Why Are There So Many Men's And Women's Tournaments Separate?

[KyakR]

Is this just a die-hard tradition? I have no doubt that the officials in charge of the big ones respect the abilities of female anglers. Do too few women attempt to qualify? Why the formation of separate association? Elaine, if you're out there would love your thoughts!

[Scott F]

It's probably because most men can't handle being beaten by a woman.

[KyakR]

It's probably because most men can't handle being beaten by a woman.

Hm. Secretly many women don't like to be beaten by a woman either!  

But I don't think the great female anglers are in that category, or the best male elites.....

[bigbill]

Like I said before my son's girlfriend sent a lot of guys home crying when she beat them on the dirtbikes. My son pushed her to the next level of riding. I had so much fun just watching her beat everyone. She enjoyed it too. She was a looker, a heart breaker and a ego buster. I admire any woman who pushes herself beyond the norm for success. I support any woman who I can help out too, I like to see the barriers removed then they realize there are no limits as to what they can do. Some women and guys think there are barriers and limitations. All it takes is motivation and we can do anything we put our minds too. Once they get going failure isn't an option.

When I was offered by my buddy for my son to ride with a few top off road racers in the northeast Sara wanted to ride too. My buddy just shook his head, the other riders thought they were going to baby sit her.

I told my buddy to trust me that she can ride. As the trail narrowed she was side by side with one of the top riders hammering the bike to beat him into the tighter trail. My buddy was behind them. He told me the guy stalled his bike after she flew by him and went into the trail. He said he seen the guys jaw drop out of his helmet because he couldn't believe what a "girl" just did to him. Back at the car taking a break they all told Sara she should be racing. And she seems to be good enough to forget racing with women and race with the men's class.

Sara had the drive and heart of a lion. I love to watch these women succeed. I was proud of her. I wish my son had 50% of her heart, motivation and drive.

Sara would go fishing with us too. And just as competitive too. Too bad I've only seen and met a few women like this. I think it's driven into them not to go out of the norm, to take a back seat. A woman has to be really tough to compete in a man's world. But when they do there awesome and my hats off to them. Bb

[Sam]

The tournament trails are established each year by many organizations. Some are open to everyone; others to specific BASS or FLW regions; some for women, only; and of course, the big FLW and BASS trails for those trying for the respective Classics.

 

I have not noticed any tournament where females were not allowed to fish.

 

I have noticed women's tournaments where guys are not allowed to fish.

 

I have fished against women. No problem. We treated each other with respect and talked bass fishing.

 

So if you want to fish any tournament trail just show up for registration and go out there and kick some fannies!

[bigbill]

My point in my post is I wonder if there are any men fisherman who are reluctant to fish with women. Like my son's girlfriend riding with the guys who were reluctant about baby sitting my son and his girlfriend. Once they found out they could keep up flying thru the woods they were accepted. Would a woman fisherman be accepted as a non boater in a tornie with the men? Someday?

[Sam]

Yes! There are guys out there who do not want to fish with ladies.

 

And there are wives out there that don't want their husbands to fish with ladies.

 

With that said, we had ladies in the three B.A.S.S. Northern Opens in Richmond and they fished with the guys and we had no problems.

 

I think it takes a special lady to want to put herself through the torturous professional fishing schedule like the guys especially if the ladies are married. Professional bass fishing is a grueling schedule that is very expensive and time consuming. Many ladies don't want to put themselves through this type of career.

 

I am sure there are local tournaments in Main and surrounding areas that you can fish without a problem. Then go and eat a ton of lobster after the event. I love lobsters.

[KyakR]

Sam, thank you. I was troubled to hear there are women's tournaments where men aren't allowed. Same discrimination. And I agree with the idea that it just depends on the people, male or female. I find that since I'm an oddity, men will often stare curiously and wait for me to wave first. Then the response is usually friendly and quite a few times they say,"good to see a woman out fishing! Wish there were more of you!" And when we start talking fishing the difference fades away. The only thing that matters then is do you know your stuff! Bill, I have had some bad, even scary experiences, but there are few. The one that stands out is the refusal of a local bass club to admit me. I've found, however, that like other male dominated professions (was in Navy, cable lineman) once they find you know what you're doing and are friendly, it's a go. Sometimes guys get nervous around me if they slip into cussin' or insult-talk, but I consider it a compliment that they relaxed around me. Some of the worst discrimination I've ever seen, believe it or not, has been against men in nursing. They have to work twice as hard to be accepted.

So Sam, after this long post (thanks for letting me rant!) I might overcome my fears and try again to join.

[KyakR]

Yes! There are guys out there who do not want to fish with ladies.

 

And there are wives out there that don't want their husbands to fish with ladies.

 

With that said, we had ladies in the three B.A.S.S. Northern Opens in Richmond and they fished with the guys and we had no problems.

 

I think it takes a special lady to want to put herself through the torturous professional fishing schedule like the guys especially if the ladies are married. Professional bass fishing is a grueling schedule that is very expensive and time consuming. Many ladies don't want to put themselves through this type of career.

 

I am sure there are local tournaments in Main and surrounding areas that you can fish without a problem. Then go and eat a ton of lobster after the event. I love lobsters.

Lobsters! Maine has a few.......

[BassLass]

That's just the way it is. The LBAA is there for the ladies. You know it doesn't really matter if it is all men, all women or a mix. If a lady has the experience, ability to travel, financials and confidence then she too can compete. I know I did it as a Pro for 6 1/2 years. I did 4 years with all women and two years with all men. In 2010 , my first year against all men as a Pro I was ranked 6 for AOY on the BassMaster Weekend Series(S.C. Division). I have always had men's respect for me as an angler, as I don't play my girly card and I was on the water more then most. I have more hours and days on the water then most men. It's not about man or women. It's all personal and a privilege.