Rubin, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is one of the more than 200 women fishing the Women's Bassmaster Tour. Already, she's finished 83rd in the first event and 29th in the second. She's preparing now for the third event on Lake Norman, July 27-29, in North Carolina.
"Fishing is a challenge and it's a new game every time you go out on the water," said Rubin. "That is why I love it so much."
Rubin, 41, has had several careers, but none of them are as important as fishing. She has been a part-time model since high school and was a cosmetologist after she graduated. She became a dental assistant and took advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and tooth restoration. She now co-owns a wood-working machinery maintenance company and operates a Web site, http://www.reelady.com, that chronicles the women's' tour and Rubin's performance.
But growing up in suburbia, Rubin always felt a little out of place. She would spend her afternoons sitting in an undeveloped lot daydreaming and as she got older, she biked to a creek about five miles away to feel closer to nature.
When Rubin married her first husband, an avid fisherman, she began to harness her passion for the outdoors and fishing. "He took me to a golf course pond and I caught a 3-pound bass. From then on, our lives revolved around fishing all of it from the bank," said Rubin.
Rubin said she found solace and peace in the pastime, as it helped her overcome the untimely death of her husband - who she lost in a car accident - as well as her mother and step-father to two unrelated illnesses. By the time Rubin was 23, she was a widow with a newborn.
But she continued to fish, introducing her first child - as well as her daughter she had with a second husband - to fishing. About two years ago, Rubin finally bought a small boat and then - enjoying it so much - upgraded to a larger boat within eight months. She then attended the 2005 Bassmaster Classic in Pittsburgh and heard BASS announce the new women's tour. "It was a no brainer that I had to get involved in the WBT," she said. "It was a dream come true."
Rubin divorced her second husband in 2001 and is now engaged. Between her and her fiancée, they have five children, three of which will be in college in September. But even with those financial responsibilities - as well as her varied careers - Rubin considers the WBT a top priority. Helping her along the way are sponsors Gamma Performance Line, Shimano, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Hamby's Protector, Loc-R-Bar, Cooks "Go To" Tackle System, Fantasy Sound and Lighting, OhioGameFishing.com and Daggar Photography.
"I truly believe I can make a difference on this tour," Rubin said. "All of the women can. This is the most unique group of women I've ever known. They impress me and inspire me."