Fairer sex, awesome anglers

AT the risk of bringing forth the wrath of a few, I wish, this week to mention a touchy subject: Women and Fishing.

I say, the wrath, as I have been married to my lovely wife for 36 years and have seen and felt the full impact of getting things wrong.

I am sure there are a lot of gentlemen out there who have also felt the wrath of a lady who is usually a gun angler.

Ladies, you see, for some unknown reason, are awesome anglers. I have seen it in action, a lady pulls up to a fishing spot and before you know it, a fish is upon the bank.

Where it starts to unravel is when this is done — probably on a pink rod with the wrong sort of lure and it’s usually first cast too — you complain, because you have spent an absolute fortune on the latest and greatest.

Fighting words usually ensue. As a fella, I have learnt to bite my tongue, and as you get older, all dark thoughts, should be kept to yourself.

Let’s look at why ladies (and girls) are such good anglers, because I have it sussed out, I reckon.

They have patience. They (the fairer sex) are methodical in their approach and usually watch how it’s done and I have seen the results close at hand.

I give you an example. My eldest daughter (at the time a six-year-old) came with me to a well-known fishing location, and proceeded to talk to two “crusty” old men who were bait fishing.

With the cheek of the young, she asked what was being caught and what on, which resulted in the two fellows divulging what the go was for this water (Their efforts were blank at that stage).

All under Dad’s watchful eye, I might add. She came back to me and asked for a worm, which I baited up for her and she cast it in, right between the two old chaps.

Well, you guessed it, a few minutes later, she was on to a good fish, which when landed, went 1.7kg.

The two gentlemen then tied on spinners and went fishing elsewhere. True story.

I reckon if tackle companies endorsed merchandise aimed at ladies and young lasses, they would do very well.

I’m not talking about pink rods or glitzy lures, but good quality light-end products, for there is a huge market there.

This of course, brings me to the point of the exercise, Ladies Fishing Day.

Fishing clinics for females are being held around the state to encourage more women and girls to participate in fishing.

To mark International Women’s Day, clinics will be held in Hobart, Somerset and St Helens.

Whilst some women are already experienced fishers, others have never picked up a rod, but are keen to learn.

If this sounds like you, come along to one of the clinics where you’ll get tips from experienced volunteers and female mentors.

Fishing gear will be available to use or bring your own rod.

Learn how to rig it, cast your line and handle a fish when you catch one.

There’ll be giveaways at each event including rods and fishing caps.

The latest survey of recreational fishing in Tasmania showed that only half as many females as males participate in fishing!