BD is happy to introduce Virginia Salvador as our next BD Fishin’ Chick. Check out her story and passion for fishing.
BD: Where do you live?
Virginia Salvador: I have been blessed to live in Northern and Southern California, Hawaii, as well as many other states in this great nation. Currently I am living in the San Francisco Bay Area.
BD: What is your occupation?
Virginia Salvador: I work in the medical field in hemodialysis. I am also the West coast editor and traveling angler/blogger for FloridaFishermen.com.
BD: What are your other hobbies?
Virginia Salvador: I spend a minimum of one day per week on the water satisfying my need for Vitamin Sea. When I’m not fishing, I enjoy being a mom, hunting, crabbing, camping, hiking, snowboarding and gourmet cooking.
BD: Who or what got you into fishing?
Virginia Salvador: At a very young age, I was introduced to fishing by a female angler who was my mother’s best friend Bonnie. She used to take my three brothers and I float tubing for bass near Lake Berryessa, California.
BD: How long have you been fishing?
Virginia Salvador: I have fished throughout my life but began fishing more frequently approximately two years ago. After moving back to Northern California, I began sturgeon fishing with my best friend Gary and it was love at first bite. I got what the locals call “sturgeon fever” and began fishing several times per week with my sturgeon team.
BD: What types of fishing have you done and where?
Virginia Salvador: Some of my favorite fishing destinations to date are Hawaii, Florida, and Aruba fishing for marlin, tuna, mahi mahi, tarpon, amberjack, grouper, and peacock bass. In California, I fish for whatever I have the opportunity to catch.
I don’t go fishing to escape my life, I go fishing to live my life!
BD: What is your favorite kind of fishing so far?
Virginia Salvador: My absolute favorite is fishing for white sturgeon. It has been a life changing experience working the deck with Captain Zack Medinas of Gatecrasher Fishing Adventures. There is something magical about catching an 8-foot tail-walking giant that is capable of thriving in our saltwater bays, delta, and fresh water rivers. My objective is to bring awareness to this prehistoric fish and promote catch and release for white sturgeon.
BD: What are future goals or plans pertaining to fishing?
Virginia Salvador: Whether it is salt, brackish or freshwater I’m eager to learn it all. My passion for fishing is insatiable and I have no plans of slowing down. Thank you Accurate Reels, Angler’s Outfitter (AOF), and Florida Fishermen for supporting me on this journey.
BD: What parts of fishing do you like the most?
Virginia Salvador: I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry and as a scientist; I am obsessed with the science of fishing and the thrill of the hunt. Every time I’m on the water with a rod in my hand, I’m learning, practicing, and improving. My equally favorite part of fishing is teaching my sons everything I learn along the way.
BD: What are some proud moments for you in your fishing experience?
Virginia Salvador: One of my most proud moments in fishing is getting the opportunity to fish with my team in the Catch and Release Diamond Classic Sturgeon Derby, becoming one of the first female anglers to place in over a decade. On that day, I caught one of my biggest sturgeons to date and it was a fight I’ll never forget.
BD: What other “aspects of you” would you like to portray if any?
Virginia Salvador: Lastly, I’d like to thank BD Outdoors for selecting me and I appreciate this opportunity. My future plans are to continue to use my platform to spread the message of conservation. I hope others respect the resource by using fish-positive practices like catch and release, and selective harvest to insure our fish populations remain sustainable for many generations to come.
You can follow Virginia for more fishing adventures on her Facebook and Instagram @unforgettable_virginia.
