Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynne Gokey.
Hi Lynne, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been living in Jacksonville for the last 9 years. I work part time as a substitute teacher preferring to teach special needs students of all ages. I get to set my days and get spending money for my true obsession- fishing. I fish from land, a kayak and a boat. I worked hard to make a name for myself here in northeast Florida. The beauty of sunrises and the peace and quiet while heading to a fishing spot is intoxicating. The thrill of catching fish caps it off. I also enjoy taking out people who would otherwise not have a chance to fish offshore or in the river. I belong to the Jacksonville Offshore Sport Fishing club where I serve on the board as the fishing director. I am also on the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Advisory Panel for cobia and mackerel. In my other spare moments, I do crafts. I make and sell advent calendars, beach bags and coasters. I’m married to a retired Navy and commercial pilot and we have 2 adult kids whom live out of town. We also have 2 dogs and 2 cats.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My first obstacle with being a competitive female fisherman was to break through the gender stereotypes. I had to prove that I could run a boat /kayak , find the fish and then catch them. It was slow going to find people to go out with me some 60 miles offshore in my boat and be comfortable with that. My biggest challenge now is dealing with the age and arthritis that makes my joints so stiff and sore after long days on the water.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do make and sell some crafts. Mostly embroidered advent calendars and some beach bags, hot pads and coasters. The calendars are time consuming but very rewarding. I am working with AI to make coasters (mostly fishing accented). I’m able to put most any design on them.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in an idyllic town in northwest PA. I had a great childhood and a wonderful family. There were 4 kids in the family with a brother and two sisters. I was the middle sister. My brother turned me into his younger brother and taught me lots of sports and how much fun it was to be out in nature. I used to get up very early and take our Great Dane for walks up in the woods. My dad was an architect with his own firm and was a very good artist. My older sister inherited that as well. I didn’t think I had any artistic genes till moving here and deciding to start making crafts. My parents both golfed and fished so I grew up doing both of those. I also swam on 4 different teams. I played competitive golf and played in college. I was to turn pro but after collegiate golf, I needed a break. I married my husband in Charleston S.C. and we moved shortly afterwards. I earned my MBA in health care administration but before I could put it to use, we moved to the Philippines. We adopted our daughter there and had a son when we moved back to the US. I finally started teaching at a for profit college before buying an RV when my husband retired. We ended up moving here just when a hurricane hit. I really like Jacksonville except for the traffic.
Pricing:
- Advent calendars are $130 each (they are big)
- Coasters are a set of 4 for $10
- Beach bags vary
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lynnegokey
- Facebook: Lynne Gokey (Abbey)
