Rasheen Bailey, known as “Hood Fishing Legend” to his growing legion of followers, is reeling in more than just big catches—he’s reeling in success. The African American angler recently celebrated surpassing 100,000 subscribers on YouTube, earning the prestigious Silver Creator Award.

Bailey’s journey to online fame didn’t happen overnight. He has been passionate about fishing since he was a child, learning the ropes from his family and honing his skills in local waters in Fort Lauderdale. But it wasn’t until March 5, 2020, that his love for the sport transformed into something much bigger.

(One of the hardest catches Bailey has ever made. Photo Credit – Hood Fishing Legend.)

On that day, Bailey was fishing with a basic Walmart pole when he hooked a massive fish. The fight lasted for 20 minutes, but he eventually landed the catch, snapping pictures to commemorate the moment. While he was capturing the memory, an older man—described by Bailey as a “white old dude”—watched him intently from the top of a nearby bridge. After the fish was released back into the water, the man offered a simple yet profound suggestion: “You should start a YouTube channel.”

Bailey, inspired by the encounter, responded, “I am!” Without hesitation, he went home, created his channel, and began posting fishing content. Little did he know, that chance meeting would set him on the path to becoming one of the most recognized faces in the fishing community on social media.

“It was just one of those moments where you think, ‘Why not?’” Bailey recalls. “I was always fishing, but that day I decided to take it seriously and see where it could go.”

The road to 100,000 subscribers was filled with challenges. Bailey faced setbacks when popular fishing spots were overrun with other anglers, sometimes forcing him to find new locations. Bailey has also lost three friends to gun violence in recent years. He nearly lost his life last year after being shot at multiple times and being hit in the leg. Luckily Bailey survived the incident which was covered heavily by the media. Despite all of this and the rising competition, Bailey remained focused, constantly improving his techniques and sharing his fishing adventures with his audience.

(Bailey holds up some of the fish he caught. Photo Credit – Hood Fishing Legend.)

Bailey has fished all over Florida including in Lake County and other areas within our community. Sometimes you can see local lakes, rivers and ponds he catches fish in.

“Even when some of my spots got taken, some got fished out, and more people started to fish the places I loved, I still kept going,” he says. “I never gave up.”

Bailey’s rise to social media fame has not just been about fishing; it’s also about breaking barriers. As an African American, Bailey has shown that anyone, regardless of their background, can excel in their passion. His story resonates with viewers who look up to him as both a role model and a proof that dreams can come true with dedication and perseverance.

“Dear God, I thank you for everything you gave to me,” Bailey wrote in a post after receiving his YouTube plaque. “You kept the devil away from me, and you finally made a way for me. If I can do it, you can too. Just BELIEVE.”

(When you catch so much fish, you run out of hands so you use what you got! Photo Credit – Hood Fishing Legend.)

Bailey’s channel features is addictive. I have spent many hours watching his videos and I enjoy them because he is relatable. He is just himself and being down to earth like that is different from the standard you tubers these days. His posts on Instagram and TikTok further highlight his love for the sport and his authentic personality, giving followers a glimpse into his life as a fisherman and a dream chaser.

His advice to anyone looking to follow in his footsteps? “I never rush it, I just wait my turn. Thanks to my God for guiding me to the right spot.”

Now, with 100,000 YouTube subscribers and counting, Bailey is looking forward to what the future holds, all while continuing to inspire the next generation of anglers.

“I’m coming,” he says with confidence. “And if I can do it, so can you.” Be sure to check his page out on you tube. Type in Hood Fishing Legend and trust me.. you will enjoy.