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Here at the Lodge, we love folks who know how to make the most of a summer break. Today, we’re sitting down with one of our absolute favorite VIP Partners, René @rene.nicole.
When she isn't shaping the minds of a classroom full of five-year-olds, René is out on the gorgeous waters of Powell River, BC, doing her own thing as a passionate female angler. Introduced to The Red Green Show by her late father, René embodies the exact kind of community spirit, dedication, and love for the outdoors that Harold and Red would be proud of. She’s not out there pushing an agenda; she’s just out there for the pure love of the catch.
We caught up with René just as we shipped out our brand-new official Angler Tee to get the scoop on her favorite memories, her summer routine, and her life on the water.
Q: René, what first hooked you on fishing, and how did a kindergarten teacher end up spending her free time out on the water?
René: I got into fishing when my son was five after our local store hosted a kids' "Learn to Fish" program. He was immediately hooked, and seeing his excitement made it something we could enjoy together. What started as a fun activity for him quickly became a shared passion. Before long, I found myself looking forward to every opportunity to get out on the water, learn new techniques, and create lasting memories with him.
Q: What is your absolute favorite thing about fishing in BC? How would you describe the magic of the female angler experience out there?
René: One of the things I love most about saltwater fishing is the endless number of places to explore. From rocky shorelines to open ocean and hidden inlets. What keeps me coming back is the excitement of never knowing what might be on the other end of the line. Whether it's a hard-fighting salmon or a powerful lingcod, every cast holds the promise of something memorable.
Q: What does a "perfect day" on the water look like for you?
René: My perfect day is spending time fishing with my family, surrounded by the beauty of the saltwater. Hooking into a fish is always exciting, but it's not what makes the day special. Fish or no fish, simply being out on the water, watching the wildlife, listening to the waves, and taking in the scenery is what I enjoy most. It reminds me that fishing is about the people you're with, the places you explore, and the memories you create.
Q: Steve Smith (Red Green) actually started out as a school teacher too! Do you ever use your kindergarten patience when waiting for a bite or untangling a line?
René: Absolutely! Teaching kindergarten has definitely taught me patience. Whether I'm waiting for a bite, untangling a line, or helping someone else with gear, I've learned that staying calm and enjoying the process is much more rewarding than getting frustrated.
The peaceful waters around Powell River are the complete opposite of a classroom full of energetic five-year-olds. In class, every day is filled with constant movement. Out on the water, everything slows down. The sound of the waves and the fresh ocean air give me a chance to recharge and return to my students refreshed.
Q: What first brought you to the Possum Lodge community, and what do you think your late father would say about you being a VIP Partner today?
René: My dad absolutely loved the show, so watching it together was a staple in our house. I'll always remember him laughing out loud at the Handyman Corner segments. He would be absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud to see me as an official VIP Partner today. He'd probably tell me to make sure I keep a roll of duct tape on the boat just in case Red needs me to bail him out!
Q: Red Green’s famous philosophy is "If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." How do you redefine being "handy" on a boat? If you had a gear emergency, what would your ultimate duct tape creation be?
René: Being handy on a boat means being resourceful and staying calm when things don't go perfectly. If I had a real gear emergency out there, my ultimate duct tape creation would have to be a makeshift rod guide or a temporary patch for a leaky net handle. You'd be amazed at how a quick wrap of the handyman's secret weapon can keep you fishing until the sun goes down!
Q: Fishing has traditionally been male-dominated. How have you enjoyed breaking into the space, and what's the best part about it?
René: The best part isn't showing everyone how it's done. I's showing other women and girls that they belong out there too. I hope that by sharing my passion, I can inspire others to pick up a rod, try something new, and realize that fishing is for everyone. The outdoors has a place for anyone willing to learn, and it's amazing to see more women entering the sport.
Q: What are your honest thoughts on the Red Green Baits collaboration, and which one is your favorite?
René: I love them all, but the KenZaroo worm harness is my favourite for trout. It’s one of those setups that just flat-out works. The collaboration is fun because it blends humour with gear that actually performs. Honestly, the Red’s Handy Minnow might be my favourite looking one. You can’t beat the duct tape and possum fur. It’s just pure Red Green. I like it so much I haven’t even used it yet; it’s up on the wall more as a piece of art!
Q: What is your absolute go-to setup right now?
René: When I’m jigging for bottom fish, it’s hands down the Gibbs MacFish in Army Truck. I love that style of fishing—dropping it down, feeling the structure, and working it back up knowing anything could be waiting on the other end. It’s simple, effective, and consistently produces.
Q: If you could give Red Green one piece of legitimate angling advice, what would it be?
René: Trust your instincts and don’t overthink it. The fish don’t care how complicated your setup is. Keep things simple, stay observant, and enjoy what’s happening around you. Watch the water, pay attention to the little signs, and don’t be afraid to change things up. And remember, if the fish aren't biting, you're still out on one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, and that's a win all on its own.
Q: When it comes to a long day of casting, what do you look for in apparel, and how does the new Angler T-Shirt hold up?
René: Comfort is my top priority. I want clothing that feels soft, fits well, and allows me to move freely. The Angler T-Shirt Possum Lodge Fishin' checks all those boxes. The premium Softstyle™ cotton is incredibly soft and breathable, even after hours of fishing. It's the kind of shirt you can wear from an early morning launch straight to an evening around the campfire.
Q: Red Green famously closes every episode with, "Keep your stick on the ice." What is the René version of that sign-off?
René: If I had my own fishing sign-off, it would be: "Keep your line tight, your heart grateful, and enjoy every moment on the water." Whether you land the fish of a lifetime or don't get a single bite, every day on the water is a good day. Stay safe, respect the ocean, and enjoy the journey as much as the catch.
Give René a follow on Instagram at @rene.nicole_ to see her latest summer catches from Powell River, and stay tuned for more Lodge member features!
Want to cast with confidence like René? See the new Gone Fishin' Collection or Bundle and Save with the Field Research Fishin' Kit Bundle.
