Benefits to joining a women’s fishing association. There are a multitude of reasons related to connection, confidence, positive mental health, well-being
If you are interested in connecting with other women in the fishing community, you may want to join a women’s fishing association. 19.8 million women went fishing in 2022 according to a recent study conducted by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and the Outdoor Foundation. That’s the highest number of female participants in the sport on record.
Why should you look into women’s fishing associations? There are a multitude of reasons and some of them might surprise you.
Benefits of Joining a Women’s Fishing Association
Social connection and the link to nature are two major reasons why women stay engaged in the sport of fishing, although the lack of community support is a deterrent for many. Further research conducted by RBFF and Ipsos found that 40% of female anglers want to be a part of a women's fishing club to help them fish more often.
When you join a women’s fishing association or organization that holds regular meetings and events, you are able to build supportive friendships with other women in the sport. Those feelings of being a part of a fishing community provide women with additional positive benefits like these:
• 1 out of 4 active female anglers say fishing makes them feel like they can do anything they set their minds to. Women’s fishing associations often coordinate fun tournaments that encourage friendly competition and fishing skill building. In other words, women who fish love challenges and have grit!
• Active female anglers were significantly more likely to believe that fishing brings them peace, calms anxiety, and helps them manage stress. When life gets busy, it can help to take time out to go fishing with friends from a women’s fishing association or club.
• The overwhelming majority of active female anglers are happy and confident. They are satisfied with life, have the ability to persevere, and have feelings of self-worth. Joining a women’s fishing association or club will encourage you to stick with the sport and build feelings of confidence.
There are organizations and associations for women anglers that you can join across the country such as the International Women’s Fishing Association, “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”, United Women on the Fly, Angling Women, Fishanistas, the Lady Bass Anglers Association, and the Women’s Fishing Federation. Now that you know about the benefits of joining one of the women’s fishing associations, what are you waiting for? Reach out to one or two and find out how to get involved.
