Women & Waders!
The last few years the fishing community has seen a huge increase in not only women fly fishing but more specifically women fly fishing. With the growing number in the sport its more common to find even brand specific products for women on the market from companies like Fishe Wear providing a variety of leggings and women specific gear, Vedavoo with the Ripple Sling (named after women fly fishing advocate Jen Ripple), Orvis 50/50 initiative, Able Women inspiring other women to cast like a girl, and even Casting for Recovery offering healing for women with breast cancer. Years ago it was harder to find women specific waders or rods or especially women specific trips but that is o more women in fly fishing is growing and strong especially in WV.
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| Photo from https://www.womenwineandwaders.com |
In WV we are blessed to have a great group of women inspiring other women to try the sport of fly fishing. Pamela Caldwell Dunlap is the woman behind Women Wine & Waders. Their vision is to contribute to the physical and well being of women through fly fishing. Pamela has done amazing things bringing the sport of fly fishing to the women of WV through her outings she provides at various venues across the mountain state. Pamela says she got into fly fishing like man other ladies her first time fly fishing was while she was on a date. Pamela had a big vision in creating Women Wine & Waders she says, "When I began fly fishing I was having personal problems and I soon found out that throwing a line on the water was my stress relief. I really was crappy at fishing! But never gave up. I kept trying and eventually started catching fish. This was such a revelation for me. The feeling of worth and self confidence that I'd lost was back I full swing. This positive growth is what prompted the development of Women Wine & Waders. The group contributes to the health and well being of women through fly fishing. We encourage a passion for love and respect of wild beautiful places. And importantly, we promote friendships, accomplishments, and lasting memories. Fishing is the bonus! All skill levels welcome. On our Annual Fly Fishing Festival held in the spring we take a special guest free of charge. This is a lady who has fought or is fighting a life threatening disease." Like any other sport the sport of fly fishing has many women to look up to and follow after. While Pamela says there is so may ladies she looks up to in the sport there is one special lady she can single out, and it is Kiki Galvin. Pamela says, "She is a lady who has given so much of herself to the fly fishing community. She is the modern day Joan Wolff. I can only hope to fish and learn half of what she knows." If your a woman looking to get into the sport of fly fishing Pamela has some advice for you, "It doesn't take a ton of money to go fly fishing. Buy base model rods and reels. You Can add to your equipment along the way. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. There's plenty to learn and to every level you want to take it. The more you fish the better you become. Pair up with a friend and just go. You will learn something new from everyone. Before long you will have a group of ladies to go fishing with." The future is bright in the sport of fly fishing for women especially in WV with the group from Women Wine & Waders. Look for them to keep spreading across the mountain state and providing women the opportunity to try the sport. Her vision is bright with a dream one day to expand to other states. Keep up the great work Pamela!! Fish on!! Check them out online at https://www.womenwineandwaders.com
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| Photo from https://www.womenwineandwaders.com |
