by Jill Barnes

Some of the nicest places I’ve been to were seen and experienced to their fullest while fishing. I've explored the lush greenery of the Adirondack Mountains in New York, the rocky cliffs of South Dakota and the bush country of Ontario. And there's a lot more out there yet to see. Being a woman hasn't stopped me from wetting a line in some exotic and not-so-exotic places. In fact, women from all walks of life are experiencing the joys of fishing.

Fishing is something a woman can try at any age. Studies show that more than 22 million women are now active in fishing, and that they spend more than $130 million a year on tackle and other related merchandise. For some of these women, the sport provides needed relaxation or quiet time with a mate (or from a mate). For others, it's a family endeavor.

This is no sudden trend. Women have always fished. History shows that Cleopatra was a wily angler. There's a note in Plutarch's life of Antony that talks about Antony fishing with his love. The first fishing manual ever written was by a British woman, Dame Juliana Berners, in 1425. In Treatyse of Fysshynge Wyth an Angle, (CQ), Berners gives how-to instructions on converting a walking staff into a fishing rod and also describes how to make fishing line from horse hair, hooks from tapestry needles, and trout flies from dyed wools and bird feathers.

But Colonial American women were the real fishing pioneers. Their journals are full of fishing tips, including instructions passed along to their daughters on how to make artificial lures. Later, in 1924, a milliner named Carrie G. Stevens followed in Berners’ footsteps. She conceived the idea of tying a bigger fly to resemble smaller bait fish instead of insects. Using her milliner's materials, she fashioned a big, bright streamer fly, which on her first outing caught a 6-pound, 13-ounce brook trout. The Carrie Stevens Streamer fly is still used today.

Getting Started

But despite the many opportunities for women to get out there and fish, a segment of the female population just doesn't know where to start – or is afraid to ask for help. It can be a plus if she has a husband or boyfriend who fishes and is willing to show her the ropes. A growing number of women learn from other women or by joining fishing clubs, such as a bass or fly-fishing club.

If you don't know where to look, check the bait and tackle shops servicing the lakes or areas you fish. They sometimes can steer you to fishing clubs looking for new members. These shops also have bulletin boards where you can post your name, expressing an interest in finding other women who share your love of the sport. Or check out the Internet. There are lots of sources to learn more about fishing.

Unfortunately, statistics show that most women don't get started in the sport early enough. There are about 16 million girls in America aged 5 to 16 playing team sports, but this age bracket is virtually absent from fishing statistics. Young girls aren’t getting much exposure to fishing from the schools, and apparently very little from family either, which indicates that most women get into the sport through a boyfriend or husband.

Gearing Up

Fishing, unlike most other sports, takes skill and practice to land fish, not big biceps. Good equipment also is essential for women serious about gearing up for fishing of any type, whether it be for largemouth bass, trout, walleye or any of the saltwater species. Don't use anything someone else doesn't want anymore. If they didn't want it, there's probably a reason. There's nothing worse than fighting with your equipment while your partner is fighting a fish.

Again, visit your local tackle shop or sporting goods store and tell them what type of fish you want to catch. Also tell them where you'll be fishing such as rocky shorelines, in weed-filled waters, small ponds, large lakes or rivers, or in the ocean. And don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't like something, or it doesn't feel right in your hand, say so. Most shop owners realize they need to be helpful or they won't get much return business. Don't be intimated by terms you don't understand like spinning reel, baitcaster, fly weight, buzzbaits and spoons. The only dumb question is the one not asked.

Outerwear also is important. Although blue skies are always nice, the weather can get cold, rainy, hot, humid and sometimes snowy. In fact, a sudden weather change often improves fishing, so in order to capitalize on the opportunities, it pays to be prepared. Outdoor clothing manufacturers are getting hip to the fact that women need well fitting waders, rain jackets, hats and shirts. If you don't see what you want, complain. Put up with the rain and the cold with dignity.

Learn As You Go And Have Fun

Some types of fishing take more practice while others are no-brainers. Fish like sunfish and crappies almost catch themselves at times, with just a bit of worm or a minnow on the hook. But certain types of bass fishing take a bit of finesse. It took me awhile to get the feel of a bass picking up a plastic worm. Just take it slow and learn as you go. Remember that anglers at any skill level continue to learn with each time out on the water. You may get snagged on some trees and you may suffer a backlash (when the line gets so messed up you want to throw the reel in the lake), but keep on fishing. Who knows what the next cast might bring.

The key to having fun while fishing is fishing in whatever manner you feel comfortable. If you prefer throwing a spinnerbait, don't switch because someone says you should use a jig. If the fish are active, they'll hit both. But if your partner is consistently catching fish on something you're not sure how to use, ask questions and don’t be afraid to learn. Most people are flattered when asked for advice.

So, the next time the job is stressing you out or you feel cooped up in the house with the kids, get a baby-sitter and grab your rod. And call a friend. Introduce her to the joys of fishing. It gets in your blood. Whether it's a 12-incher or a 7-pounder, it's always a thrill to see and feel something at the end of your line.

See you out on the water.

Items Of Interest

Good Reading – Joan Wulff's Fly Fishing: Expert Advice from a Women's Perspective. Joan is a champion flycaster and angler. She runs a school in the New York Catskills.

Clubs – Women's Bass Fishing Association (bass fishing club), www.wbfatour.com; Lady Fish Club (saltwater fishing club), clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/ladyfishclub

Photos by Jill Barnes