Ladies, Let's Go Fishing: Casting for New Anglers - fishing lessons for women

Boat/US Magazine, Jan, 2000 by Becky Squires

"We tried," said Bauman, "and it was a complete failure. When you mix men with women, it changes the dynamics. Women get intimidated -- they stop socializing with the other women and they're afraid to get up on stage and tell their fish stories afterwards. They think the men will laugh at them. When it's all women, they know that everyone is laughing with them -- and that makes a big difference."

TOP 10 FISHING TIPS

1. You need to know only one knot -- the uni-knot (clinch knot) -- to fish. Based on an old sewing knot, it's simple to learn.

2. If live bait dies, never throw it overboard -- you'll just give the fish a free lunch. Chop it up and use it for chum.

3. Natural-looking bait is critical, even if it's not live bait. Fish eat what they know.

4. For gaffing (bringing large fish out of the water onto the boat) use an 8-12 foot hook. Let the angler bring the fish to you and then go around and under the fish. Try practicing with grapefruits. It works.

5. Only use hooks that are designed to rust, so they'll get out of the fish that got away sooner.

6. For bottom fishing, look for structure -- old tires, stumps rocks, reefs, pilings -- anywhere fish can hide and feel safe. It's much easier to find structure at low tide.

7. Try using a circle hook instead of a "J" hook, especially for each catch and release fishing.

8. "Elephants eat peanuts." Don't be afraid to use small bait to catch big fish.

9. All guys carry tackle boxes full of three million lures. Six of them actually work.

10. Ask for a rod and reel for your birthday or anniversary and watch your partner's face light up.