The ABC’s of Fishing

            Want to learn how to catch more fish? Go to school! Here in the Midwest we are blessed with thousands of bodies of water to wet a line on. Many of us grew up learning to fish from our parents or grandparents, but, not everyone is that lucky. As a fishing guide, I meet many anglers new to the sport. This is particularly true with women.

            How is a gal supposed to learn to jig for walleyes or troll for salmon? My home state of Wisconsin hosts a myriad of “female-friendly fishing schools” which provide the

opportunity to learn to fish for a variety of species. I imagine your state does, too--here are some places to look…

            First, for ladies looking to attain their sea-legs I would highly recommend

enrolling in a boater’s safety course. Many communities offer these classes. In Wisconsin, visit  www.dnr.state.wi.us  to find a course conducted by the Department of Natural Resources. I’m sure other states have similar sites. These forums will cover regulations, navigation lights, personal flotation devices, traffic rules and much more. They will help make the novice angler more comfortable and secure in a marine environment. The DNR also hosts angler education courses and fishing clinics. They often hold walleye fishing clinics in conjunction with Walleyes Unlimited. Check out their website for a complete listing of courses offered.

            The international organization, Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BOW), conducts workshops throughout the year which center on teaching outdoor

skills. In the fishing arena, BOW workshops regularly include fly fishing, panfishing,

boat trailering, and boat driving courses. Special weekend BOW events, called Beyond

Bow are also offered. My friends from Wolf Pack Adventures in Sheboygan, WI

(Captains Roy Kalmerton and his sons Jerrad and Patrick) have partnered up with BOW

to offer salmon charter packages on Lake Michigan and ice fishing schools

on Lac Vieux Desert. These outings are lots of fun. Contact BOW for more info

on events held in all fifty states: 1.877.269.6626,

www.uwsp.edu/cnr/bow/

            One fishing school venue I can personally to is my very own “A Blond and Her Boat Fishing Trips.” We offer all-women’s, couples, and mixed group fishing schools and trips throughout the Midwest. These are safe, fun environments for ladies to learn to operate a boat and fish for a variety of species. You’ll learn how to load, launch, and operate your boat; run your trolling motor, read your electronics, and…set the hook on BIG fish!

            Expert educators provide Powerpoint presentations, where-to discussions,

how-to demonstrations and constant monitoring on the water. This adds up to a safe

adventure and to angling success-no matter what your skill level.

            The schools are offered to both sexes so take a fishing trip with your husband

or plan an all girls’ trip. There’s plenty of time for socializing, too, with shorelunches,

afternoon social hour, wonderful meals, and Jacuzzis at some of the resorts. The 2007 itinerary is listed on my website on the Women on the Water page. I dare you to check it out and not find one trip that piques your interest! Join us for the Intermediate Musky Huntress Trip or the Women Canoe, Catch Fish, Campfire and Cookout…
www.ablondandherboat.com   

            Fly fishing is a popular sport among women and husband and wife duo

Tim & Sarah Landwehr have teaching this skill down to a fine art. They offer

introductory courses in fly tying and fly fishing. Items covered are equipment selection

and proper use, knots, reading the water, entomology, and hands on casting practice.

Sarah is a superb casting instructor and a certified guide. You will learn how to tie basic

flies such as the Wooly Bugger and Elk Hair Caddis. Courses are offered in Depere, near

their Tight Lines Fly Shop. Upcoming plans include schools in southwestern Wisconsin

near Westby on the Kickapoo River.  Call (920) 336.4106 or visit

www.tightlinesflyshop.com for a complete schedule.

            Another fly fishing option is offered by Professional Fisherman Roger LaPenter.

Headquartered at Angler’s All Sport Shop on beautiful Chequamegon Bay (in Ashland, WI), LaPenter hosts an annual smallmouth bass fly fishing school on these world renowned waters. Pound for pound, smallies are some of the world’s scrappiest fish. Enjoying the tenacious battle and then watching them swim away as you release them back into the water is one of life’s simple pleasures. La Penter also runs a trout school at historic Franklin Lodge on Trout Lake in Woodruff, WI. A large variety of equipment is provided, so you’ll get to try out lots of different gear. Intensive on the water instruction of casting is the focus, with daily seminars on knot and fly tying, entomology, and the basics of “how to approach fly fishing on lakes and streams.” Contact Angler’s All for completeinformation, (715) 682.5754.   

            Lastly, if the amount of electronic equipment on your boat confuses or

frustrates you, sign up for one of Bill Dietrich and Doc Samson’s classes. Offered

during the winter months, these two pros handily explain the fundamentals of how

to use and understand your sonar and gps units. Menus and settings, emulators and

viewers, waypoint management, map building, and integration of mapping programs are

discussed in detail. If this all sounds like a foreign language, don’t worry! After a full

day of instruction, they’ll have you using and analyzing log chart data like an old pro.

Visit www.hightechfishing.com for updated schedule, or call Bill Diedrich at (952)

935.5764. Courses are offered throughout the Midwest.

            Signing up for a fishing school is a step in the right direction for any angler

looking to increase their knowledge and success. A school’s atmosphere

fosters an incredible sense of camaraderie. After experiencing unparalleled glimpses

of nature--black bears swimming nearby, eagles soaring overhead, and loons welcoming

extraordinary sunsets with their plaintive cries--participants leave renewed and

invigorated. Couple these restorative qualities with your new found

knowledge and skills, these educational trips mark the experience of a lifetime!

Byline: Patricia Strutz is a musky fishing guide in northeastern Wisconsin and runs an outfitter’s service called WOW! Women on the Water.  She may be contacted at:

(715) 891.1173 or by visiting www.ablondandherboat.com