F*#%ing is not just for Men!

Ten reasons why women should go fishing. What the men don’t want you to know.

December 19, 2022, By Christy Landrum @ Thetraveler365.com

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“Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after,” Henry David Thoreau

While in Grants Pass, Oregon, I learned about the famous wild and scenic Rogue River. The Rogue River is nationally-recognized for steelhead and salmon fishing. The Rogue River has been featured in several movies and celebrities have taken guided fishing trips on the river. Clark Gable loved to fish the Rogue, Shirley Temple took a guided trip, and George H.W. Bush when he was Vice President, to name a few.

My family had a bait and tackle shop on the Tennessee River, so I grew up fishing. My dad was a commercial fisherman on the side. Fishing as a teenager and as a young adult, I learned that it’s not always about catching fish. "Fishing" can be and is so much more.

You may think you need to figure out where to start and learn how to fish. Trust me. You don't have to know. Remember, it’s not about catching the fish. Take a friend or go alone and hire a guide. Where there is water, most likely, there will be guide fishing. That is precisely what a friend and I did, and then I did a solo trip with the guide later. All I had to do was book it and show up. I didn't even bait my hook, take the fish off or clean it, and we had a blast with a day filled with fun and laughter. Here are the ten reasons women should go fishing and what the men don't want you to know.

Unplug from it all

Now to the good stuff. Fishing is a time to be more mindful and present. I am not thinking about what I need to do, lists, or work. I can enjoy myself, relax and have fun. Although it is nice to catch a fish, it is not my focus. I am unplugged from it all.

Being one with nature

I can’t say enough about being in a boat on flowing water. Being one with nature, the sounds and smell of nature give a calming effect and are peaceful. On this trip, we saw a deer crossing the river. Birds were flying around the water or just standing there watching us as we went by. I was hoping to see the eagles in the area, but they were not in their nest. It would have been a real treat to see a bear.

A time of self-reflection

After some time has passed, being on the water fishing and the calming effect has put me in a place of tranquility. I start to reminisce about the times I fished with my dad. Fishing has always been a time of self-reflection. Whether it be the past, present, or future, questions answered, decisions made, and even conversations with the big guy upstairs while fishing. Thinking can be so clear.

Fun

The first time I went on the guided fishing trip, I was with another travel nurse. We had a blast. We laughed and joked. Matt Ford with Matt Ford Guide Service was exceptional. Matt was very informative. Even though I have fished, I had never fished for Salmon or Steelhead; he was a wealth of information. The extra benefit of fishing is that it is just fun doing it. Laughter is good for the soul.

Patience

Fishing will teach patience. If you are intent on catching fish, you have no option but to be patient. There is no control over when and if the fish will bite. Many factors are involved: the time of day, the type of bait, the bait's color, etc. But for you, the day you go, It is not about catching the fish.

Thrill & challenge

The anticipation of the fish biting, the pole bending, hearing the spool start to unwind, and the mystery of what is on your line all unfolding so quickly that there is no time to think. You react, and you're living in the moment. Suddenly you are faced with the challenge, no matter how big it is, getting it in the boat. Oh, and no matter what size you catch, It is always bigger by the time you get home. The fish that gets off the line before you get it in the boat is always the biggest one.

Empowering

Fishing is empowering. Fishing is a male-dominated sport. Anytime a female can accomplish something that a man does is empowering. By the end of the day, you may get hooked! By the end of the trip, you will have enough knowledge to fish successfully on your own.

Confidence

When you learn something new, you feel confident and accomplished. Being confident will boost your mood, and you will have better self-esteem.

A different view

As you float down the river, the view will be different. You will see places that are not accessible by car, and the scenery looks different from the water vs. being on land looking at the water. You may have a different perspective as you take in the various views.

Spending time outdoors

Being outdoors is refreshing. Getting out, spending time outdoors, and getting away from the screen is better for your overall well-being. It is proven people who spend time outdoors are healthier and happier.

Conclusion

The secret is out. Fishing is not just about catching fish. Knowledge is power, and you have ten reasons a woman should fish. After all, it is what men didn’t want you to know. I challenge you to get a friend or family member or go alone and inquire about a guided fishing trip locally in your area. If you are going to Grants Pass, Oregon, or the West Coast, call Matt Ford with Matt Ford's Guide Service 541-821-0424. Matt has been fishing the Rogue River most of his life and knows all the sweet spots. Matt is knowledgeable and is considered one of the top guides in the area.

I would love to hear your story!