In today’s Throwback Thursday historical photo, in 1987, newspaper stories were referring to her as “the queen of pro bass fishing” and “the Ricky Clunn of woman’s bass tournaments.” She had set the record for most money won by a female competitor with over $280,000 in career winnings and was still fishing strong.
We’re speaking of Burma Thomas of Rainsville, Ala., a then 47-year-old mother of three and full-time computer operator. She started fishing the Bass’N Gal circuit in 1981, but had been fishing other tourneys, often in men’s or mixed events, beginning in the 1970s. Newspaper reports stated she was also the first Bass’N Gal to reach the $100,000 mark.
“I could quit my job now and support myself with fishing. After winning the Bass’N Gals Classic in 1982, and then winning two more national tournaments in 1983, the sponsors really came to me. But I won’t quit my job,” she stated.
“I like my job and I like the people that I work for,” said Thomas, who had recorded 11 tournament victories including two Bass’n Gal world championships.
“They’re very supportive of what I’m doing. I don’t really have enough time to get into promotions. As long as they’re willing to work with me here on the job, I’m not going to give up my job.”
Beyond the two Bass’N Gal Classic titles in 1982 and 1985, there were also two AOY titles, one on the Bass’N Gal circuit and another on the Lady Bass trail. In addition, she won two BNG Invitationals in 1984 (Kentucky L and Okeechobee).
She was the only female on the Evinrude Motors Advisory team at the time, and had a long list of sponsors including Ranger Boats, GNB Batteries, Bagley Baits, Humminbird, Garcia, Fish Formula, Stren, Stanley Jigs and Southern All-Sports Sporting Goods.
Quoting a 1987 story in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, it stated, “’the principal difference between men’s and women’s status as professional anglers can be traced to the fact that more men fish.’ From a bass fishing angle, she’s no doubt right. BASS boasts membership of more than 400,000 as compared to Bass’n Gal’s 17,000. But Thomas also said she thinks women aren’t dedicated enough to make it happen.
‘It has grown, but not as much as it should have,’ she said.
‘It’s hard work and I don’t think a lot of women have put forth all that much hard work to stick with it. It’s a lot of long hours — practice fishing from daylight to dark if you want to win whether you feel good, bad, or tired or whatever. Not enough women are willing to do that.’”
Here is the link to her obituary. Read the letters written about her and her fishing accomplishments.
