Female anglers account for a fast growing segment of the sport fishing
community. More and more women of all ages are learning to enjoy
fishing. Statistics prove that there are now over 17 million female
anglers registered in the United States alone. They are quickly
catching on to the fact that sport fishing is not an extreme sport all
about strength. It is a sport that requires more finesse and patience
than anything else – two traits women seem to have plenty of.
Today, female anglers are gaining visibility. Ladies are regular visitors in tackle shops, on the waterways, competing in tournaments as well as making appearances in the mass media. The stereotype that women are ‘helpless on the water’ is no long gone. This may be because the sport has become much more accessible for women who now have many options specifically tailored to fit their needs and wants.
Outdoor marketers have found that it makes sound business sense to reach out to this vastly growing segment of the market. They’ve come to realize that the lady of the house has a major impact on where her family vacations. More and more manufacturers in the industry are listening closely to the female anglers’ perspective. For example, there are now multiple lines of outdoor apparel tailored directly to the ladies. There are also tackle, gear and accessories engineered specifically for female anglers. Manufacturers want females to select the appropriate gear and garments so they, too, can be comfortable. Soft, feminine colors now fill clothing racks at sporting goods retailers and for good reason.
Many women are as serious about their sense of style as they are about their fishing. Fortunately, we no longer have to be seen in public wearing our boyfriends, fathers, brothers or husbands baggy, and I might add “fishy” old fishing clothes. We are seeing softer colors and lightweight, high-performance materials in shirts, shorts and headwear. Even nautical footwear and foul weather gear is now available specifically for women of all ages, shapes and sizes. Sensitive to the sun, spending time outdoors in Florida, especially on the water, requires serious sun protection. This is exactly why there are clothing lines available with SPF sun protection engineered directly into the fabric. Today we can not only fish well, we can make a fashion statement doing it. If we all look good and feel good, we’ll be able to prolong our time on the water.
As far as tackle, women now have the option of selecting custom rods handcrafted specifically for their frames. Lighter materials, comfortable foregrips and shorter butt sections are helping women achieve the same level of success as their more experienced male counterparts. Retailers even offer fishing equipment designed for adolescent around Disney characters. Getting our daughters involved in fishing and enjoying the outdoors at an early age will instill values they will keep with them forever.
Today, there are many workshops and fishing clubs which offer instruction specifically to the lady angler. Many women join these organizations to create long-lasting friendships with other female anglers with similar interests. They also learn the skills necessary to fish effectively. One such organization is Ladies Let’s Go Fishing – The No-Yelling School of Fishing www.LadiesLetsGoFishing.com . Patient instructors provide lessons in stand-up fishing techniques, how to trailer a boat, knot tying, bait rigging and so much more.
Fishing is fun. It is the best way to spend quality time with family and friends while enjoying nature’s beauty. Unfortunately, many women grew up never wetting a line. This may explain why we’re seeing an increase in mature women getting involved in the sport late in their lives and enjoying every minute of it. I have been told over and over that women of all ages are constantly looking for a sport that they can be good at, and one that will build their confidence. Fishing does just that. Don’t settle for being a small fish in a big sea. The industry has opened its doors and minds to female anglers of all ages and skill levels. You can do it, and you can do it with style!
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