“Fly fishing gives women in particular a great sense of achievement and pride. Women are often better suited to fly fishing than men because they tend to be less competitive and less goal-oriented.”
Have you noticed, of late, that this is almost the obligatory statement re women and the sport? I wonder if it is true? Oh my! Did I ask that? Well, I wonder. Most accomplished women I know are competitive and goal oriented. Apparently accomplished women don’t do well in the sport? Oh hell, I don’t know.
Just seems like a statement proffered enough that it is just accepted as a given to avoid the fall out/blow back. I will agree that the endeavor does give a sense of achievement and pride. I imagine men enjoy the same sense of enjoyment when they aren’t competing and quoting how many fish they have caught.
What is to be gained by raising this now? I just hate the stereotypical, lock step in any cast. Perhaps the fly fishing industry, women’s clubs and causes present this to enlist women and remove the perceptions of difficulty and male dominance?
Well, the more women the better, but seriously drop the silly ass kissing. Women can indeed often hold their own in fly fishing.
Also, how did Herbert get so eloquent? Obviously not a competitive, goal oriented bone is his body.
Great post. Needed to be said and I’m glad you did. I don’t think women are “often better” because they aren’t held to as high of standards as men. But for a man to say that would be “sexist.” Women get away with a lot on the sole reason of being a woman and I personally am sick of it. My fishing partner is a man and I know that he treats me just the same as all the men he fishes with. And you know what? I’m becoming a better fisherman because of it.
Again….thanks, Switters B.
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