Forrest Teichmann (left) on a charter fishing boat named The Captain’s Lady.
The year 2020 was one of distancing and a global shutdown. But it also proved to be the year that would get this FFA member “hooked” on fishing. Meet Forrest Teichmann, a recent graduate from Lake Forest High School making big waves in Delaware FFA.
Four years ago, Teichmann was driven to begin her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in outdoor recreation after searching for a job close enough she could bike to and earn a little money. Born and raised in Bowers Beach, Del., her search ended at The Captain’s Lady, a charter boat a few miles from her home on the Delaware Bay.
Little did she know this down-the-street job would turn into not only a deep love for the waters but also a future business in commercial fishing. Her job and SAE also netted her a special distinction: being named a national Agricultural Proficiency Award finalist.
Clearly, this was meant to be.
Hailing from the Lake Forest FFA Chapter, Teichmann says her skills learned in the agriculture classroom transfer offshore, too. One of the biggest aspects of her SAE is talking to, helping and, many times, forming relationships with the groups that come on the fishing trips.
“FFA has given me the confidence and courage to speak to people, which has quite often resulted in a relationship that lasts on land, too,” she says. “They’re the reason I’ve made it to where I am today.”
Teichmann describes such deep connections that now represent family members or grandfather-like figures from the local watermen who took her under their wing or, perhaps, sails.
On the job, a normal day for Teichmann consists of netting fish, baiting hooks and cutting bait, as well as assisting with the “Fish Pool,” a cash prize given to the lucky individual with the biggest catch. Teichmann says the desire is for guests to have success in catching fish, and that a busy boat is the best boat and keeps the day flowing.
Teichmann at work on a charter fishing boat named The Captain’s Lady.
Switching her focus to her future charter operation, Teichmann purchased her first boat, a 22-ft. Mako, in June 2024. She is excited to see where this new achievement will take her.
Furthermore, Teichmann is working toward obtaining her captain’s license, which requires 360 consecutive days on the water accompanied by a licensed captain. Her overall goal, however, is to move out of the Delaware Bay and obtain a job working on the ocean where the fishing is “worlds different.” Wherever the tide takes her, Teichmann is bound to make waves.
