Last week, an interview I did with soon-to-launch GoWild was published. Below is an excerpt:
We met Gabriella Hoffman through a mutual connection—Andrea Haas, with Huntress View. With about 50,000 social media followers, it’s clear Gabriella has busted her butt to make a name for herself and to become an influencer. And she’s not just an influencer in one field—as a writer, she covers politics, shooting, fishing, hunting and much more. She’s a writer, media consultant, video blogger, and has about a dozen other titles we could probably apply. Instead, though, we’ll just let her tell her own story through the interview! Enjoy!
GoWild: For those who don’t know, tell us your outdoorsmanwoman story. Is there a specific time you remember becoming interested in spending more time outside?
Gabriella Hoffman: I’m happy to share my story on how I became hooked on the outdoors! Absolutely.
I grew up in Southern California (specifically South Orange County) where the outdoor opportunities were plentiful. From fishing in the Pacific Ocean to hiking national parks, the Golden State afforded me many opportunities to explore the outdoors and become an enthusiast. My parents were always keen on us—my sister and I—getting off the couch and going outdoors ever since we were children. I would say it was age 10 or 11 when my love for fishing started to develop. I shot my first gun at age 19, and now, at age 26, I’m planning to learn to hunt this Fall. You can say fishing was the gateway activity that led me to the outdoor industry.
GoWild: Now, you’re a pretty serious angler. What’s your favorite species of fish, and what’s your favorite to eat?
Gabriella: Oh yes, I love fishing! I know it’s standard to say this, but my dad was responsible for inspiring my fishing addiction. He’s been fishing for over five decades, so he’s quite knowledgeable about it and has taught me all that I know. In lieu of having sons, he saw me as the perfect fishing partner and has molded me into an avowed angler. I’m really grateful he hooked me in! I believe I went on my first freshwater fishing trip at 8 and got more serious about it a few years later. It wasn’t until Memorial Day 2003, when I was 12, when I landed my largest fish to date—a 8.9 lb catfish measuring 28.5 inches—that my love of fishing was solidified.
Growing up 15-20 minutes away from the Pacific Ocean made me appreciate the salt life and deep-sea fishing. We also had great freshwater fishing opportunities—with my favorite place being Lake Cuyamaca (an hour outside of San Diego, CA). Now that I live in Northern Virginia, the fishing landscape is a bit different but more readily accessible. I live in close proximity to both the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, along with the Chesapeake Bay being a 45-minute drive away from my town. There are also saltwater opportunities in Ocean City, Maryland and Virginia Beach, Virginia 2.5 to 4 hours away, so freshwater or mixed fishing in the Chesapeake Bay is mostly what I do today.
In terms of favorite fish species—oh my! There are so many fish species I enjoy targeting. I’d have to say some of my favorites include snook, largemouth bass, striped bass, shark, El Dorado/Mahi Mahi, and trout. In terms of favorite fish to consume, Mahi Mahi is perhaps my favorite. (If you hailed from SoCal and didn’t enjoy fish tacos, something was obviously wrong with you.) To me, it’s best enjoyed grilled or deep-fried. I love smoked fish too—whether it is smoked salmon or smoked white perch.
Read the full interview here.
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