Say hello to Michelle Brittain, our @highfieldboats x Sundance Marine ambassador.

From learning to fish from her Grandfather at a young age, Shelley has been living the salt life ever since. It was a brainer to get Shell to take the Patrol 460 on the water and show us what Highfield Boats Dare to explore mentality is all about!

So, it’s just been announced that you are a new ambassador for Highfield x Sundance Marine here in Australia, tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a 38-year-old mother to my daughter Frankie, Myotherapist, surf instructor, outdoor adventure enthusiast, sponsored angler and woman In recreational fishing ambassador to list a few.

I have a passion for adventure and helping people. I am a voice in the fishing industry to bring much-needed change and equality. I became a sponsored angler in late 2018 while filming fishing TV were my passion for fishing and adventure was showcased. This is what lead me to apply to become a WIRF lead/ambassador in 2019 so I could help pave the way and make changes for women in the fishing industry.

My insight and adventures reach people from all walks of life whether they are into fishing or not. I'm so grateful to share my passion across my social media platforms. You can also find me sharing my story on TV, in Podcasts, in magazines, and in volunteer events and panels.

You have a Highfield Patrol 460, Tell us a little bit about the boat?

This particular boat is the perfect all-rounder. For family use with my daughter, adventures and fishing! Features I loved were that it is safe, highly maneuverability and can plane quickly with modest horse power.

I originally wasn’t sure about the jockey seat however it is grown on me and I can see its benefits giving me more room to move about the boat. It comes equipped with a lot of great standard features and also leaves me some room to change and add on to suit my fishing requirements. Highfield makes an incredible boat and I'm very much looking forward to taking it to many locations and showcasing what this epic boat can do!

‍How did you/ are you customising it to suit your requirements?‍

As I am an angler, Sundance Marine Highfield brand manager Michah will be fitting the patrol with stainless rod racks and holds. This will allow for the ability to fish out the back of the boat. Having the jockey seat allows for the ability to move around the boat with ease, a key feature of this is how the seat is subtly centre so you have more room to walk along the side to catch squid and other species. Another thing I'm excited about is the ability to wake surf off the back by adding in a wake pole!

I opted not to have the baby as I like to have enough headroom for the casting and we don’t get that beautiful permanent sun that Queenslanders get down here in Victoria. The boat is well equipped to suit my needs so adding the few things above I was ready to go!

‍What are you looking forward to doing most about the boat/are there any trips planned?

‍The 460 is such a versatile boat and it will allow me to venture across many locations in all sorts of conditions. I am excited to do more beach launches and venture to new places with my family and friends. The best part I can trailer it around anywhere with me with my trusty Mazda.

I can jump in and out with ease using the ropes and handles, but also provides great stability to hold onto while fishing. I’m super keen to go snorkelling and diving, putting down the anchor around islands like refuge cove to camp the night.‍

It is always great to see more women being promoted within the Marine industry, why do you think this is happening now?‍

I believe it’s a chain reaction. There has been a huge gap in the industry where women haven’t been represented or their merit acknowledged. Females are not known for self-promoting so often are not as easily recognised. Once one business discovers the potential and picks up a star then it’s not long before others follow suit. 

The change is now happening, and women are being more recognised in the industry thanks to the power of social media and the promotion of industry brands that see the value of females paving the way for the future and are happy to jump on board.‍

Any advice to women out there wanting to get involved in the Marine industry?‍

For women wanting to get involved, start with networking, meet like-minded people, join local angling clubs, partake in competitions, and events and build your way up.

‍Where can people keep up with your adventures?‍

 You can Head over to Michelle Emma Salt Living or @shells_saltliving_ on Instagram to see where I'm taking the Highfield next. You can also find me on Women in recreational fishing on Facebook and Instagram.

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