BY STEVE CHACONAS
Fishing: a jerk on one end of the line waiting for a jerk on the other.
With no definitive physical fishing advantage, men dominate women in competitive bass fishing, but that’s changing as more women are spending more time on the water.
In June a woman won the Major League Fishing Toyota Series presented by Phoenix Boats, Strike King co-angler division and another woman finished second. Marking the first time women claimed the top two spots and they were the only women in this event.
Second generation pro angler Melinda Mize Hays, the first woman in FLW history to win a Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship, credits women’s trails and her pro angling parents with being able to spend time on the water, narrowing the gender gap.
Kids come first for women says Hays. “When I had my girls, priorities changed. My job focused on them.” Rather than launching her boat, she drops off and picks up her kids at school, sacrificing time on the water. Hays insists it’s not an excuse, rather a choice.
Muddying women’s time on the water are significant others uncomfortable with them alone in boats with men making it difficult for women to find fishing partners.
“I’ve talked to girls about getting little girls involved so they have someone to fish with. Start at a young age.”
As her girls get older Hays builds connections and lasting memories by taking them fishing. They encourage her to compete. “You know you’re a good mom, and following your passion is good, too.”
Saying she doesn’t want to put men in a position to be chivalrous, letting her catch fish, Mare Marine, Green Top pro Christie Bradley competes against top male anglers. She has the highest BASSMASTER female finish, is still making cuts and cashing checks.
Bradley is excited by the one-two female finish creating buzz around professional bass fishing women.
“I hope it helps get girls into the sport and makes more girls comfortable fishing and competing.” Bradley says female confidence and winning are becoming less of an anomaly and expects a more representative leaderboard.
Hooters girls worked fishing shows 20 years ago.
“That was a time in our history, women weren’t taken seriously. Some built social media based on being hot, holding big fish, wearing a bikini. Sponsors got a mixed message.”
Women should think of little girls before they post on social media.
“Never pass up an opportunity to network or engage with media or fans.” Networking isn’t business as usual. Guys might view women as flirting. “Network with girls who aren’t competing in the same events. Most of us are happy to network with you on techniques and waypoints.”
Hays and Bradley agree that as more young girls get into the sport and stick with it; trophies and sponsorships will follow. As Bradley says, “I look forward to where we’re not having this conversation and it’s more normal.”
Hays adds, “With more time on the water, women will gain confidence and show up as winners.”
Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. YouTube video channel NationalBassGuide
