Women Fishing

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

What kind of technical clothing do pro women anglers wear? What are the latest fabrics designed to keep you comfortable aboard the boat on a hot summer day? Executive Editor Chris Woodward talks with Columbia PFG ambassador and tournament angler Wesley Locke and design director Jillian Hidalgo from AFTCO and Marsh Wear. From their different sides of the apparel business, they tell us what they like and how we can choose the best clothing for our fishing adventures.

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

Van Staal

The Making of a Modern Spinning Reel

Modern spinning reels pack space-age tech into a basic design pioneered in the early 1900s.

Simms BugStopper Leggings, BiComp Hoody

Spring Gear Guide for Women Anglers

Deck yourself out for the season or put these items on your Mother’s Day wish list.

Soft plastic

Hooks for Weedless Rigging Soft Plastics

Choosing the best hooks designed to keep you fishing soft baits in the weeds.

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.

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Women in the Sport

Lea Anne Powell record largemouth

Another World Record Bass Out of Texas

The 12-pounder caught by Lea Anne Powell would break IGFA's 12-pound line-class record.

Sarah Parvin with bluegill

On Board With: Sarah “The Closer” Parvin

Meet the coppernose bluegill expert.

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.

How To

Boating in a storm

Planning and Preparing for Weather When Boating

Capt. Kelly J. Gordon shares how she plans and prepares for weather at sea.

Fishing under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Top Tips for Bridge Fishing

Pilings, rocks and current add up to great fishing. Just don’t get caught in the structure.

School of tuna

Tactics for Yellowfin Tuna

Even while targeting other species, it's not hard to add a few tuna to the fishbox.

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.

Boats, Kayaks, Engines and Electronics

How Much Fuel Capacity Do I Really Need?

Why boat captains should think more like airline pilots.

Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer running offshore

Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer

The 281 Coastal Explorer provides all the range most anglers will need.

Yamaha 450 HP Outboard XTO Engine

Yamaha Introduces 450 hp V-8 Outboard

Designed to replace the 425 in the Yamaha lineup, the 450 offers a host of upgrades.

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.

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Fishing Travel for Women

Silver salmon

Silver Salmon Fishing in Southeast Alaska

Silver salmon flourish in late summer in the rich waters of Southeast Alaska.

Illinois River smallmouth bass

A Float Trip for Smallmouths in Sooner Country

Oklahoma’s hidden gem provides exciting action for kayak and canoe anglers.

Spring Mullet Run in the Southeast Kicks off the Season

Annual mullet migration kicks action into high gear.

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.

Seafood Recipes & Boat Drinks

Tuna poke

Tuna Poke Tower Recipe

It's surprisingly easy to master this impressive technique.

Toasted wahoo sandwich

Toasty Wahoo Melts Recipe

A tasty treat made with fresh wahoo.

Tripletail crudo on a plate

Recipe: Tripletail Crudo

The preparation of tripletail makes for a light and refreshing meal.

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.