I am sure that there may be some who think of special designated weeks as being superficial, they do bring quite a bit of special attention and often attract people who would not otherwise become involved in the activity that is being promoted.

Fishing is not much different, especially as it is so often seen as a man's domain. With the huge number of activities that are going on during Fishing Week, it gives people an opportunity to discover that there others just like them who also enjoy the sport, and that fishing may not be exactly what they perceived it to be.

According to a Press Release issued by the National Fishing Week Steering Committee, there are about 46 million people who fish in the United States. Interestingly enough, more than one third of these are women! Over the past ten years, great efforts have been made to encourage women to not only take up flyfishing, but to look at a number of outdoor related recreational activities as serious past times that they can enjoy.

What are the obstacles facing women that want to learn more about and take part in flyfishing? Probably the biggest obstacle is attitude toward the sport on both the part of men and women. Certainly, there are no physical limitations that would keep a woman from fully enjoying the sport! Perhaps a few years, it might have been more difficult for a woman to find gear that was suited for them, but now most of the major manufacturers and suppliers are ensuring that they have waders, vests, and even fishing rods that are suitable for women and that will assure their comfort.

There are also a huge number of resources available as well. For women who might feel some intimidation about being out on a river with a group of men, there are a number of places that they can consider taking casting lessons, enjoy a guided trip, or even book a holiday that is geared towards them, and where they can feel comfortable in the company of other women doing the same thing. One of the women I respect the most who is providing these services is Pudge Klienkauf of Womens Flyfishing® in Alaska. Pudge has been a guest here at the site for a couple of chat sessions where she did a fantastic job of answering questions and providing advice to both sexes about flyfishing in general as well encouraging women to continue their knowledge of fishing.

Some of the greatest flyfishers ever have been women. Joan Wulff, who in 1998 was awarded the prestigous Order of the Lapis Lazuli from the Federation of Fly Fishers has done a tremendous amount of work for flyfishing in general! As well, Helen Shaw has been responsible for improving the skills of many men in their fly tying with her book, Fly-Tying. Speaking of books, the first ever known literature on flyfishing was written by a woman, Dame Juliana Berners, and entitled "A Treatyse on Fysshynge with an Angle."

Of course, there are a number of great resources here for women as well! If you're a woman, why not ask a flyfisher to take you out fishing this week, or at least arrange for some lessons? It's really not that difficult, and I am sure that in no time as well, you can be casting just as well as any man!

If you're a man, and wondering how to encourage your wife, girlfriend, or daughter to share your flyfishing experiences, be sure to read the article Pudge Klienkauff wrote for us, "Wanted: A Woman To Flyfish With." Then ask her out for a date!

Discussion: Do you have any special events planned for National Fishing Week? Tell us what you are going to do to celebrate this week in our Flyfishing Forum.

RELATED LINKS

Take A Kid Fishing
Take a kid fishing this opening day.

"I'm Hooked For Life, Dad"
I took my eldest son out flyfishing for his first time, and it was a joy to watch him cast like a pro. Find out what flies worked great for us, too!

Wanted: A Woman To Flyfish With
Its not a want ad, but solid advice on fishing gender differences. By Pudge Kleinkauf.

Flyfishing Is For Women, Too
The sport is not just for men, and women can often learn faster.

For Women Only
Interest in fly fishing among women is increasing. Take a look at the resources available especially for this growing segment of the sport.

Women's Resources
Links especially for women.

"I'm Hooked For Life, Dad!"
I took my eldest son out flyfishing for his first time, and it was a joy to watch him cast like a pro. Find out what flies worked great for us, too!

The Truth About Hoppers
Misinformation abounds about flyfishing with hoppers. Doc Knoll has the answer on how you can improve your catch when using these great immitations.

Sport Or Molestation?
Is Larry Dahlberg guilty of molestation?

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