Since the end of the 19th century, fly-fishing has become more popular. Many enthusiasts are women, and their contributions are full of the history of the sport.
Headlines like “Chrissy Teagan trying hands at Fly Fishing in her chunky boots” definitely reflect the inclination into this mostly male-dominated activity which is gradually becoming part of popular, all thanks to women in the present times for loving this sport.
History of Fly Fishing and women’s Role:
In particular, three American women influenced fly fisheries and contributed to the sport: in 1892, the First book on Fly Patterns was published by Mary Orvis. In the 1940s and 1950s, Helen Shaw introduced new technological fly-tying techniques, and Joan Salvato Wulff, who set many records in the 1950s and 1960s and is a well-known fly fishing writer.
Women Credited for creating waves of change:
1. Joan Wulff-
Joan Wulff was widely considered the best fly caster in the world by the early 1950s when women’s rights were severely restricted. She won top honors at the national dry fly accuracy championship in 1943 at the age of seventeen. From there, she took twenty-one more casting titles to win with 136 feet against an array of the men’s competitor National Fisherman’s Distance Fly Championship.
2. Katie Cahn-
From Upstate South Carolina Fly Fishing Guide, Headwaters Outfitters
Katie Cahn grew up on land settled by her family in the 1800s in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains (South Carolina). Till she entered western Carolina university, Katie had not discovered what would become a lifelong love of fly fishing. She encourages other women- interested in sport to stick through the course even if there are barriers like expensive gear and other issues.
3. Cassie Spurling-
At five, Cassie Spurling started fly fishing in the North Georgian mountains, which she still today calls home. She learned the ins and outs under the direction of her father. Over the years, as Cassie kept pursuing her passion for all tricks, she finally took her skills to the next level and got discovered by an initial guide to North Georgia.
Present Times:
In present times, issues relating to Fly Fishing and its popularity on Instagram were questioned by Professional Fly Fishers like Kate Watson, who has been in the course for 50 years and finds a Lack of skills but perfect pictures of the sport spreading on the social media platform rapidly. Though on the other side, as fly-fishing is so masculine – according to a 2018 report of the Recreational Boats and Fishing Foundation, only 31% or two million of the 6.8 million fly-fishermen in the U.S. are feminine – women are often critically analyzed and picked.
Some people believe that Instagram has become the vehicle to attract and motivate the female audience to fly fishing. It’s an inspiration for Fly Fishing, with women taking the front row into making the sport equal for all and promoting it thoroughly.
