A new book that inspires young children – and especially young girls – to try fishing as a family activity, Layla’s Big Bass was born from one family’s search for fishing-themed storybooks to read their young daughter at bedtime.
“My husband and I have enjoyed fishing together for years, and it’s an activity we always knew our daughter would join in on, too,” explained author Laura Bartolozzi. “I tried to find bass fishing-specific books for little girls, but truly none existed and, frankly, my husband and I were both sick of reading stories about unicorns and princesses to our daughter Layla Grace.”
The story follows Layla as she pursues her dream of catching the biggest bass in the lake and discovers that nothing compares to the feeling of a tug on her line.
Bartolozzi’s difficulty finding a fishing story for young girls is not surprising. Despite women’s interest in fishing at an all-time high – an estimated 17.9 million participants in 2020 – according to a survey by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, a whopping 82 percent of women who enjoy fishing say they do not see themselves represented. According to a separate RBFF study, 1 in 5 Americans are more likely now to try fishing than they were before the pandemic. Among parents, the statistic is 1 in 4, underscoring the importance of Layla’s Big Bass in helping young girls discover a fishing role model.
“I hope the story of Layla resonates with young girls,” said Bartolozzi. “I want girls to be empowered by Layla’s aspirations and know they can attain whatever they put their minds to on or off the water.”
Successful female anglers of all levels are praising the message of Layla’s Big Bass.
“This book is a great way to show girls that you do not have to do ‘girl things’ like dance, pageants or cheerleading, and I think it is amazing that B.A.S.S. is sponsoring this children's book,” said Alexis Grandstaff, a two-time Bassmaster High School National Championship qualifier and member of the 2021 Bassmaster High School All-American Team. “As a child, I would have loved to hear stories about fishing. I would have wanted to be just like Layla!”
Order a copy of Layla’s Big Bass online or visit the author’s website at laurabartolozzi.com to learn more.
To order the book, click here.
