Reeling in Confidence: The Journey of Women on the Water

(BPT) – In the stillness of early morning, the light of dawn peeks over the horizon, casting a bright light across the water. For many women, from the boat or river in which they stand, these moments spark introspection and can lead to a journey of self-discovery that allows them to find a more confident and resilient version of themselves. Research done by Take Me Fishing™ and Ipsos supports this journey, finding that women who fish have higher self-esteem and greater perseverance. Female anglers surveyed as part of the study also said that fishing teaches them patience and helps them develop confidence.There are countless examples of women finding more than just fish in the water. From those whose culture is deeply ingrained in fishing to women who learned how to fish and walk at the same time to others who returned to fishing in adulthood — they’ve all found the best versions of themselves on the water.Rooted in Culture and PurposeAshley Nichole Lewis, a 142nd-generation angler, views fishing as a meaningful connection to her ancestors and the Quinault people of the Pacific Northwest. From a young age, Lewis found solace and inspiration in the tranquility of the water.“When I’m out fishing, I get to be with myself and tap into a huge ecosystem of life, it gives me a chance to reset mentally,” said Lewis.Through fishing and boating, she feels connected not only with the past, but it also allows her to see a strong future for herself. Lewis has completed undergraduate and graduate degrees and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Indigenous and Environmental History at the University of California, Davis.“Being on the water gives me this North Star, this compass to what happens next,” said Lewis. “I never thought I would go to college or graduate school. Not only do I find my best self on the water, but I’m also given further direction to what my best life looks like.”Finding Movement and MindfulnessLindsay Kocka first fell in love with fishing as a young girl at her family’s cabin in Minnesota. Over the years, she’s experimented with many types of fishing, but found herself drawn particularly to fly fishing. Now, as a fly fishing, wellness and yoga educator in Montana, she uses fishing to connect with nature, practice mindfulness and share her passion.“When I’m fishing, I feel connected and integrated in my body outdoors,” said Kocka. “It’s soothing for the nervous system, relaxing and exciting at the same time. It’s important to me to pass along this feeling to other women so that they can reap the same benefits I’ve found.”Kocka founded Wade Well, a functional movement, mobility and mindfulness method for fly anglers. Through Wade Well, she empowers new anglers and enables seasoned anglers to continue fishing long term, ideally while maintaining pain-free movement. Nearly half of women who fish say fishing teaches them patience, and Kocka’s method reinforces that, along with sharing the other benefits of fishing and boating like joy and mindfulness.Fostering Connection and ConfidenceAngelica Talan, content creator and influencer, remembers learning how to fish with her uncle when she was 7 years old, only to stop a few years later. Just like Talan, many girls who start fishing drop out before the age of 12 (an 11% higher rate than boys). It wasn’t until her daughter found an old picture of her fishing that she was inspired to get back on the water, this time with her daughter.“Fishing provides a unique avenue for empowering women and fostering independence,” said Talan. “Fly fishing has helped build my self-confidence so that I can empower my daughter to grow her confidence and sense of achievement.”Now, Talan is an avid angler, and credits fishing with enriching her life by combining adventure and tranquility, which she needs as a mom. She also turns to nature as an escape from her busy life and to connect with her kids on the water.“Fly fishing in particular brought me closer with my family because we’re learning something new together,” said Talan. “Fishing is a confidence booster for me as a mom. It’s helped make me a better mom because it’s allowed me to show my kids a new skill set and passion.”Getting More Women on the Water The unique journeys of these women share the same core values: confidence, patience and purpose. And while their relationships to fishing and boating are all different, they have a similar craving while on the water: more female camaraderie. They believe that getting more women on the water benefits not only those individuals, but everyone around them.“The female connections I’ve found through fishing have been a great source of support, knowledge sharing, friendship and mentorship,” said Talan. “Fishing has been the most transformative experience for me, and it’s enriched my life in ways that make an impact on my kids and hopefully their friends and future generations.”For many women, fishing and boating is more than an activity — it’s a journey of self-discovery. Sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to be on the water, cast a line and wait for a bite. To get started with your fishing and boating journey, visit takemefishing.org.