"WOMEN IN FISHING Part 1 by: Mark & Lisa Burgess

We decided to write this article after having watched the evolution of a sport which was once thought to be a man's sport. What we have concluded is that fishing is one of the most equal opportunity sports out there. There are national women's fishing trails as well as state federated clubs, both with men and women alike. There are those who still have the "clubhouse" mentality of "No girls allowed!", but overall there seems to be change for the better. The ABA trail has husband and wife tournaments, clubs are now having more family outings and the youth divisions are seeing more girls. Mark has had the pleasure of fishing with several women anglers at tournaments and found them to be extremely focused and competitive. As short a time as five years ago, people responded to Lisa strangely when I couldn't do something social because she had a tournament and had to do her tackle. But time has changed. Linda England, a Bassin' Gal Champion was the first woman to receive a check from B.A.S.A. [Bass Angler Sportsmen Society] and we feel within ten years women will become serious contenders for the Bassmasters Classic, also known as the "superbowl" of bass fishing

In 1984, a woman won the Mass. B.A.S.S. State Fish-offs [now known as the State Championships], and then came in third in 1986. She should have two shots to fish the regionals for a chance at being one of the Wrangler anglers who go to the Bassmaster Classic. However, women were not allowed to fish B.A.S.S. The rule changed in the early '90's, but it was a day late and a dollar short for her. But she held her head high and still a major contender in the Northeast. She is also, president of a state federated bass club and continues to teach us all about this wonderful sport. Finding the right bass club that suites your needs can be tough for either gender. In part two, we will talk to her, and other ladies about their many experiences on the water in a sport which is no longer though of as a male sport or pastime.,

In recent years the fishing industry has begun making outdoor apparel and gear specifically for women. Women have sponsors, go to events, and are featured in major fishing articles. The president of B.A.S.S. is Helen Sevier, a lady who is at the helm of the biggest bass fishing organization in the world. Linda England and Fredda Lee have a "Women in Fishing" monthly column in "Bassmaster Magazine". Women have made great strides in the last few decades. It is estimated that a third of all fishermen are fisherwomen. We are interviewing a variety of gals who fish, and will have the female anglers perspective in part two.

"Women in Fishing" Part 2 by: Mark & Lisa Burgess

We've interviewed women who enjoy all aspects of fishing, form fun fishing to fishing B.A.S.S. [Bass Anglers Sportsman Society]. We're going to profile these women so you can learn about how they started fishing and what they get from this sport.

Tina Davenport has fished since "she was old enough to hold a rod". Family vacations for here always were spent at a lake. In 1981 she began fishing club tournaments. This led to her fishing ABA, [American Bass Association], East Coast Pro Bass, and the Mass. B.A.S.S. Federation Trails. Tina is the lady who won the state fish-offs in 1984 and placed 3^rd in 1986. We will never know what Tina may have done, as unfortunately, women were not allowed to fish the several tournaments to try to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic. But Tina has continued to fish and share this great sport with may others. She is the President of Buzzard's Luck, a federated bass club, and stresses that her club will always welcome a woman looking for a club. She has a cottage on Sun Cook Lake in N.H., and introduces many women to fishing. She plans to fish NeBCO [Northeast Bass Championship Organization] and must do more fishing, She has been recently busy with a new business venture; D&G Service Center in Auburn, MA, a new automotive service center owned and operated by women. She owns an 18'6" Skeeter Bass Boat with a 150 motor and says with confidence that if you can drive car, you can drive a boat. Her favorite lure is a black rubber worm [4" or 7"]. She likes Browning Vectra rods and Abu Garcia reels. She says, and we quote, "if you like to fish, just do it!", but leaves us with a piece of advice that she got in the beginning, "Make your first case count".

Sandy Oja is a lady that is also well recognized in the Northeast. She has been one of two women B.A.S.S. State Federation Presidents just for starters. Sandy is also a partner in Northern Bass Supply in N.H. She was introduced to fishing by her ex-husband and got involved running tournaments. By 1983, she belonged to a N.H. Federated club. Up until last year, she ran the ABA Trail in N.H. [Sandy took a "breather" and became engaged to a salt-water fisherman in December]. She likes the ABA trail, which she described as family oriented. Her favorite body of water is Lake Winnespassaukee, N.H. She says "Winny feels like home" and adds she has spent over 25 years fishing there. She is sponsored by Ranger Bass Boats and runs a Ranger 518DVX with a Johnson 200hp motor. She likes to top-water fish, a favorite lure being a gold Team Daiwa popper. She likes all Star rods and quantum reels. She also adds that Northern Bass Supply was the first to ask All Star for 6' pistol-rods, in specific response to the growing interest that women were showing in bass fishing. She has had positive response from male anglers and says that Hugh Wilbur, a N. H. angler, was one of the first men to say, "I appreciate all you do.", and that meant a lot to her. [Hugh Wilbur is with Yamaha Motor Corp.]. Running a tournament trail is an incredible amount of work. Her goal now in fishing is to make sure her grandchildren are able to enjoy the sport like we do now. She is an active member in her community to assure that public fishing access is protected.

Lee Desmarais of Norton, MA is a local newcomer to tournament fishing. She began fishing

her ex-husband at the age of seventeen, using both lures and live bait. She fished two fundraising tournaments held by a local fire department in 1997 and 1998. Lee has felt the pressure, as well as frustration in the past, participating in a male-dominated sport. Her partner at the time was someone whom she fished with for fun. But her partner was extremely competitive and Lee found herself fishing from the back of the boat, making "ultra long casts". She stresses that some men, not all, really have a problem with women in the sport and is quick to add and we quote, "Get used to it, we are here to stay!". Lee recently joined a local Mass Federated club called the "Bristol County Bassmasters" on April 4^th of this year. She was, needless to say, apprehensive about going to that first meeting considering that it was an all male club. Her worry was all for not as the club welcomed here with open arms and promised her two things: 1). that first and foremost she would have fund and 2). she would come away from every tournament having learned something. She encourages other women who want to fish and may have felt the same way she did to hang in there, and find a club in which you are comfortable. [The Federation has over 40 clubs to choose from]. She prefers to fish everything that she possibly can on a baitcaster set-up. Her favorite rod and reel is a 6'6" Castaway medium action rod with a Quantum 1310 reel. She also prefers left-hand retrieve reels. Her favorite lures are spinnerbaits and worms. When worm fishing, she likes using the Larry Lazoen worm trick, [Larry Lazoen is an 8-time Bassmaster Classic Contender]. Her big fish so far is a 5 1/2 pounder caught on Lake Sebago last summer. Her first tournament is May 1^st - Good Luck Leer! would like to add that Lee is an artist, and her medium is clay. In her spare time runs a part time pottery business, raises a teenage son and is also pursuing a bachelor's degree in Art Therapy. we continue to be amazed at the diverse group of individuals that fishing brings together.

Terry Tilley, of Saugus, MA has been fishing since childhood. She was an avid softball player and through Tina Davenport, joined Buzzard's Luck Bass club 12 years ago. She was the youth chairperson for 8 years and says it was a great thing for both myself and my son. We found out through Sandy Oja, that Terry Tilley and her son were the first Mother/Son Team for ABA. She is the Vice-President of Buzzard's Luck. In 1992, she went to the ABA Nationals on Winny as the first place parent/child team in the state. They had an added bonus of also being Top 10 in the state finals. She feels fortunate to have had positive interactions with men in fishing. Her favorite lake is Cobbesecontee in Maine, which she refers to as "God's Country". She appreciates the wildlife such as the deer, moose, birds, etc. She prefers spinning tackle for finesse fishing and has a Lew's/Browning rod with a Cardinal C3 that's 6 or 7 yrs. old as a favorite. She adds that she hates spinnerbaits, but enjoys Carolina rigging. She owns a 99 Skeeter 185 with a 150hp motor and says after the first "hole shot" during the take-off of a tournament last year, she felt added respect in that the playing field was totally equal. She says she will continue to have fun, and that one of the reasons she loves the fish is being in the great outdoors.

Marie Tamburello of Brockton, MA fishes for fun. She trout fished with her dad as a kid and began fishing with her husband Mike about five years ago. She started fishing local team tournaments, including a benefit for Military Bass with her husband. She would like to join a bass club once her children are grown up. Right now she's enjoying learning about new baits and gaining more confidence in the sport. they own a 492 Ranger boat with a 225hp motor. She prefers spinning rods and her favorite baits are black or chartruese worms or black w/chartruese lizards. Her favorite pond is Tihonnet Pond in Wareham, but is quick to add that she likes Mashpee on Cape Cod, also. She had a taste of victory winning the Tihonett Road & Gun Club Annual Tournament several times with her husband. Fishing is a family affair and her husband Mike is a former B.A.S.S. Wrangler Angler and co-captain with Mark this year of the Mass B.A.S.S. State Team headed to the regionals this fall. They got their first boat in 1989 together. My guess is we'll see Marie more and more in the years to come.

Jayne Kolosky, of Auburn, MA started fishing with husband Jim to "getaway". At 26 years of age, she started fishing ABA of NH with her husband. They belong to a Mass Federated Club called Bass Addicts, and have also previously fished NABA [North American Bass Association]. They own a 20' Champion boat with a 225hp Johnson Motor. [They have a '96 200hp motor for sale for anyone looking to upgrade!]. Jayne says that although they have been a top team in ABA and been 2^nd in the nationals, stresses that she is not out to be the next famous "bass woman". Growing up with five brothers may be the reason Jayne feels no pressure in the sport of fishing. She uses All Star rods and Team Daiwa reels. She's been fortunate to fish with people like Rick Lillegard and Ted Ancher. Her biggest fish is an impressive 10 lbs. Her favorite fisheries are Winny and Squam in N.H. [I guess Tina Davenport is right about the fish not caring about whether a female or male is on the other end of the rod & reel]. She wants to stress that the old stereo-types of women who fish need to be forgotten as well. She likes to fish, just like any other person. She also enjoys sewing and she and her husband own an auto body shop. She enjoys the outdoors and the social aspects of fishing as well. Her advice to other women anglers is simple - Be Confident!

Amy Perry of Killingworth, CT, didn't take no for an answer when it came to fishing. She was 30 years old when she started fishing. She became interested while helping her husband, Fred, who was the Ct Federation Tournament Director. [Fred is now the President]. When she went to join a bass club however, the message that was sent was "No Girls Allowed". This was only 6 years ago! She began Better Half Bass with another woman. A 6 member, all female club, was born! They were the forerunners. Amy now estimates that 1/3 of the Federations clubs have women. Speaking of herself and a close friend that she started the club with, she says "We have opened the door to have women fishing the [CT Federation] Trail. She prefers blind draw tournaments and her favorite night in fishing is the pairing meeting at the State Fish-offs. She doesn't feel any pressure fishing tournaments and feels that this may be due to her gaining more respect because she is a serious angler. She and her husband have several boats, which helps when you both actively fish. She prefers spinning tackle; liking Quantum reels and Berkley rods. Her favorite lake is Cedar Lake in CT. She will be fishing ABA with a man this year, and jokes that she was a runner-up. Fred, her husband, was asked first, and when he couldn't fish, Amy was asked. Her goal is to make the CT State Team. Amy is involved with the youth in CT and is the CT Federation Member of the Year. What a difference 6 years makes! With her determination, she will undoubtedly make the State Team someday. She leaves us by saying enjoying what your doing is first and foremost.

Susan Ryan, of Randolph, MA, started fishing at 18 years old with an old boyfriend. She recently became re-involved in fishing through her husband, Dave Bartell. Dave is Vice President of a MA Federation Club. Susan is helping Dave with the youth tournaments this year. she also got a chance to travel with her husband and son, James, to Shrevesport, LA, to compete with the Casting Kids State winners. [James was the winner in the 7-10 yr. old division]. she came home with nothing but praise for B.A.S.S. She liked the fact that B.A.S.S. is such a youth-oriented organization and was glad they got to be involved through her son. Susan wold like to become a part of a club in the future and be able to fish more. As she puts it, "the more I see of fishing, the more I like." A favorite fishing spot is Silver Lake in Holbrook, MA. She prefers baitcasters to spinning gear, and spinnerbaits are a favorite lure. she says she has felt no pressure fishing being a woman. The next goal for the family is a bass boat. Her daughter is now enjoying fishing also. For the Bartell family, it's a family affair.

Ruth Iodice, of Buzzards Bay, MA, started fishing 24 years ago. Her husband, Bob, belongs to Cape Cod Bass, a Ma Federated Club. Bob fishes in the MA Federation and Military Tournament Trails. She has fished local husband/wife tournaments. Bob & Ruth owned the former Bassin' Headquarters, for 9 years, in Carver, MA. Ruth enjoys fishing with Bob, usually once per week. They will usually fish a lake that Bob is prefishing for a tournament. Ruth says she may be interested in belonging to a bass club in the future. In talking to her, she seems to enjoy the social part of meeting and being with people in fishing as much as being on the water. They own a 16' Procraft bass boat and are looking to upgrade soon. She has Daiwa and Shimano reels on all Star and St. Croix rods. She likes finesse fishing on spinning tackle. She has two favorite lakes; Long Pond, Lakeville, and Mashpee on Cape Cod. She tells people to have a good time and finds fishing very relaxing.

Ann Thomasson-Wilson of Jasper, TX, is one of the pioneers of women in bass fishing. She began fishing at about 3 1/2 year old. In 1972, she got a call from a lady by the name of Sugar Ferris, and the rest becomes history. They got a group of ladies together and fished through 1974. In 1976, Sugar Ferris formed Bassin' Gals and the ladies had a trail of their own. In 1985, Ann Thomasson went pro. Ann is a Bassin' Gal Champion and has also won Lady Bass. Ann says she never really felt any pressure fishing in a "male sport". She owns a 482VS Ranger with a 175hp Johnson outboard. She likes to fish topwater, but also has an infinity for the "universal" worm. She likes All Star rods and Shimano reels. Her biggest fish is a stunning 13 lb! At 60 years old, Ann describes herself as semi-retired. In the next breath, she will tell you that she is involved with Make-A-Wish-Foundation, that she is very active in the local issues that involve Lake Sam Rayburn, and she would like to keep promoting the sport of bass fishing; with special interest to the children and ladies. She watched Lake Sam Rayburn being built and it is her most favorite fishing place. When asked for another body of water, Santee Cooper in SC is next. She says that through fishing she has met many beautiful people; after talking with Ann, you instantly know she is one of them. And her strength is evident when you realize that she started fishing seriously after a divorce, on her own, in a time when it really wasn't even considered. If you're ever in Jasper, TX, and want to meet a legend in women's bass fishing, stop in and see Ann at where else?! but, Ann's Tackle Shop!

The last profile is on a personal hero of Lisa's - Lucy Mize of Ben Lomond, AR. Lucy is blazing a trail on the B.A.S.S. Central Invitational Trail. Her highest B.A.S.S. finish is a 46^th, in the money. that is the highest finish of any woman to date yet. She has been fortunate to have been an observer on the Top 150 Trail for B.A.S.S. and formerly fished the Bassin' Gal Trail. She was a 10 time Bassin' Gal Classic Qualifier and Angler of the Year 3 times! Her goal is to be the first woman to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic. Mark has fished the Central Trail and that's how he met Lucy. Our bets are on Lucy to achieve her goal. Lucy's husband can certainly understand her goal. Jimmy Mize is a Top 150 Angler and fished the Bassmaster Classic in 1988. Lucy has a '97 Chevy Suburban and '99 Ranger 519 Bass Boat with a 225hp Mercury outboard and when travelling she gets funny looks sometimes from people at the gas pumps. But she is definitely changing the way some folks view pro bass fishing. Lake Seminole in GA is a favorite lake, and she's had 2 national wins there. Her biggest fish to date is about 9 lbs, with biggest 5 fish limit at 21 lbs. In closing, Lucy says that for her, tournament fishing is addictive, and she likes it more than fun fishing. But to her, fun fishing is a tournament. And we can certainly understand that. Best of Luck, Lucy!

We'd like to thank all the women who participated in this article for taking the time to share their stories - We couldn't have done it without you all!

In conclusion, we thought that you the readers, will notice two things. The first is that fishing is quickly becoming an equal opportunity sport. The second, but perhaps most important is that no matter what type of fishing these women participate in, they al have FUN at the top of their list.

If you would like to ask a question or share a story, please write us at Mark & Lisa Burgess, P.O. Box 2124, Norton, MA 02766 or fax us at (508) 285-5730.