Females on Bassmasters

[smashingsmallies]

  I don't know where to ask this question so I thought I would try here.  I love watching Bassmasters fishing programs and I was watching it today with my wife.  It dawned on me and I wondered out loud why I don't see females fishing on Bassmasters.  It can't possibly be because people think they are not as good cuz I've fished with and have seen many-a-woman outfish alot of people.  Are they allowed to fish the tourney's with the men?  If not, why the heck is that?  Any helpful info would be appreciated.  John.

[preach4bass]

You've got to qualify for the Elite Series, so I guess none have qualified to fish it.  Maybe none have tried.

[chris090981]

Pam Martin West took 22nd place in the Bassmaster Classic on Lay lake this year .. Beating out names like Boyd Duckett , Randy Howell , Alton Jones and Denny Brauer ! She did have an advantage of knowing that lake very well ! I wish my woman could fish ! I wish she could cook too ! hahah

[Deb]

John,

I've just made a long post on this very subject in the ladies section.

Yes, there are some very good anglers out there....men and women :

[fishfordollars]

Pam Martin West took 22nd place in the Bassmaster Classic on Lay lake this year .. Beating out names like Boyd Duckett , Randy Howell , Alton Jones and Denny Brauer ! She did have an advantage of knowing that lake very well ! I wish my woman could fish ! I wish she could cook too ! hahah

Her name is Wells(Pam Martin-Wells) If you are going to use her for an example please get her name correct. I know she will appreciate it.

[smashingsmallies]

Whew!  I'm glad to hear that women are allowed!  Thanks for all of the responses and good luck with your fishing.  I'm a pretty lucky guy in that I get to go fishing whenever I want, but my wife likes going as well!  Nothing else matters cuz all is well in life with my kick *ss wife!  And no, she doesn't have any sisters-Ha!  I'm gonna have to check out that article you posted Deb and thanks again to everyone for the swift responses.  I love this site.  John.

[SkeetyCCTX]

There have been women fishing in the "Classic" for the past 2 years.  I cant remember if it was the same gal but there definately has been a female for the past two years.  Actually, this yr that Women caught a quick small limmit and was actually in 1st place for a short while on day one, this was the first time a women has ever lead the "Classic!"  Pretty cool I thought!

Now, I remember last year that allot of the men were not happy about the woman being in the Classic because of how she qualified.  She did not qualify the same way that the men did, she qualified because she was the top Woman fisherman for the highest level of Women's competitive fishing.  This angered some of the men because they felt that the men's path to qualifying was much more difficult.  Now, they do have an argument, but it wasnt like they erased a man's spot for the woman; they simply created an extra spot for the Women's Champion.  In light of this, I feel that their problem was just that she was a 'Woman!"

The negitive public reactions and responses given by many of the male anglers were very tacky and distastefull.  In my opinion, it made our sport look very backward and further garnered the stereotype that we are good ol boy, racist, rednecks!  This was a great chance for the sport to gain positive exposure and look very diverse!  There are not too many sports in which size, shape, athleticism and race do not make a difference in terms of opportunity for success.  Now, even Gender criteria has been eliminated as well.  This could be very appealing to alot of people!   Plus, the addition of women to events gives a larger talent poole to pick competitors from.  This makes things more challenging.  Who knows, maybe these women are just as tuff as a lot of the men!  Now, that they have more incentive to compete, we may see some interesting things in the future!

Personally, I have no problem with women fishing in any bass tourny!  However, I would like to see some women try and qualify the same way that the men do.  That is why it is good that they gave a woman a spot, I think it will encourage future women to try and qualify!  Bass fishing is one of those sports where anybody in decent health can compete as long as they have competitive desire, instincts, fishing knowledge, intelligence, luck, experience, and other skills/traits that translate to tourny success.  Couple all of this with a whole lot of practice, and you can make it!

[smashingsmallies]

  Another good response!  I agree.  I took a look at the post Deb made on the female side and I highly recommend it's reading.  I'm 100% for women fishing the Bassmaster's tourney's or any other tourney out there.  Yes, I agree that women should have to travel the same "path" that men have to, but are they afforded the same opportunities as men?  I don't know, that's why I ask.  I'm just curious if there are any men out there who have a problem with women fishing any tourney they fish.  I mean, really, are there actually people in the fishing world in the year 2010 who have any kind of a problem with women fishing the Bassmaster or any other tourney?  Are there?  If so, those are the kind I don't wanna be around.  I fully understand the male ego thing and pride cuz' I'm a male.  I can't stand being out fished by anyone, male or female, and it bothers me to my core if I'm out fished cuz' MY PRIDE always seems to get me from time to time.  This site is truly the only place I've found sound and willing advice from male anglers and what they've taught me in this short time will without a doubt, put me on more fish this year and I love it.  It's generally hard to gleen information from male fishermen out in the world cuz' their PRIDE makes them withhold information for fear of somebody finding out their secret.  Fishing has been around a long time and male ego has as well.  The two combined causes a stir in the pot from time to time.  If I find out that women are not afforded the same opportunities as men in both access to tourneys and EQUAL payouts, I will boycott those businesses and brands and make due with what I got and what I can put together.  Anything short of equality is UNACCEPTABLE.  Fishing is fun most of the time for me but there are times my ego and pride get in the way and I screw it up for me and anyone else with me.  I try not to be that way but it happens.  I really hope there are men out there who support women in ANY tourney out there and I would hope they would stay away from those who don't-or at the very least, be active in promoting women fishing in whatever game they're in.  I wish all women the best in there fishing adventures with tourney's and I hope it can be rectified soon.  Fish on. John. 

[chris090981]

Pam Martin West took 22nd place in the Bassmaster Classic on Lay lake this year .. Beating out names like Boyd Duckett , Randy Howell , Alton Jones and Denny Brauer ! She did have an advantage of knowing that lake very well ! I wish my woman could fish ! I wish she could cook too ! hahah

Her name is Wells(Pam Martin-Wells) If you are going to use her for an example please get her name correct. I know she will appreciate it.

o.k sir ! Will do !

[Deb]

I took a look at the post Deb made on the female side and I highly recommend it's reading.

Thanks John! I can get a bit passionate about what I believe in, if you couldn't tell

I really appreciate you being open about your support of the ladies. Wish there were more men like you.

Be patient with your wife, encourage her. Take her as often as she will go. Or I guess you could do like me EX.......ok, maybe that's not the way to go about it It did however encourage me to learn to kick bass!!!

I really enjoyed your PM. I'll get back to you in a couple of days. It's been a long day at work and tomorrow is a 14 hr day for me at the clinic. Tonight, I'm just sitting on the deck, enjoying the lake, playing on the puter and chilling with my hubby!

[SkeetyCCTX]

I hate to tell you, but I garuntee you that a large portion of the bass fishing world, namely tourny guys; do not like the idea of competeing against women.  This is the old gaurd that I speak of and they dont even like younger males and minorities, let alone women!

Being a younger guy (27), I have noticed a lot of flack from alot of my older peers.  I am a talkitive friendly person and they are usually pretty cold towards me and I can tell that they think I am some young punk!  It especially kills them when they see my sacks every tourny!  If you have noticed, you see this negitive attitude the old gaurd has for the younger guys on the Elite Series and FLW all the time!  Remember how much everyone hated Mike Icconelli when he first came on the seen?  He's a very nice and polite guy and they just hated him cause he was "New" school!

Like I mentioned earlier, I was shocked by alot of the public comments made about the female angler during last year's classic!  The way I see it is that you shouldnt be worried about anyone else but yourself when fishing a tourny.  KVD was one of the few guys that wasnt gripping about her fishing and thats because he was focussed on what he had to do and not worrying about others!

In many ways, the old gaurd in competitive bass angleing is like that of Golf!  Now, I know that this does not mean everyone is like this and I know that there are plenty out there that have no problem with different kinds of people entering the sport!  However, there is an alarmingly large number of those that want to keep it the way that it used to be.  That means 40-60 yr old white dudes named Hank!  No offense to Hank Parker, he seems like a very good guy and not what i am talking about (LOL)!

[fishfordollars]

I hate to tell you, but I garuntee you that a large portion of the bass fishing world, namely tourny guys; do not like the idea of competeing against women. This is the old gaurd that I speak of and they dont even like younger males and minorities, let alone women!

Being a younger guy (27), I have noticed a lot of flack from alot of my older peers. I am a talkitive friendly person and they are usually pretty cold towards me and I can tell that they think I am some young punk! It especially kills them when they see my sacks every tourny! If you have noticed, you see this negitive attitude the old gaurd has for the younger guys on the Elite Series and FLW all the time! Remember how much everyone hated Mike Icconelli when he first came on the seen? He's a very nice and polite guy and they just hated him cause he was "New" school!

Like I mentioned earlier, I was shocked by alot of the public comments made about the female angler during last year's classic! The way I see it is that you shouldnt be worried about anyone else but yourself when fishing a tourny. KVD was one of the few guys that wasnt gripping about her fishing and thats because he was focussed on what he had to do and not worrying about others!

In many ways, the old gaurd in competitive bass angleing is like that of Golf! Now, I know that this does not mean everyone is like this and I know that there are plenty out there that have no problem with different kinds of people entering the sport! However, there is an alarmingly large number of those that want to keep it the way that it used to be. That means 40-60 yr old white dudes named Hank! No offense to Hank Parker, he seems like a very good guy and not what i am talking about (LOL)!

Actually i have not seen a lot of that in my area. We fish against and with women each week and they are as welcome in our conversations before and after a days fishing as anyone(More than some). In fact, if you look around, they are the center of a ton of bull sessions and when they speak most are paying attention. They handle themselves well and know what they are talking about. The ones in this area will flat put the hurt on you and can handle a boat with the best of them. I would just as well fish with one(And I have several times) as anyone out there. You just need a good understanding when it comes to bathroom issues, handle yourself professionally, and there is no problem. Fished a tournament last Saturday with one entered. She was the life of the weighin. Her name is Rena, and was great to meet her and have the chance to visit with her and her husband Paul. Great couple.

In fact, it's never the women that stir up issues, it's always some hothead that has no clue and can't catch enough fish to satisfy being entered.

I will fish with a woman any day. Never fished with one I could not learn from either. Wish we had more, it's good for the sport.

FYI, I am 61, so most of my friends are in the 50-60 age group, and never heard a word from any of them as to what you speak.

Jack

***They look a hell of a lot better in a set of bibs than any of us guys***

[smashingsmallies]

  Boy, alot of responses, good deal!!!  It's good to see young, old, male, female, black, brown, white fishing.  Of course there are knuckle heads in the fishing world, there's knuckle heads in every facet of life.  But just like there are knuckle heads, there are also alot of pretty cool people out there in the fishing world.  I am also talkative and I'm 43 and I experience the same cold shoulder most of the time and hey, that's o.k.  The way I see it, the're the one's missing out on something cuz' I'm the kinda guy that will freely give out tips and locations.  And really, most of the time, the guys with the uppity attitudes you speak of are the same ones who can't seem to catch fish, although they talk a mean game.  So it's not just cuz your young, it's just people being people.  As for Mike Iconnelli, I have to watch his fishing epsiodes with the volume on MUTE cuz I get sick when I hear him screaming like a 10 yr old kid.  If he did that in my boat he would be finding out what the water felt like pretty quick. 

  As for women fishers, I agree alot of them can just plain fish and that's just the way it is.  I gotta feeling we're gonna see a woman at the top of the fishing world helm.  THERE IS AN OLD SCHOOL MENTALITY and a certain aire about alot of the tourney fisher's.  That being said, there's a tremendous amount of STRESS a fisher has to go through in the tourney's and grumpy is understandable.  I'm sure the old gaurd will fight the promotion of women at first, but eventually, they will be letting them in.  And that goes for sponsor's.  If the sponsor's have the mentality to just go after sponsorship for men, then that's saying something about PUBLIC DEMAND for the products making the money for sponsorship.  And if public demand steers the direction of the advertisements/products, then that's saying something about the society we live in.  What I'm saying is, it's easy to point the finger at anyone we want, but, it seems that there would have to be a whole lotta pointing at various people/entities cuz no one person or group is responsible for the decline or hindering of females in fishing.  So let's just all take it in and maybe reflect a little on where we stand as a person.  Hmmmmmmm......Keep fishin' people and keep postin' and take somebody fishing and forget about crap for awhile.  Fish on. John

[SkeetyCCTX]

I hate to tell you, but I garuntee you that a large portion of the bass fishing world, namely tourny guys; do not like the idea of competeing against women. This is the old gaurd that I speak of and they dont even like younger males and minorities, let alone women!

Being a younger guy (27), I have noticed a lot of flack from alot of my older peers. I am a talkitive friendly person and they are usually pretty cold towards me and I can tell that they think I am some young punk! It especially kills them when they see my sacks every tourny! If you have noticed, you see this negitive attitude the old gaurd has for the younger guys on the Elite Series and FLW all the time! Remember how much everyone hated Mike Icconelli when he first came on the seen? He's a very nice and polite guy and they just hated him cause he was "New" school!

Like I mentioned earlier, I was shocked by alot of the public comments made about the female angler during last year's classic! The way I see it is that you shouldnt be worried about anyone else but yourself when fishing a tourny. KVD was one of the few guys that wasnt gripping about her fishing and thats because he was focussed on what he had to do and not worrying about others!

In many ways, the old gaurd in competitive bass angleing is like that of Golf! Now, I know that this does not mean everyone is like this and I know that there are plenty out there that have no problem with different kinds of people entering the sport! However, there is an alarmingly large number of those that want to keep it the way that it used to be. That means 40-60 yr old white dudes named Hank! No offense to Hank Parker, he seems like a very good guy and not what i am talking about (LOL)!

Actually i have not seen a lot of that in my area. We fish against and with women each week and they are as welcome in our conversations before and after a days fishing as anyone(More than some). In fact, if you look around, they are the center of a ton of bull sessions and when they speak most are paying attention. They handle themselves well and know what they are talking about. The ones in this area will flat put the hurt on you and can handle a boat with the best of them. I would just as well fish with one(And I have several times) as anyone out there. You just need a good understanding when it comes to bathroom issues, handle yourself professionally, and there is no problem. Fished a tournament last Saturday with one entered. She was the life of the weighin. Her name is Rena, and was great to meet her and have the chance to visit with her and her husband Paul. Great couple.

In fact, it's never the women that stir up issues, it's always some hothead that has no clue and can't catch enough fish to satisfy being entered.

I will fish with a woman any day. Never fished with one I could not learn from either. Wish we had more, it's good for the sport.

FYI, I am 61, so most of my friends are in the 50-60 age group, and never heard a word from any of them as to what you speak.

Jack

***They look a hell of a lot better in a set of bibs than any of us guys***

My wife is from Houston and I went to college a couple yrs up there, I will say it is a very diverse and tolerant city, but I would like to see any tourny anywhere where there is a healthy population of women anglers.  Im sure there are a few women's leauges somewhere and a few club events that might have a good female presence, but I can not recall a woman in any tourny that I have ever fished!  Thats not to say there wasnt, but not enough for me to notice!

The fact that we have to make a big deal about women being involved, shows that they usually arent and that there is a problem!  Its kinda like the racist guy that claims to have a black friend, so that he doesnt look racist!

To tell you the truth, I dont know any women that are good fisherman except for 1, and she is a saltwater angler! Her name is Cpt. Billie Kocian and she is as nice a persona as you will meet!  She fishes a pro redfish series and guides on Aransas Bay!

To me it seems kinda sad that I only know of 1 good woman angler.  Its not like fishing requires the strength and athleticism that only men have, its more of a finesse mental thing and there is not a reason why women cant succed, other than gender stereotypes!

However, I agree!  I believe it is only a matter of time before we see a dominant woman angler or two at the top of the sport with the boys!

[stratos 375]

At this point in time, In regards to the gender aspect of fishing, things are confusing. Close to 40 classics and only two women have fished in them? When the top names in fishing are mentioned, rarely is a woman mentioned. That fact alone speaks volumes.

They most definately have the same opportunities as men do. Just like men, they can get a truck loan, a boat loan and fill out an entry form. What more does one need?

If women are striving for true equality in the sport, why are there "women only" tours? The sport should either merge male & female tours, or draw a line in the sand much like the NBA/ WNBA or the PGA and the WPGA. The sport seems to be stuck somewhere in between.

To me, the simplest explanation seems to be the closest to the truth. Up until now, many of the women just don't have the skills needed to place in the winners circle of major tournaments on a consistent basis. Please note that I did say consistent. And if by chance  there are any women who consistently place in the money in any of the larger tours, please tell me who they are and I will stand corrected and offer my apologies to the fishing community.

I do predict that within the next five years or so, a young lady will emerge as a fishing prodigy, a true phenom who will take the sport by storm and dispell all doubts about womens abilities in angling. However, she's not here just yet.

[SkeetyCCTX]

At this point in time, In regards to the gender aspect of fishing, things are confusing. Close to 40 classics and only two women have fished in them? When the top names in fishing are mentioned, rarely is a woman mentioned. That fact alone speaks volumes.

They most definately have the same opportunities as men do. Just like men, they can get a truck loan, a boat loan and fill out an entry form. What more does one need?

If women are striving for true equality in the sport, why are there "women only" tours? The sport should either merge male & female tours, or draw a line in the sand much like the NBA/ WNBA or the PGA and the WPGA. The sport seems to be stuck somewhere in between.

To me, the simplest explanation seems to be the closest to the truth. Up until now, many of the women just don't have the skills needed to place in the winners circle of major tournaments on a consistent basis. Please note that I did say consistent. And if by chance there are any women who consistently place in the money in any of the larger tours, please tell me who they are and I will stand corrected and offer my apologies to the fishing community.

I do predict that within the next five years or so, a young lady will emerge as a fishing prodigy, a true phenom who will take the sport by storm and dispell all doubts about womens abilities in angling. However, she's not here just yet.

Im not trying to fight with you but I want to comment and give a counter argument/point of view for some of the things you said!

1st off, to say that women have the same opportunities as men, in the sport of tournament bass fishing, is totally inaccurate!  To start with, there is a huge gender stereotype in society that says, "Women dont fish!"  There are probably lots of women that would have enjoyed fishing, and might have had the skills to do good, if only they got to participate!  However, we live in a society that says, "Fishing is for men,"  which discourages women from getting involved! 

We are all part of this cycle in our society.  Its not malicious or mean, its just embedded in our brains subconsciously!  For instace, I like to do things to thank my business customers.  Some are men, and a few are women.  Untill now I didnt realize that I never offer to take the women fishing or hunting, like I do with the men.  For the women, I always bring them flowers or give them gift certificates to get their nails and toes done!  Maybe some of these ladies would like to go fishing if I asked?

I could go on an on about different society based stereotypes that would discourage women to get into competitive angleing, but lets move on!

2nd, I garuntee you that women have a much harder time being taken seriously for sponsorships, based on the society views mentioned above!  If you want to become a big time tourny competitor, it takes more than skill and smarts, it also takes lots of money $$$  There is a big correlation between the top anglers and who is the most funded!  Now, if you have two people applying to a company for a sponsorship but only one opening, and one applicant is male and the other female; who do you think is going to get the nod?  Your being naive if you think that they would give it to the women! 99.9% of the time it will go to the man. 

Third, there is a large group of men within the tourny population that do not want to fish against women for whatever reason.  Go back and look at some of the comments made by elite series pros when the first woman was in the Classic.  I cant believe that there was not a backlash to the sport because of this!  If I was a woman I would not feel comfortable fishing along side people that did not want me there.  That is a possible reason for choosing to create all-women events!

Now, if fishing were a highly physical sport such as football, basketball, baseball, boxing, hockey, etc.; then I would agree that it is a lack of athletic ability that keeps them from competing with the men!  However, fishing doesnt  take hardly a bit of athletic ability.  For pete sakes, there is a guy with no arms or legs that fishes awesome.  They did an ESPN special on him a few yrs ago and he fishes high level tournys and does well!

Tourny Fishing is about finesse, intelligence, patience, confidence, creativity, game planning, time management, and many other traits that have nothing to do with physical strenght or skill!  All of these can easily be possesed by a women!

The fact that women are not in this sport and succeding is merely a reflection of the ideas of our society!

[stratos 375]

thank you Sir for your opposing point of view, I understand what you are saying.

"stereotypes, discomfort, and discouragement" are not things that can physically stop someone from entering a tourney, nor do they have anything whatsoever to do with fishing ability. If they have the desire and commitment, I doubt any of the above mentioned would stand in their way. These things would only tend to make me try harder, but that's just me.

If women let things like this stand in their way, they still wouldn't be driving, smoking or voting or holding CEO positions.

As far as sponsors, another non factor. I've never seen an entry form that required sponsors. Sponsors have to be earned, the're not given out based on looks or popularity.

There are many hard working people on these tours that don't have sponsors.

The addage that seems to apply here is " if they could have, they would have."

Over & out on this one.

[Glenn]

Close to 40 classics and only two women have fished in them? When the top names in fishing are mentioned, rarely is a woman mentioned. That fact alone speaks volumes.

Stratos 375 - it appears you were not aware that women were not even ALLOWED to fish in B.A.S.S. tournaments until 1991 (if memory serves me right).

Talk about discrimination!

So the women said "Screw you!" and ventured off on their own and created their own circuits - and I don't blame them!  And when they did finally open it up to the women, the were either already involved in other circuits, or too PO'd to care. That's why you don't see women's names in the B.A.S.S. archives.

It's only now that relations are just beginning to thaw, and you're starting to see more and more women getting involved in co-ed tournaments.

So your reasoning based upon "fact" is completely off-base once you understand the reasons behind your "fact".

And a woman recently finished ahead of many of the top names at the Classic - that fact alone speaks volumes.

[b.Lee]

In regards to other sports, Golf and Basketball are different than fishing. There have been many articles in regards to the athleticism of Women and Men and why there is a LPGA (not a WPGA) and PGA. Not taking anything away from Women, but women physically cannot drive (drive the ball) as hard as some of the men, so the competition would not be fair. Hence why there are Ladies tee boxes and ladies sized basketballs.

Its like Lebron James and Lisa Leslie playing one on one, You kidding me?

I am happy that women even have a division to play in, but this isn't BASS fishing.

In bass fishing there is an even playing field for women and men. So I don't see why they can't just fish together

To me and me only, it seems they are egotistical and want to keep it male dominated. Plain and simple.

Sorry Glenn if this crosses the line as far as forum rules are concerned, if ESPN and BASS are as money hungry as we think they are, they sure are missing out on a lot of potential sponsors from Companies. Like Gillette, Make-up, Shampoos. I know this generalizes a bit but seriously the money they could bring in with more viewers and more sponsors.

[SkeetyCCTX]

thank you Sir for your opposing point of view, I understand what you are saying.

"stereotypes, discomfort, and discouragement" are not things that can physically stop someone from entering a tourney, nor do they have anything whatsoever to do with fishing ability. If they have the desire and commitment, I doubt any of the above mentioned would stand in their way. These things would only tend to make me try harder, but that's just me.

If women let things like this stand in their way, they still wouldn't be driving, smoking or voting or holding CEO positions.

As far as sponsors, another non factor. I've never seen an entry form that required sponsors. Sponsors have to be earned, the're not given out based on looks or popularity.

There are many hard working people on these tours that don't have sponsors.

The addage that seems to apply here is " if they could have, they would have."

Over & out on this one.

Again, not trying to fight with you, but you are talking about things that you could never get a true perspective on unless you are a woman!

The effects of stereotypes, gender roles/expectations in society, and the likes are very real!  It is easy to say, "Just go out and do it," when you are not in their position.  A rich white kid who went to prep schools and grew up around educated people has a much better chance of going to college than a poor black kid that grew up in the projects surrounded by drug addicts and violence!  Sure, you dont want to encourage anyone to use their circustances as an excuse to not better themeselves, but to say that there is truely equal opportunity is just plain not right!

Sure, there are Women in high positions around the world, but that is the exception and purely anecdotal!  There is a glass ceiling for most women and it doesnt matter how hard they try, they just cant pass through it!  Then, the ones that do, are usually treated with contempt by their male peers.  Example, the fellow anglers at the classic.  Or, have you ever noticed how when there is a male boss that is tough and demanding; people respect him and just say he has high expectations and no-nonsense!  However, a women that manages the same way would be called a BI$%#!  Think about it, Im sure it will hit home if your honest!

As for saying that you dont need sponsors to fish tournys, are you kidding?  Do you fish tournys?  If you are on a serious trail, and not independently rich; you must have a sposor of some sort.  Not only to be competitive but to just fish!  Do you realize how much money it takes to fish the Bassmaster Elite Series.  $40 k truck, $40 k boat!  Then, you have thousands of dollars in fuel, food, and lodgeing expenses to cover the cross country trail!  Then, think about tackle and equipment.  Then, you got entry fees, which are thousands of dollars per event for the elite series!  Then, you got break downs and emergencies!  Take in mind that you cant have a job to pay for these things cause you are off fishing!   Trust me, you need sponsors; or a trust fund untill you start winning!

Now take this in mind!  Who is going to take care of the children that you have left at home, which society expects you (women) to take care of!

My point is that you cant just throw statements out there like that because you are not a woman and have no idea what it is like to live in the opposite sex's world!  Be a little more sensitive!  Im a conservative and am no feminist or anything, but I try to be a little sensitive towards the underdogs and I try not to open my mouth against things that I couldnt possibly understand!

[Bank Beater]

What this sport needs is a Danika Patrik (sp?).  Belive me if the sponsors find a woman that has the ability to compete with these guys They will throw money at her.  Inturn having a woman compete at the elite leval will show girls around the world that they can do it and it is worth while.  Some of these girls will grow up to be tournament fisherman and as more flood into the sport they will get more acceptance.  I belive that this is what BASS was trying to do when allowing the champion from the WBASS a classic birth.  Give girls someone to look up to in the sport.  Most of the complaints that I heard from the elites was that she was given a classic birth from a trail that they did not have access to not that she was a woman. 

I am a nurse and am not gay.  I agree that perceptions and social roles need to be changed.  The interesting thing is that 1: men don't complain that they wern't encouraged to play with dolls and most woman (my wife included)don't complain that they wern't encouraged to fish.  Until that changes I don't see much change coming about.

Buy the way my 7 seven year old daughter has decided that she wants to learn to fish this year to be like her DAD.  I cant wait to spend time with her on the water and maybee turn her into Danika Patrik, if she wants.    8-)

[SkeetyCCTX]

What this sport needs is a Danika Patrik (sp?). Belive me if the sponsors find a woman that has the ability to compete with these guys They will throw money at her. Inturn having a woman compete at the elite leval will show girls around the world that they can do it and it is worth while. Some of these girls will grow up to be tournament fisherman and as more flood into the sport they will get more acceptance. I belive that this is what BASS was trying to do when allowing the champion from the WBASS a classic birth. Give girls someone to look up to in the sport. Most of the complaints that I heard from the elites was that she was given a classic birth from a trail that they did not have access to not that she was a woman.

I am a nurse and am not gay. I agree that perceptions and social roles need to be changed. The interesting thing is that 1: men don't complain that they wern't encouraged to play with dolls and most woman (my wife included)don't complain that they wern't encouraged to fish. Until that changes I don't see much change coming about.

Buy the way my 7 seven year old daughter has decided that she wants to learn to fish this year to be like her DAD. I cant wait to spend time with her on the water and maybee turn her into Danika Patrik, if she wants. 8-)

I appreciate your point of view but let me remind you, you cant point to the example of yourself and wife as the rule for everybody!  Because you or her dont have a problem with societies expectations of your roles, does not mean that everyone else feels the same.

Beside that,  you have to understand why you, your wife, and a lot of other people dont complain about gender expectations.  These expectations have been so engrained in our heads for hundreds of years, that we just except them as things that we cant change and make do with the hand we have been dealt.  Plus, most people do not like to go against the grain and be labled as "weird" or "different!"  If you were a girl, and most of your friends were playing with dolls, dont you think that you might just do the same as to not seem like the oddball, even though you might rather go fishing!

Anyways, im not trying to lecture you, I just want you to think outside the box on this issue cause it is not as cut and dry, plain and simple as some people try and make it look!  I think it is cool that you are going to take your little girl fishing and hope yall have fun!  Target something that is easy to catch to get her hooked and make the trip about her.  I had to do that yesterday for some customers that were 1st timers!  Man. its hard to not fish yourself, but its still enjoybable to see them have fun!  Good Luck!

[Koop]

Not only female, but also young AND an amazing angler I felt needed mentioning is Kim Bain.  There are plenty of females in the circuits I fish that will keep anyone I know on their tip toes.  I know I've been put to shame by female anglers quite often.  Last year I fished a tournament that I knew I had a very strong finish if not a win, weighed in a 18-4 bag the first day only to be shadowed by a good (female) angler friend who brought in a 20-9 bag and I know it wont be the last time she does it to me!

[mrbassky]

Women are capable of being just as good as men there just arent as many out there bass fishing. There arent many black or mexican pro anglers either that doesnt mean they cant fish. There are several japanese pros at the pro level. Why? because their dream was to fish at the pro level, if more girls dreamed of fishing at the pro level you would see more. For a female angler to get great she needs to compete at the highest possible level to start with thats the elite series. In the past I could see how sexist men could have discouraged women from competing but I cant see anyone trying that these days.

[SkeetyCCTX]

Women are capable of being just as good as men there just arent as many out there bass fishing. There arent many black or mexican pro anglers either that doesnt mean they cant fish. There are several japanese pros at the pro level. Why? because their dream was to fish at the pro level, if more girls dreamed of fishing at the pro level you would see more. For a female angler to get great she needs to compete at the highest possible level to start with thats the elite series. In the past I could see how sexist men could have discouraged women from competing but I cant see anyone trying that these days.

Those goes back to gender roles in society, stereotypes, and other society based attitudes about "who" should fish and who should stick to cooking, basketball, or some other endevor!  There are also some socio-economic barriers for minorities!

For women, there is a huge problem with gender stereotypes and expectations.  Many people, men and women, believe that women "cant" fish; making it hard for them to get sponsorships and support needed to fish major tourny trails. 

On the flip side, our society discourages women from fishing from birth, based on the "accepted" idea of what women "should" be doing!  Society says that fishing is a man thing!  Women are supposed to be cooking, cleaning, raising babies, cheerleading,  or partaking in feminine activities that dont involve getting dirty!  This society based view is so deep that even women think it!  This is why most women never get involved in fishing, even though they may have loved it.  Nobody wants to be the oddball, so they just go along with what society says they should be doing!  Its ugly but true!

As for minorities, they face a different but similiar set of stereotypes and race based expectations, as well as socio-economic disadvantages!  You know as well as I do, that most white anglers think that most minorities are pot-lickers and meathunters, not skilled fisherman!  This stereotype is based out of a socio-economic need for minorities to meat hunt, not because they necessarily dont want to sport fish!  Never the less, the stereotype is there and I garuntee that it shuts down doors for them.

Then, you have society expectations about what certain groups of individuals are suppossed to participate in.  For instance, blacks are not openly encouraged to get into bass fishing because of their tremendous success in more athletic based sports (football, basketball, etc.)!  Therefore, they are pushed more in that direction!  Then, there is an inner-cultural thing that says that bass fishing is not cool!  It is a fact that the black pop is heavily influenced by the hip-hop movement, which revolves around sports such as basketball and football!  So, their more gifted individuals persue things other than bass fishing!  I used the black race as an example but Im sure you can apply this to other races, but with different situations!

The bigges factor minorities face, however, is that of socio-economic!  It is a fact, that the majority of minorities in this country are historically poor!  That is not an opinion, it is fact, look it up!  Now, lets be honest; competitive bass fishing is not cheap!  I make almost $70 k a year and still have a hard time keeping up with my tourny expenses.  Now how do you think that a poor black or Mexican kid is going to be able to participate without any money?  If there is a little money, how do you go off and spend it on sport fishing when there are other more crucial needs?  This is why most of their fishing is generally potlicking  from the bank for meat fish!  Its not that they dont like sport fishing, but rather it is more benificial for them to get dinner! 

Furthermore, with a low economic status also comes things like drug use, lack of education, and more importantly; single parent families.  Usually the one parent is the mom, who doesnt fish for reasons already stated.  So, who then is there to get them interested, take them, or teach them to fish? 

My point is that there are deep reasons why we dont see more women or minorities competing in bass fishing!  Its not that they dont have the skill sets, its largely due to society based restraints, which is sad!  Now I am a conservative but I do see the flip side of things and have a deeper understanding of a lot of issues.  Things are not always cut and dry.  These people simply are not given an adequate chance to participate and thats why we dont see more of them.  Hopefully it will change, but I seriously doubt it will on any large scale level!