Broad and Reel

Why do women like to fish? Probably for the same reasons why men like to fish…give or take a few. Below are 10 reasons why I like to fish.

1. The outdoors. This probably my biggest reason for fishing. I love to be outside. Whether it’s on a pier, by a lake or standing in a stream. I just really feel good when I’m out in the sun.

2. The challenge. Fishing is hard for a lot of people. Sure you can throw some cut shrimp on your line and catch a whiting or two but fishing for the big guy or the elusive fish is a little different. Learning to fish in saltwater is a real challenge for me. So many factors (wind, tide, temperature, time of year) plus so many fish and so much space. You really gotta know what’s going on out there if you want to catch fish.

3. The competition. Outfishing my boyfriend is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Period.

4. The fun gear. Yes…you should know by know. I love to fish with anything pink, purple or sparkly. Maybe someday I’ll design women’s fishing gear.

5. The excitement. Believe me, my heart will be pounding when I catch my first big fish from the surf. I can still remember the first time I saw a trout rise for a dry fly that I tied myself. I was shocked I actually saw the fish and I was shocked he rose for a fly tied by a newbie.

6. Independence. Being able to tie your own knots, bait your own hook, land your own fish and quickly remove him is a very rewarding feeling. Surprisingly, it’s even more rewarding when you are standing in a stream without anyone around you.

7. Learning new things. There’s always something new to learn about fishing. Whether it’s new knots or new flies or even a special niche such as distance casting…I think fishing is a lifelong learning experience, which can also be frustrating. Sometimes I wish I knew all the tricks so I could catch more fish now! ha ha

8. Peacefulness. Fishing can be incredibly relaxing. Sometimes I love to sit on the end of a dock and just drop my line down and think about nothing…those are the times when it doesn’t matter if I catch or not. I don’t always want fishing to be like that. Sometimes I like the chaos of the pier on a summer day or all the questions from passerby’s on the beach.

9. It’s everywhere. No matter where you go, as long as there is water, there is fishing. Ya some of the techniques may vary but it’s basically the same skills. That’s one of the coolest things about fishing…

10. Treasures. You never know what you’ll find or see when fishing. I once found a fist-sized chunk of coal while fishing the Buffalo Creek in PA. In Dunbar, PA, a group of us saw a blue butterfly hatch…it was pretty neat. I fish for all the reasons I mentioned above plus memories and I can’t forget the pictures. Girls love pictures…

PS The weather better clear up this weekend because I’m ready to go fishing!