Women anglers are quickly emerging as one of the fastest-growing demographics within fishing, according to industry leaders. Many are landing record fish, running successful businesses and providing professional guides services.
And they’re mentoring younger girls as mentors themselves, which can have a major effect on the future of fishing. Therefore, major suppliers are marketing the sport directly towards women while offering gear designed to appeal specifically for female anglers.
History
Women constitute half the world population involved in fishing and aquaculture, yet they are rarely represented in leadership positions and remain significantly affected by unsustainable practices.
Gender inequality in fisheries stems from many sources, such as traditional roles that limit time for income-generating activities, restricted access to credit and finance, as well as cultural taboos that restrict women from participating. Unfortunately, due to these barriers women’s contributions towards household and community resilience may often remain less visible than men.
Things are changing quickly: from Chile’s Pacific coast to the Blue Ridge foothills, women are finding a place for themselves in fly fishing – from record breaking fish catches and respected captains and guides to introducing friends to this sport. According to Bruna Carincotte of RBFF, as more women take up fishing they are creating an opportunity for healthy social activity with family members and friends alike.
Influence
Women anglers are revolutionizing fishing as a sport. Competing alongside male anglers at national and international tournaments, setting new world records, and providing meals for their families are just some of the ways women fishermen are revolutionizing this traditional activity.
Influential female anglers are changing public perception of fishing as an enjoyable family activity, healthy lifestyle choice and conservation practice. Their positive portrayals on social media stand in stark contrast to images depicting fishing as “babes in bikinis holding fish”.
As women continue to play an active role in fisheries, their contributions should be recognized and valued by government agencies, the fishing industry, and society as a whole. Recently, Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation released a report outlining psychological benefits fishing can bring for women such as greater perseverance and an optimistic view on life; you can view it all here.
Mentoring
Peterson also notes that women anglers often act as mentors for younger anglers, particularly children. This mentoring role is especially crucial considering 94 percent of people fishing today learned before turning 18. If given an opportunity, Peterson encourages getting someone hooked.
As more women enter fishing, they’re also helping shape new equipment and techniques. A survey conducted by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation showed that one of the primary motivations for going out on the water is relaxing and unwinding; next most popular: spending quality time with family and friends.
But more than anything else, female fishing participation helps support conservation efforts. New anglers – both men and women alike – purchase state fishing licenses that fund habitat restoration programs and reduce invasive species populations. Furthermore, many fishing organizations now tailor their products specifically to women by offering waders and rods in smaller sizes with extra features tailored specifically for them.
Social Media
Women have increasingly become an integral part of fishing as their numbers have steadily increased and become an integral component of keeping it going strong. Female anglers who paved the way for contemporary female fishermen include those who participated in international tournaments, big game angling or world record hunting alongside men anglers.
At a time when fishing is facing unprecedented difficulties, the increase of women anglers offers hope for its survival and success. Companies are taking note of this developing demographic by offering clothing and tackle designed specifically for them, outfitters are catering adventure travel trips specifically to female adventurers, and many bigger angling companies have created women-specific programs. Experienced anglers can help foster this expanding market by being welcoming to women or girls trying fishing for the first time.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tg-kXega34Y