We all know that in order to fish there are no height requirements or a need to be strong and physically fit. Some fishing skills, that many woman already posses, are patience, finesse and agility. Traditionally fishing was "A mans sport". Fishing was something that men would learn from their fathers and grandfathers. It was something that the men would go out and do not even just to fish but to hang out with the other guys. Fishing was a way for the man of the house to bring home dinner while women typically stayed home to take care of the children and the housekeeping. There are more and more women now that are not only learning how to fish but also enjoying the sport of fishing. I see women getting out there and bringing home dinner for the family on their own and sometimes being able to claim the trophy for the biggest fish.

In order to be a successful fisherwoman you need to have some knowledge of some of the different types of fishing gear and tackle. You need to know that fish have different behavioral patterns and feeding habits and how they act with the different phases of the moon and weather fronts.

Some women were taught by men in their lives and there are some that are self taught. I even know of some women that would go out with the men and just watch and learn. I was one of the fortunate ones that had a grandfather that took time to teach me how to fish when I was younger. For any woman that wants to learn how to fish one thing to keep in the back of your mind is that sometimes learning from a significant other may not be the best. Men and women have different patience levels, which can make for an unpleasant learning experience. There are still plenty of "equal-opportunity" fishermen out there that love to take a woman out to fish and show them great fishing techniques. Women just have to be a little more selective when it comes to choosing a teacher.

My Grandfather taught me, as a young girl, how to tie a hook on the line, how to bait my own hook and how to remove the fish from the hook. He had the patience of a saint to teach me how to go about removing knots from my line. I was even shown how to clean a fish by just using a bottle cap nailed to a piece of wood. I would encourage any women out there that would love to learn to enjoy the sport of fishing to just go for it. If you are thinking to yourself that there is no way you will find someone to teach you, think again. There are plenty of other women and men out there that would love to show you the way. Look on line for local fishing clubs or any organizations that are specifically organized by and for women. I have looked on line myself and there are a ton of fly fishing sites out there for women but there is also a lot of other great fishing information to be found. There are plenty of women that are right here on Lake Link that would love to show a fellow Lady of Lake Link their fishing tactics.

Fishing is one hobby that can be inexpensive if you choose for it to be. I have plenty of hobbies that have become expensive over the years, I will admit that fishing is one of them, but you don’t have to spend a lot to start fishing. Keeping it cheap means not going out and buying a boat, just remember there are plenty of areas where you can fish right from the shore. The cost of a fishing license and a rod and reel combo can be pretty cheap. If you not sure you want to spend the money just to find that you don’t like it, don’t let that stop you from trying. You would still need to get a fishing license but I don’t know of many anglers that only have 1 fishing rod to use, including myself, that would probably be able to find an extra set-up for you to try. Now if you want to get into fly fishing, well that tends to be a little more expensive. I personally would love to try fly fishing, and believe me, someday I will.

I hope that more women consider the wonderful sport of fishing. Learning the basics is pretty easy making it an enjoyable yet challenging hobby that you can choose to do on your own or with someone, even the kids. I love to take the kids fishing, but I also realize that I need to perfect my angling skills which requires some peaceful fishing time just for me. Nothing like a miniature getaway doing something I enjoy. So Ladies, get out there and fish.