idea. Especially a boat full of attractive woman who could fish! The competitors quickly realized that these women could handle all the elements, catch big fish, and gracefully handle all the snide little comments. On more occasions than one, rough conditions kept the macho guys sitting at the dock while the ‘Beastie Girls’ were out there answering the call. Capt. Jim proudly points out that he can honestly say he has never had a team that was more determined.

“I began to see the fringe benefits of having an all female team when I started to give them pointers and direction. The women never second-guess my knowledge and there are never any egos getting in the way. The women are always eager to learn, and learn they do.”

Of course, life on ‘The Beast’ is not always fun and games. Learning to fish with a boat full of women while being a typical testosterone laden man has not been easy. The laughter runs rampant, but on occasion, the Martian and the Venusians do battle. No one ever seems to win, but the points do seem to get across.

This all female team has worked together for several years now and has formed into one of the most competitive teams in south Florida. The ‘Beastie Girls’ finished up the 2002 season by taking 10 honors in the last 3 tournaments fished. No other team is more rule abiding and honest than the ‘Beastie Girls’. The girls tell me a few jeers and accusations of cheating buzz around each time they take a place on the leader board. But what do you expect, how could a group of beautiful women out fish us men?

Captain Jim Barlett and the ‘Beastie Girls’ can be reached at (305) 233-9996 or by visiting their web site at www.BeastCharters.com

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