Ten-year-old Amanda D’Agostino, from New Jersey, is the face of the future for women in the outdoors. Daughter of outdoor freelance writer/photographer Bucky D’Agostino, she sometimes gets mentioned in his work. We think she makes a great ambassador for women in the outdoors’ movement.
My Job
Photo by Bucky D'Agostino.
My name is Amanda D’Agostino and I became interested in the outdoors when my dad took me bass fishing one morning at my grandparents’ pond. After I caught a few sunfish, a huge bass grabbed one as I was reeling it in. I ended up losing the fish, but my dad put a small sunfish on for bait and I caught a bass over nine pounds! I loved it!
When I am not outdoors chasing fish, I can be found running after soccer balls. I play on a traveling team and compete along the Jersey Shore where we live. I am the only girl on the team who does these kinds of outdoor activities.
In order to enjoy these activities, my parents make sure I keep up with my schoolwork. I am always on the Honor Roll and I even got straight A’s the last marking period. One of the highlights of this past year was when I received an award at Monmouth University for a writing contest for Celebrate New Jersey. I won Best of the Best for an article I wrote on Judy Blume.
My Outdoors
My dad told me that you were interested in highlighting me for Women’s Outdoor News. I was very excited when he told me.
Photo by Bucky D'Agostino.
After that day [aforementioned bass fishing at her grandfather’s pond], my dad started taking me to other lakes and ponds and I enjoyed spending time with him. Most of the time we catch bass and pickerel on our fishing trips. I even get up at 3:30 a.m. to fish for bass in the summer. We always start the day with a stop for coffee, which is something special I only do with my dad.
My favorite lures to use are spinners, rubber worms and jigs with pork frogs. I think the pork frogs are neat and blue/black is my favorite color. These lures are easy to use and I don’t need help with them.
Although I love to fish, I enjoy other outdoor activities as well. When I am over at my grandparent’s house, my dad lets me shoot his old BB gun at targets. I enjoy knocking over the cans and balloons we put up. I never thought I would ever shoot a gun, but I absolutely love it!
I think spending time with my dad is what I love the most. Though I do not hunt, I have actually tagged along with my dad on a goose and a duck hunt. I like taking pictures when I go with him. Some of the pictures I have taken were actually published with my dad’s articles.
I can’t imagine not spending time outdoors. I am so lucky to have a dad who takes the time to enjoy the outdoors with me.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
Amanda,
Wow….. We are so proud of you.. You are a joy of a Grand Daughter.
Grandma & Granpa
Amanda we am soooo PROUD of you. You have most certainlly grown up into a lovely young lady. Keep up the fun times with your dad, and the great school grades. Take care and hopefully we will see you soon.
The Davies Family
Amanda,
Sharing the outdoor experience with someone who puts others before her is a blessing. You have so many qualities which make you special. However, this oversized heart of yours makes me the lucky one.
Dream Big,
Daddy