Fishing has been experiencing something of a boom in the number of ladies taking up the sport. There are at least 300,000 lady anglers in the UK. The reason may be that it's a relaxing and gentle sport.
It was only in 2005 that Ann Champion and Sue Macniven became the first women in Britain to pass the AAPGAI (Association Of Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructors) exams.
So if you've decided to find out more about the sport or are a re-engaging lady angler who has not fished for years please read on.
Many fisheries and clubs provide 'Try it days' giving ladies a chance to take part in the sport either on a day course or over a number of sessions. These days provide teaching techniques to equip you with the skills to fish confidently and independently, including the opportunity to meet fellow anglers and the chance to build friendships with other women in the sport. These courses normally provide you with all the equipment required, all you need is simply come appropriately dressed for the weather.
Ladies Fly Fishing Associations in the UK encourage women of all ages to participate in the sport. They hold general social events and fishing open days from complete beginners to training days for women looking to improve their skills.
Ladies are currently only a small percentage of anglers in the market place and some manufacturers will not cater specifically for ladies. Orvis, Simms, Patagonia, Redington, Ex-Officio produce female specific angling clothing from waders and jackets to shirts. If you would like to hire before you decide to buy, visit our hire section, where you will see Orvis shops in the UK offering ladies waders and boots for hire as well as a full range of safety items such as life vests, wading staffs, etc.
Remember to take warm clothing, sun protection, sun glasses and hat