LSU Superstar Livvy Dunne Declares Her Love for ‘Hot Girl Fishing’ and Hopes to Make It the Next Big Trend
LSU gymnastics sensation and social media star Olivia “Livvy” Dunne has never been one to follow trends—she makes them. From dominating balance beams to breaking the internet with her viral videos, Dunne has established herself as a powerhouse in both athletics and branding. Now, with summer just around the corner, the 21-year-old is pushing a new passion project she’s calling “Hot Girl Fishing.” And if history has taught us anything about Dunne’s influence, it’s that the world might want to grab a rod and reel—because this could be the start of something big.
Dunne introduced the concept through a cheeky and perfectly on-brand TikTok video featuring her aboard a fishing boat in a bikini, holding up her catch with a confident grin. It didn’t take long for the post to rack up millions of views, with fans flooding the comments in support—and more than a few asking when the next fishing trip would be. But this isn’t just a one-off moment. For Dunne, “Hot Girl Fishing” is part of a broader effort to embrace empowerment, the outdoors, and authenticity—all without taking herself too seriously.
The phrase “Hot Girl” has, of course, become a cultural staple over the past few years. Coined and popularized by rapper Megan Thee Stallion, “Hot Girl” energy is all about confidence, independence, and doing whatever makes you feel good. Dunne’s take on it doesn’t deviate far from that spirit. In her world, Hot Girl Fishing is about letting loose, having fun in nature, and proving that yes, you can be glam and gritty at the same time.
It also feels personal. Growing up in New Jersey, Dunne wasn’t always in the gym. Like many kids, she spent time outdoors with her family and often reflects fondly on the simple joys of life outside the spotlight. Fishing brings her back to those roots. It’s not about catching the biggest fish—it’s about the experience, the peace of the water, the sun on your skin, and the freedom to unplug, even just for a while.
And that’s exactly the message she’s sharing. In an era dominated by curated content and pressure to constantly be “on,” Dunne’s foray into fishing feels refreshing. It’s not polished. It’s not perfect. It’s playful. It’s genuine. And in a social media landscape full of filters and carefully constructed narratives, that kind of authenticity is rare.
Of course, anything Livvy Dunne touches tends to go viral—and this is no exception. Fans across TikTok and Instagram are already hopping on the trend, posting their own “Hot Girl Fishing” clips, often tagging Dunne or using the hashtag she coined. Whether it’s lakes in the Midwest or bays in the South, women are showing up in bikinis, board shorts, or even overalls with tackle boxes in hand and smiles on their faces. The vibe is relaxed. The energy is positive. And the community is growing.
What’s most intriguing, though, is how Dunne is using this trend to subtly challenge stereotypes—particularly about femininity, athleticism, and what it means to be “girly.” Too often, women in sports or fitness are boxed into narrow labels: tomboy, glam queen, serious athlete, influencer. Dunne has always defied those boundaries, proving that a person can be fiercely competitive, deeply disciplined, and still have fun with their image. Hot Girl Fishing is just the latest extension of that philosophy. You can love rhinestones and muddy boots. You can care about your mascara and your casting technique. You can be strong, stylish, and silly—all at once.
In fact, Dunne’s ability to walk that line is part of what has made her such a standout figure in collegiate athletics. She’s one of the most followed NCAA athletes in history, with tens of millions of followers across her platforms. She’s also become a face of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities, scoring partnerships with major brands like Vuori, American Eagle, and Forever 21. But through it all, Dunne has been careful to keep things real. Her followers aren’t just fans—they’re a community. Many of them are young women looking for role models who aren’t afraid to be both bold and relatable.
And that’s where Hot Girl Fishing really shines. It’s not about selling a product. It’s about promoting a vibe. A mindset. A lifestyle. One that encourages women to explore spaces they’ve historically been excluded from or underrepresented in. Let’s face it—fishing hasn’t exactly been marketed as glamorous. But Livvy Dunne is here to prove it can be.
That message also resonates beyond social media. In a broader cultural sense, Dunne’s trend touches on a growing movement of women reclaiming outdoor sports and leisure activities. Whether it’s hiking, hunting, surfing, or fishing, more women are carving out space in traditionally male-dominated hobbies and adding their own flair. For many, it’s about more than just fun—it’s about autonomy, confidence, and community.
Dunne, for her part, isn’t pretending to be a fishing expert. She’s not handing out pro angler tips or entering tournaments (yet). She’s just showing what she loves and inviting others to come along for the ride. That humility is part of what makes her so magnetic. You don’t have to know what a spinnerbait is. You don’t need fancy gear. All you need is a good attitude, a willingness to try something new, and maybe a sunhat or two.
And while it might all seem like fun and games on the surface, there’s a deeper layer worth acknowledging. Livvy Dunne has built a brand empire not by following the crowd, but by knowing exactly who she is—and leaning all the way into it. Hot Girl Fishing might be a bit tongue-in-cheek, but it’s also a reflection of that self-assurance. Of knowing that empowerment doesn’t have to be loud or perfectly scripted. Sometimes it just looks like casting a line into the water and laughing with your friends under a blue sky.
It also underscores Dunne’s rare ability to make niche interests feel mainstream. Not many people could take fishing—a hobby still seen by some as old-fashioned or off-limits for certain demographics—and turn it into a viral lifestyle aesthetic. But Dunne has always had a sixth sense for what resonates. She’s a gymnast, a businesswoman, an influencer, and now, potentially, a trendsetting angler. The common thread in all those roles is confidence. And she’s giving her followers permission to find that in themselves, no matter what they’re doing.
It’s worth noting, too, that Dunne is still focused on her gymnastics career. She’s set to return for one more season with LSU and has repeatedly said how much the sport means to her. But even as she continues to train and compete at the highest level, she’s carving out space for other passions—and showing that athletes are multi-dimensional humans with interests beyond the gym.
That’s an important message for young fans, especially girls, who are often told they have to choose one path and stick to it. Dunne’s journey is proof that you can be both/and instead of either/or. Both competitive and carefree. Both serious and silly. Both in the gym and on the water.
Whether Hot Girl Fishing turns into a full-blown movement or just becomes a fun summer vibe, one thing is clear: Livvy Dunne isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She’s found a new way to express herself—and in doing so, she’s reminding everyone that self-expression is never one-size-fits-all.
So if you find yourself scrolling through social media this summer and see an influx of sun-kissed selfies with fishing poles and captions dripping in sass and positivity, you’ll know who to thank. Livvy Dunne didn’t just start a trend. She cast a line straight into the heart of what it means to live boldly, be yourself, and maybe catch a fish while you’re at it.
Who says you can’t be glam and gutsy? With Livvy Dunne leading the way, Hot Girl Fishing might just be the summer’s most empowering catch.
