Women Fishing

Gear, tactics, travel and more from the female angler’s perspective.

Kayakfishing can be a fun and easy way to start fishing in fresh or salt water. And for seasoned anglers, it’s a way to explore previously inaccessible backcountry. Executive Editor Chris Woodward and guests Christi Holmes, a registered Maine guide and ambassador for Old Town Canoes, and Bri Andrassy, a Florida college professor who’s also a member of Hobie’s fishing team, talk about how to get started, what kayak and tackle to buy, and how to transport the boat to water.

Women in Fishing logo

Welcome to a page dedicated to women anglers, curated by our female executive editor, Chris Woodward. Chris grew up fishing in Florida, and has spent the last 30 years as an outdoors editor. In her experience, fishing offers more than just a tale and some bragging rights. It brings with it — particularly for women — feelings of appreciation and a deeper connection to others and to the natural world.

Past Episodes

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Tackle and Gear

Kayak fishing rods

The Perfect Kayak Rod

Three fishing rods built for the rigors of kayak fishing.

Mahi hitting lure

Top Fishing Lure Colors

Five offshore pros reveal their favorite lure colors for trolling and jigging.

Shimano Tranx

The Best Low-Profile Baitcasting Reels

Put down your spinning reel and pick up a saltwater baitcaster.

AFTCO Digger

New Saltwater Lures for 2022

This year’s crop of artificials will take everything from bottomfish to pelagics.

Topwater lure types

Topwater Lures: Wake, Pop or Walk

Surface lures make for an exciting time.

Soft Steel Instinct Fluorocarbon

How Often Should You Replace Your Fishing Line?

Nobody wants to lose a fish because their main line failed.

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Women in the Sport

Sailfish release

Best in Class from Ladies Only Guatemala

Fishing skills and friendships forged in an incredible experience.

Team Finest Kind

Ladies Top No Sancocho

Guatemala's premier charity event.

Jennifer Zuppe with blackfin

Massive Blackfish Smashes Record

The giant tautog will likely enter the IGFA books as one of only four over 20 pounds.

Woman with billfish

Giant Recent Increase in Female Anglers

Women now account for 37 percent of anglers in the U.S.—the highest level on record.

Heather Maxwell and her horse

Meet Heather Maxwell

Tournament director, fisherman and equestrian.

Women's record yellowtail

A Yellowtail World Record

IGFA 12-pound line class woman’s record held for 34 years is smashed by a 36-pound, 10-ounce giant of a California yellowtail.

How To

Using a venting tool

How to Release Reef Fish So They Survive

With current regulations, deep-water anglers release about as many snapper, grouper, and other species as they keep. Here’s how to do it right.

Gaffed wahoo

How to Catch Wahoo Anywhere

Six strategies to up your wahoo trolling game and score big anywhere.

Soft plastic

How to Fish with Soft Plastics in Saltwater

Soft plastic lures catch saltwater fish inshore and offshore.

How to Improve Your Trolling and Catch More Fish

Here’s why running-and-gunning might be hurting more than your wallet.

Flounder caught in Cedar Key

Summer and Southern Flounder Fishing Tips

Top tactics for targeting both both summer and southern flounder species.

Improved clinch knot

How to Tie the Improved Clinch Knot

Learn how to tie the improved clinch knot in this first-person walkthrough.

Boats, Kayaks, Engines and Electronics

Best Marine Electronics and Technology Awards 2023

Our judges chose seven stand-out category leaders in the world of marine electronics and technology.

Lowrance Introduces its Next Generation of Fish Finding Technology

HDS Pro, ActiveTarget 2 and Active Imaging HD deliver crisp underwater views.

Center-console offshore

Field Guide to Fishing Boats

Know the different types of fishing boats and their key features.

Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless

Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless

The 280 Dauntless is a versatile fishing machine.

Grady-White Adventure 218

Grady-White Adventure 218

The Adventure 218 blends comfort with many fishing features.

Kayak and SUP for fishing

Entry-Level Paddlecraft

Kayaks and SUPs are perfect for fishing skinny water.

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Fishing Travel for Women

underwater sailfish

A Winter Sailfish Hotspot in Mexico

World-class bluewater fishing is closer than you think.

World’s Greatest Flats-Fishing Destinations

Knee-deep hot spots from the Florida Keys to the Seychelles.

Shoal bass on the Flint River

Floating the Flint River for Shoal Bass

Shoal bass are a feisty target for anglers on the Flint River.

Sailfish spots

The World’s Best Sailfish Spots

A lucky-13 list of the world’s best destinations in three oceans to go sailfishing for the world’s most glamorous blue-water game fish.

Invincible 37 Cat fishing in the Bahamas

Favorite Fishing Destinations in the Bahamas

We asked four captains for their top picks.

Seatrout chasing lure

Top Texas Trophy Trout Waters

Four trophy-trout fishing spots you should target in Texas.

Seafood Recipes & Boat Drinks

Tropical Blackened Ahi Tuna

Tropical Blackened Ahi Tuna Recipe

Spicy, meaty and satisfying.

Blood Orange Sangria

Blood Orange Sangria

A perfect accompaniment to nearly any dish.

Grilled Pheasant Quesadilla

Grilled Pheasant Quesadilla Recipe

A tasty way to use game birds.

Tito’s Mythical Martini Drink Recipe

Who doesn't love a classic cocktail?

Sashimi plate

How to Create the Perfect Sashimi Plate

Lessons for mastering this polished culinary delight.