This Seabrook, New Hampshire, Fisherwoman Deserves Her Own Reality Show
Michelle Bancewicz Cicale is one of the most badass women I have ever seen in my life. I so enjoy watching her fishing adventures on social media. I have never had a chance to meet her in person, but I hope to someday. Maybe a smidgeon of her badassery (not a word, I'm aware) will rub off on me.
Michelle has been fishing most of her life. Like most things, if you implement the three P's, practice, patience, and persistence, you are bound to get better at it. In 2015 she started fishing mostly for tuna, and bought her own boat in 2019, the FV No Limits (FV = fishing vessel).
"No Limits" seems like an appropriate name for Michelle's boat. Remember when she reeled in this monster of a Blue Fin on one of her first solo ventures?
And let us not forget about this crazy catch:
This one was 108 inches and had a dressed weight of 601 lbs (that’s minus the head, tail and gutted). Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor!
Michelle has fished on a lot of different boats and learned from some of the best captains around. She said:
"I am very thankful for each and every one of them. They have all been super respectful and supportive of me being one of the only female captains in the area. It’s not always easy to find a female crew who loves to fish as much as I do. I am always looking for the right female crew member."
Michelle has her 100 Ton Boat Captain's License and does charters out of Hampton. She also does lobstering and has a 100 trap license. If you ever want to join Captain Michelle for a fishing trip (when the weather gets warmer of course), get in touch with her on Instagram @fv_no_limits!
Shows like Wicked Tuna are awesome, but the cast is always completely made up of men. I understand that fishing is a male dominant sport, but wouldn't it be cool to see the female perspective? I know I would watch it. BRB, going to go pitch an idea to Hulu real quick!