Fly Fishing for Women – A Sport Gaining in Popularity
Women have been fly fishing for nearly as many years as men have, but in recent years the sport of women’s fly fishing has really taken off. The relaxation and challenge of fly fishing, as well as the tranquillity of the great outdoors appeal to both men and women, and more women are flocking to this exciting sport day-by-day.
Women’s fly fishing clubs and organizations now exist for women who are interested in fly fishing. One such organization is International Women Fly Fishers, an international non-profit organization which brings women interested in fly fishing together from all over the world, and also have a directory of women’s fly fishing in the United States and from around the world.
Fly Fishing Gear for Women
Men and women are not created equal in body shape. Until recently, a woman would have had to purchase fly fishing gear made for men if they wanted start out in the sport of fly fishing. There has been a huge improvement in the fly fishing gear available for women in recent times. As women are becoming an increasingly larger chunk of the fly fishing market, fly fishing manufacturers have started making women’s fly fishing gear, tailor-made for women anglers. Whether a woman is looking to buy freshwater fly fishing gear, or saltwater fly fishing gear, there is now equipment specifically available.
Fly fishing equipment made for women include fly rods, which are made with smaller grips to suit the smaller hands of women, and are also made to be more lightweight. Waders designed to fit the shape of a woman’s body are also now available, as well as women’s wading boots. Fly fishing vests and chest packs designed for women are also now being made by manufacturers.
Sage, makers of some of the finest fly rods in the fly fishing industry (such as the Sage Smallmouth Fly Fishing Rod), now make a fly fishing rod tailor made for women, the Sage Z-Axis Small Grip Fly Rod. Winston also make the Winston Joan Wulff Fly Rod, which is another high quality rod. Both these rods are lightweight and have the smaller grips which are better suited for women.
Simms have now launched waders that are specifically shaped to fit women, the Simms Women’s Headwater Waders. These stockingfoot waders are excellent quality, and are made from 3-layer Gore-Tex material. Simms also make wading boots specifically designed for women, the Simms Women’s Headwaters Boot, which are narrower than equivalent men’s wading boot, are lightweight, and are ideally suited for women.