Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 29

I
n Pennsylvania, of all licensed anglers, just 36%
are female, an increase of only 4% from the last
decade. I am proud to be part of that statistic.
Women are beginning to redefine the sport of fishing
as we know it, and we are seeing new influence and
enthusiasm on a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Being a woman in the fishing industry is a unique and
rewarding experience. Yet, it also comes with its own
set of challenges, as it is about breaking the traditional
stereotypes as well as proving that women are just as
good as male anglers.
I have been fishing since childhood, a skill my dad
taught me as soon as I could hold a rod. I have spent my
entire life in the fishing community. But, it wasn't until I
grew up that I realized that being a female in this sport
would force me to face some unexpected challenges.
From struggling to find the gear that is both functional
and fits the female body to feeling judged when walking
into fly shops that I may not be taken seriously, to
just being scared to ask questions for fear I will look
uneducated. Women are pushing the boundaries of what
it takes to be an exceptional angler, evidenced by the
powerful women in this sport.
Amidea Daniel, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission Northcentral Region Outreach and
Education Coordinator, has been working in the industry
for decades. " Surround yourself with women. It is a
fantastic time to be a female angler. Women are starting to
form connections statewide, nationwide and worldwide " ,
said Daniel. Daniel explained that the fishing and boating
industry brings women friendships, encouragement,
empowerment and overall builds community. Local and
state organizations are making big gains when it comes to
educating women of all levels in the sport. Organizations
such as Lancaster Fly Girls and United Women on
the Fly (UWOTF) are taking the time to bring female
anglers together in a safe environment to learn about the
sport and find people who love it just as much as they
do. Daniel is now seeing women who go through these
programs as participants return as instructors, a positive
for the future of the industry. She also emphasized that
we should be lifting up the next female anglers.
Kelley Kirsch, UWOTF Resource Coordinator and
founder of Lancaster Fly Girls, shared that as a female
angler, she feels empowered, confident and stronger on
the water. Maintaining the conservation of the fish and
our waterways is crucial to keeping this sport alive.
I am lucky enough to go to Penn State and was
introduced to KINES 04 and 93, Principles of Fly Tying
and Fly Fishing for Trout and Enhancing Mastery in
Physical Activity, both led by instructor George Daniel.
These classes gave me the opportunity to learn alongside
dedicated male and female anglers to improve our
skills in fly fishing. The most valuable lesson, though,
was how much the younger generations are breaking
that stereotype of the sport being male-dominated. In
a class of 75% male anglers, not one of them has ever
looked at me or my female anglers as " competition " but
as resources to learn alongside, improving my overall
outlook on the sport. George Daniel has been a huge
part of my continued success as a female angler, from
perfecting the skill of fly fishing to simply being more
confident in my abilities when fishing with my fellow
anglers. Penn State's Bass Fishing Club has also been
breaking social norms. These anglers educated me on
the basics of the sport and empowered me to join their
fishing community without hesitation or judgment.
It is important to acknowledge and celebrate the
contributions that women are making to the sport of
fishing, from beginners to professionals. The stories
and experiences of women in fishing serve as a
testament to their resilience, dedication and urge for
community within the industry. Empowering women
in fishing not only benefits us individually but has
positive impacts on generations to come, as well as
the overall success of the sport. So, next time you see a
female angler, appreciate her passion and dedication to
the sport. She earned it.
Younger generations are breaking the stereotype of fishing being a male-dominated sport. Male and female anglers are learning
alongside each other and improving their skills together.
January/February 2024
29

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024

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