Introduction to fishing
My first fishing memory was when I was a little girl and would go over to my aunt’s pond to fish with my dad and brother. It was definitely something I enjoyed doing when I was little, but I also struggled to stay patient while doing it—ha ha! As I got older and entered high school, I met some friends who also enjoyed fishing, and from there, I became even more hooked. Every weekend, I would spend my time night fishing for catfish or, during the day, heading to local marshes or ponds to fish for bass or anything that would bite my bait. Fast forward to today, my significant other and I find time whenever we can between our work schedules to take the boat out or just make a trip to the river or marsh to bank fish.
Experiences and challenges
Some of the positive experiences I have encountered as a woman in the fishing community include the outreaching compassion from other fellow anglers when I am out fishing, either by myself or with my significant other. When I see other people out fishing, so many of them ask if I have caught anything or just say hello. To me, it means a lot when a stranger who also enjoys fishing takes the time to communicate with me (or us).
However, some of the negative experiences involve people assuming I don’t truly enjoy the sport and only do it to “fit in,” which is not the case. I truthfully find peace and serenity when I am out fishing; it is by far the only activity that makes me feel that way.
I believe the community, my peers, and the audience perceive women who fish positively. Having more women getting into fishing makes the sport something that attracts a diverse range of people. I would not say that anyone should feel threatened that a woman wants to do the same type of sport as a male, but rather respect that many women are truly passionate about it and are very talented.
Support systems
Over the years, as I have gotten more into the sport, I have definitely found supportive networks and groups that have helped others and me. One of the groups I found and have a trip planned with is Women of the Wild Outdoors. Their mission is to get women involved in various fishing and hunting trips they plan. It is amazing that these women make it possible for many women who love the outdoors to experience different types of fishing and hunting all over the country.
Alongside that group, I have met many fellow women anglers and hunters in my community through social media, and some who do not even live close to me have reached out, and we have instantly connected. Being a woman and finding other women who also do the same things can often be hard. Most women where I live do enjoy fishing, but they often do it because a significant other or family member takes them, rather than doing it by themselves. I think that is totally fine, but not very many women I know willingly go by themselves like I do.
Personal achievements
I have had quite a few achievements in my fishing career that I am truly proud of, but mostly shocked by. One achievement was when I lived in Louisiana for about a year. I went catfishing midday, cast out as far as I could with a piece of cut bait on my hook, and reeled in my line to tighten it. Next thing I know, my rod was completely fallen over, and the line was dragging. I rushed over to my rod, picked it up, and set the hook. As I reeled in, I noticed my line was coming up to the top of the water, which is unusual for a catfish. After reeling it in for a few minutes, I saw the mouth of a huge largemouth bass. I freaked out and struggled to reel in this big bass, thinking, “Please don’t come off the hook!” Once I reeled it in, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The bass weighed 8 lbs, which is still my PB largemouth. I took a few pictures and released the fish back into the lake. Catching a bass that size in northern Ohio was definitely something I never pictured happening and will never forget.
Another achievement was during the summer of 2022 on Lake St. Clair in Michigan. My significant other and I went up for the day to catch smallmouth bass. After a few hours of fishing, I made a cast, and while reeling it back in with no bites, a huge smallmouth came out of nowhere and bit my bait. I was so amazed and freaked out, telling my boyfriend to get the net. After three attempts of him trying to net it, we finally got it into the boat. I hurried to get its weight, and it weighed in at 5 lbs, which is still my PB smallmouth bass. These are the most memorable achievements so far, and I hope to have many more down the road to share.
Advice for aspiring female anglers
My advice for women who want to pursue fishing is to never give up on it. Never think you’ll never be good enough or feel intimidated by others. Don’t feel let down if you don’t catch anything one day because you’re bound to catch one another day. Enjoy the outdoors and stay educated about your state’s fishing rules and regulations.
You can follow Tiffany on Instagram: @twhiteman95
