Fishe ambassador profile
Meet Captain Cheryl Smith, the Angler Behind OutdoorGirl
Captain Cheryl Smith, also known as OutdoorGirl, built her fishing life around the combination she loves most: peaceful time outside and the challenge of finding the next fish.
First published in January 2020, this profile preserves Cheryl’s original story as a multi-species angler, licensed captain, industry representative, educator, and Fishe ambassador.
“I love the peace and the challenge of fishing all at once.”
Captain Cheryl Smith brings together multi-species fishing, industry experience, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping others get on the water.
A Multi-Species Angler on Open Water and Ice
Cheryl fishes across seasons, pursuing multiple species on both open water and ice. For her, being outdoors is more than a setting for fishing. It is where she feels alive, peaceful, and fully connected to what she loves doing.
That range gives her story a broad outdoor perspective. The techniques, conditions, and equipment may change between open-water fishing and time on the ice, but the draw remains the same: patience, problem-solving, and the possibility that the next moment changes the entire day.
A Licensed Captain and Tournament Angler
Cheryl is a USCG-licensed Master Captain and a local tournament angler. Those roles reflect two sides of her fishing life: the responsibility and experience required to operate as a captain, and the focus needed to compete on the water.
Her profile also reaches beyond her own fishing days. She has contributed to local radio shows and podcasts and appeared on Hank Parker’s Outdoor Notebook television show as well as Midwest Outdoors “Tips of the Week” segments.
Cheryl’s Fishing Roles
- USCG-licensed Master Captain
- Multi-species open-water and ice angler
- Local tournament angler
- Fishing writer and seminar speaker
- Trade-show and in-store promotional staffer
Nine Years Inside the Fishing Industry
When this profile was originally published, Cheryl had spent nine years working in the fishing industry. Her representation work included St. Croix Rods, Daiwa Reels, Vexilar Inc., LiveTarget Lures, Mossy Oak Fishing, Stealth Rod Holders, Humminbird and Minn Kota, along with Fishe.
She also contributed writing to Illinois Outdoor News, spoke at seminars, and worked fishing trade shows and in-store events. Across those roles, her enthusiasm was never limited to promoting equipment. She focused on showing people how the right tools could support better, more confident days on the water.
Teaching, Encouraging, and Giving Back
One of the clearest threads in Cheryl’s original profile is her love of teaching. She enjoys sharing what she has learned and helping other anglers understand the tools, decisions, and small adjustments that can lead to more success.
That same generosity extends to younger anglers. Cheryl volunteers for kids fishing derbies whenever possible, helping make fishing feel approachable and exciting for the next generation.
Why Cheryl’s Story Fits the Fishe Community
Her experience combines skill with openness: competing without losing the joy, representing the industry without losing authenticity, and teaching without making the outdoors feel exclusive.
Follow OutdoorGirl
See more of Cheryl’s fishing life and OutdoorGirl updates through her original social channels.
Follow @odgoutdoorgirl for fishing and outdoor updates.
Visit Cheryl Smith OutdoorGirl on Facebook.
Fishe on-water favorites
Performance Layers for Long Days Outside
Cheryl’s story spans changing seasons, open water, and time on the ice. These active Fishe sunshirts are current customer favorites for anglers looking for lightweight coverage and colorful layers built for days outside.
HaliBorealis Solstice Hooded Sunshirt
A lightweight hooded layer for bright, active days on and around the water.
Radiant Redfish Solstice Hooded Sunshirt
A bold performance sunshirt made for movement, coverage, and time outdoors.
Enchanted Grayling 1/4 Zip Sunshirt
A versatile quarter-zip layer for changing conditions and long fishing days.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Captain Cheryl Smith?
Captain Cheryl Smith, also known as OutdoorGirl, is a USCG-licensed Master Captain, multi-species angler, tournament angler, fishing educator, and Fishe ambassador.
What kind of fishing does Cheryl Smith do?
Cheryl is a multi-species angler who fishes on both open water and ice.
Is Cheryl Smith a licensed captain?
Yes. Cheryl is a USCG-licensed Master Captain.
How has Cheryl supported fishing education?
She has spoken at seminars, shared fishing knowledge through media and events, and volunteered at kids fishing derbies whenever possible.
Where can readers follow OutdoorGirl?
Readers can follow Cheryl through the @odgoutdoorgirl Instagram account and the Cheryl Smith OutdoorGirl Facebook page linked above.
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