There is little question that the fishing industry has been primarily a man’s game but the novelty
of a female angler is rapidly petering out into normalcy every day.
Although there are women that have been out fishing their counterparts for many decades, the awareness of these women has recently begun to grow with the sudden rise of social media.
Being a new female angler in today’s fishing world is very much a mixed bag and there are two distinct reactions that I receive from other fishing folk. The first response I get is an extremely negative one in which some people are adamant that I use Photoshop or that there is no possible way that I caught a certain fish. There are a flood of comments online that insist women
would never really fish in a bikini, unless they just want- ed the attention and that they probably had someone else rig up for them, even if it truly was their catch. For the majority of women who fish, this is simply laugh- able commentary. There
is, however, a more common response within the community that I am always humbled to receive. There is a great deal of respect and support to be doled out to female anglers and like stepping through some fantastical worm-hole; I have seen the rules of humanity changed.
I have met countless fisherwomen who are happy to lay down their catty weapons of competition and come together through the sport. We share our knowledge and celebrate our successes with each other, striving collectively to be known for the badasses that we are. I have found this behavior anomaly to be true with men as well, albeit sex appeal for whatever reason is still a factor, it is often overshadowed by respect. I have been hit-on by dudes and when it comes up that we both fish, the phenomenon strikes and I find myself discussing fishing with a stranger like we are old friends. I am then usually delighted to have left the conversation without the previous motive arising again. It is a refreshing change of pace to be told “tight lines” over pick-up lines and this is just another reason why I love fishing.
I recently collaborated with “Oy Vey Cafe Vintage” to create a fishing photoshoot that I had intended to be a tribute to all the lady anglers who were rippin’ lips long before it was cool. The whole day ended up being a really fun experience shared amongst some seriously nifty ladies. All of the women who participated in this photoshoot are hard-core anglers. If you look closely enough, you might see that
our hands have seen many fish, hooks and cuts from tying line. We have fished in our fair share of storms and pushed our boundaries with the best of them. Here are the thoughts of some of those great female anglers.
Amanda Gilbert
“I grew up backyard bass fishing in Indiana. When I moved to Florida, I was quickly introduced to a new bigger “blue” backyard which had MUCH bigger fish! My love for the water and a screaming drag has taken me so many places that I never imagined would be possible for me to visit. The trips for Yellowfin Tuna from Cape Canaveral, Tarpon from Boca Grande, Dolphin from Key West, Red Snapper from Venice, Sailfish from Isla Mujeres, Redfish
from Tampa and so many more are just the start of my fishing adventures. It’s my happy place and my passion.”
Dana Duff
“I grew up fishing with my dad, from the time I was a small toddler. We fished Egmont Key, Sneads Island and Terra Ceia mostly. When I got a little older, we did a lot of wade fishing and then going out farther on boats. I always caught the first fish. Reds were my favorite when I was younger. When my parents divorced, my mom later got with my stepdad and then everything turned freshwater, which was a huge difference. It was all airboats, frog gig- ging and freshwater fishing. I now have a two- year-old daughter who I take fishing constantly. She wakes up in the morning and a lot of times the first words out of her mouth are “mommy can we go fishing”? I love it and am so glad she does too.”
Chrissy Rice
“My fishing career started roughly three years ago when I met Trey. I had never touched a fishing pole before, in my life and when I met him he taught me everything. I completely fell
in love with the water and fishing. I’ve learned so much over the past few years, how to rig my own baits and tie my own knots to what kinds of baits to use for different fish etc. I’ve caught so many different species I feel so spoiled. I’m absolutely in love with all of it. Offshore is my favorite fishing, you never know what’s on the end of your line. The only tournament I’ve ever fished is the Old Salts ladies tournament, but I plan on fishing many more.”
There are so many fisherwomen who have been owning the game for years and so many joining every day. I am proud to be a part of that community and to spend my time learning from and teaching other women about fishing. Parents, do your daughters a favor and take them on your next fishing adventure.
Photography: Salvatore Brancifort
www.ilovesalvatore.com
Hair & Make-up: Georgia Kaden
www.GeorgiaKaden.com
Styling: Marissa Baker
www.oyveycafevintage.etsy.com
Quinlyn Haddon: First mate. QuinlynHaddon@gmail.com.
