Julia Ann Woody Martin, 72, of Springfield, passed away on June 1, 2018. She was born on April 3, 1946 to William James Woody and Jessie Lee Acton. Julie graduated from the University of Missouri in 1964 and also attended Central Missouri State University with an emphasis in Speech and Language Therapy. She was involved with the Springfield Speech and Hearing Center and Head Start Programs.

Martin began tournament fishing in 1972 and became one of the state's most successful women on the water. In 1976, she was the only woman to compete in the National Bass Casters Association (BCA) Pro-Am circuit, finishing fifth overall in the amateur division, and caught the largest bass of the tournament.

In 1978, she and Francis Knox co-founded Missouri's first women's bass club. Martin went on to fish professionally in Bass N' Gals, Lady Bass and the Women's Bass Fishing Association (WBFA). Over 22 years, Martin qualified for each organization's national Classic 20 times and finished 15th or better in each.

Martin became the most successful women's angler in any open competition when, in 1983, she finished 40th out of 287 anglers in the U.S. Open tournament at Lake Mead near Las Vegas. Martin, who paid a $1,500 entry fee, elected to compete as a "non-boater" – meaning she shared a boat with other competitors – and was one of only three women in the tournament.

From 1984 through 1986, Martin fished several Missouri-based Redman Tournaments. She also won the 1989 Kentucky Invitational on Kentucky Lake with 21 bass weighing 50 pounds and a 5.09 lunker, and she finished second in the Angler of the Year standings.

She also was the Angler of the Year four of seven years in the Ozarks Anglerettes as well as Angler of the Year of the Ozark Mountain Bass N' Gals in 1988 and 1989. In recent years, she has led the Julie Martin Fishing Event through Life's Journey, which raises scholarship dollars for children of military veterans, law enforcement and firefighters.

When asked about the secret to her success, Martin laughed like a true angler – one who can tell fishing stories with the best of them.

"When I would fish, I'd have my finger on the line as soon as the bait hit the water. Sometimes, I could feel when a fish was just looking at my lure," Martin said.

Martin got her start in fishing by traveling with her grandfather and dad to local rivers and lakes. Her career then took off after she married Bob Martin, who was part of the early years of B.A.S.S. They fished in pro-ams. Soon, the women's bass club was formed, and Martin went on to enjoy tons of success.

Along the way, women would approach Martin and express appreciation for her unintended role as a trailblazer.

"Many felt like they could compete, that it wasn't just a man's sport," Martin said. "I hope I helped them realize that they could compete."

Julie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her son, Zachary Hayes Martin (Tamarha); brother, William Lee Woody; grandchildren, Cayenne Rain Martin, Rowan Oliver Winter Martin, and Juniper Riahanna Frost Martin; sister-in-law, Terri; niece, Whitnie Woody Norton (Seth) and their son Kellan; niece, McKenzie Woody; best friend, Mickie Wolfinbarger; and beloved cat, Billy.

A celebration of life service for family and friends will be announced later.

Julie was a passionate women and lived her life to the fullest. From traveling, to fishing and boating, enjoying a game of tennis , or spending time with her family and friends. She put her whole heart and soul into everything she did . She was someone who would always be there for you when you needed someone the most, be it correcting your grammar, to a much needed getaway , a warm shared meal with good advice, or a loving shoulder to cry upon. She was always there and she will continue to be . When you feel the cool breeze blow across the lake water, or see a blue heron fly by, or feel a warm encouragement in a time of need you will know she is with you and always will be.