In the world of fishing influencers, where rural landscapes and generational knowledge often define the space, one woman is making waves by bringing a fresh perspective to the sport. Meet Patricia Clement – the “Rivah Sistah”, a city-born, Brooklyn-raised woman who defied expectations and found her passion for fishing, crabbing, and boating later in life. With an infectious enthusiasm and a mission to introduce more people—especially those unfamiliar with outdoor life—to the joys of the water, she has built a growing community of followers who are learning right alongside her.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Clement spent the first part of her life navigating the concrete jungle. “I was afraid of grass the first time they took me to a park,” she laughs, recalling how different her world is now. Seeking a better environment to raise her son, she moved to Virginia in her early twenties. At first, she had little interest in the outdoors, preferring city comforts over anything involving bugs or roughing it.

That all changed in 2017 when her husband suggested a camping trip. What started as a reluctant getaway in a cabin quickly turned into a love for nature, leading to the purchase of a travel trailer and an unexpected obsession with being near the water. “The worst thing you could have done was give me waterfront,” she jokes, explaining how every camping trip afterward had to include a water view.

Eventually, she and her husband decided to put down permanent roots, buying waterfront property and fully embracing the river lifestyle. From that point on, there was no turning back.

FINDING HER SKIFF

While spending time at Grey’s Point Camp, Clement noticed people crabbing and fishing along the marina. Curious, she gave it a try and quickly became hooked—both on the thrill of the catch and the peace that came with being on the water. It wasn’t long before she realized she wanted to go beyond fishing from the pier.

Determined to find the right boat, she started her journey with a jon boat. But when she wanted to take her fishing and crabbing more seriously, she needed something more practical.  After thorough research, she found the perfect match: a 2018 Carolina Skiff 17 DLX. “When I saw ‘family, fishing, fun’ on their website, I was sold,” she says. “It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and simple for a new boater like me. I feel safe in it, even though I’m not a strong swimmer.” Today, her boat is a staple of her lifestyle—used primarily for crabbing but also for taking family and friends out to explore Virginia’s beautiful waterways.

Her social media journey started as an accident—simply sharing her excitement over catching her own crabs—but quickly grew into something bigger.

“I realized how many people, especially those from urban areas, have never had this experience,” she explains. “I want to show them that this lifestyle is for everyone.” Through her videos and posts, she not only teaches fishing and crabbing techniques but also helps people feel comfortable navigating a world that might feel unfamiliar.

Her influence has expanded beyond her personal adventures. While she’s not a licensed captain, she partners with local charters to host group events, ensuring that more people have access to the water. Whether it’s showing friends how to check crab pots or helping women gain confidence as boaters, she is passionate about making the outdoors feel inclusive.

Now that her boat is docked at her waterfront home, Rivah Sistah is eager to explore more of the Chesapeake Bay region. With plans to take her Carolina Skiff out even more next season, she’s excited to continue learning, growing, and sharing her experiences.

And if you ask her daughter, the next generation of river lovers is already lined up—at just 17, she’s already an experienced boater herself and has her eye on taking over the Skiff when it’s time for her mom to upgrade.

For Rivah Sistah, this journey is about more than just fishing. It’s about embracing a new way of life and bringing people along for the ride—one crab pot at a time.