Lea Anne Powell | 13+ World Records & Fishing From a Kayak to Offshore Giants | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 982

Lea Anne Powell is an international angler who specializes in saltwater fly fishing and has set multiple world records, with at least 13 IGFA-certified records including the blue runner, threadfin permit, baby tarpon, and horse-eye jack. In this episode, she reveals how personal tragedy in 2014-2015 transformed her from a casual stock pond angler in North Carolina into a globe-trotting fly fishing champion who hand-lined for barracuda in Dubai, pursued snowy grouper in Abu Dhabi, and ultimately earned a Guinness world record for permit. She opens up about the precise conditions required for permit to eat a fly, why she splits her time between international destinations like the Bahamas, Florida Keys, and Seychelles, and her mission to support women in a male-dominated sport.

From Stock Ponds to the Middle East

Lea Anne's fishing journey started innocently enough with her cousin Ashley at stock trout ponds in New Jersey, but what began as childhood fun transformed into something deeper after devastating personal loss. When both of her parents passed away within a year of each other, she accepted an invitation that would change everything. She moved to Dubai, worked in Abu Dhabi, and found herself fishing with locals using methods she'd never imagined—hand-lining for barracuda and targeting species like hemore, a snowy grouper. For three years, she split her time 50-50 between the United States and the Middle East, simultaneously competing in U.S. tournaments while exploring Arabian Gulf fisheries. The transition from self-taught bass angler to international saltwater specialist didn't happen overnight, and the full story of how grief led to discovery is one you need to hear.

The Permit That Earned a Guinness World Record

Among Lea Anne's collection of at least 13 world records, one stands out as her favorite—the Guinness world record for permit on fly. She explains that permit are extraordinarily difficult to catch on fly because they're extremely cautious and shy fish that demand perfect finesse and presentation skills. The conditions have to align precisely: the sun position, wind direction, and tide must all be right, or the permit simply won't eat. Even when everything appears perfect, the fish has to actually like the fly, which requires a level of presentation mastery that takes years to develop. Lea Anne describes the moment she hooked that record permit with genuine excitement, knowing she'd conquered one of fly fishing's most demanding challenges. What she doesn't reveal in this setup is exactly where she caught it, what fly she used, or how long the fight lasted. Hear Lea Anne explain why permit are so difficult and what made this record special throughout the conversation.

The IGFA World Record Process

Setting a world record in fly fishing isn't as simple as catching a big fish and claiming victory. Lea Anne walks through the rigorous process required by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) to certify a record. First, you have to catch the fish—obviously. But then you need witnesses present who can verify the catch. The fish must be weighed according to specific protocols, and then comes the paperwork. Lots of paperwork. You submit all documentation to the IGFA, which then verifies every detail of your submission before officially recognizing you as a world record holder. She's been through this process enough times to have at least 13 certified records, and she's learned exactly what the IGFA requires. But there are stories behind these records—fish that got away, submissions that were rejected, and the emotions that come with finally seeing your name in the record books. The details of Lea Anne's world record journey unfold throughout the episode.

Her Message to Women Who Want to Fish

When asked what she'd tell women who are intimidated about getting into fishing, Lea Anne's response is direct and powerful: fishing is for everyone. She emphasizes that you don't need to be a man to be a good fisherman, and you don't need to be a man to be a world record holder. With 13+ world records to her name, she's living proof. But beyond her personal achievements, she stresses the importance of women supporting each other in this space and helping one another out. That's why she's so passionate about getting more women involved in fishing. She also acknowledges that men need to understand the challenges women face in male-dominated industries and step up as allies. It's a message rooted not in theory but in her lived experience traveling solo to international fishing destinations, competing in tournaments, and earning respect in every fishing community she enters. Lea Anne's full perspective on women in fishing and how to support each other comes through in the complete conversation.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I've met a lot of talented anglers over the years, but Lea Anne Powell is truly one of the best. What strikes me most about her story isn't just the 13+ world records or the international destinations—it's how she transformed personal loss into purpose. Losing both parents within a year would derail most people, but she got on a plane to Dubai and discovered a whole new world of fishing that most anglers never experience.

The way she describes permit fishing—the precision required, the patience, the understanding that every condition has to align perfectly—that's the mark of someone who's put in the time and truly mastered their craft. And her message to women in fishing is something I hope resonates beyond just our sport. We need more people like Lea Anne who are willing to travel anywhere, try anything, and then turn around and help others follow the same path.

This conversation covers a lot of ground, from stock ponds in North Carolina to hand-lining in the Arabian Gulf to stalking permit on the flats. If you're serious about fishing—especially fly fishing—or if you're looking for inspiration to push past whatever obstacles are in your way, listen to the whole thing. Lea Anne's journey is proof that the best chapters of your life might be waiting on the other side of loss.