Reeling in Change: Women Paving the Way in Fishing

The Sisterhood of the Sea: Women Rewriting the Narrative of Angling

Hey there, fellow anglers and adventurers — grab your thermos of gas station coffee because we’re diving into a story as riveting as a cold morning bite on the lake’s edge. Picture this: Midge Jacobs, on the windswept shores of Wasque, tossing Goldfish crackers into the surf as if making an offering to the 'fishing gods' — a small ritual that resonates with many of us as deeply as the pull of the first cast at dawn.

Every year, this gathering of determined women takes center stage at the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. This event isn’t just about landing the biggest catch; it’s a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and the redefining of narratives in a sport long seen as a man's domain. Here, these formidable female anglers weave a tapestry of triumphs and transformations that resonate beyond the shoreline.

A Life Hooked on Passion

One of the vibrant personalities in this sisterhood of sea enthusiasts is Ursula Kreskey. Ursula’s journey is one of heart, hardship, and hope. Born during the turbulent times of German-occupied Czechoslovakia, she was destined for a life less ordinary. Her path led her to the United States, where her fate took an unexpected turn during a first date that was as life-changing as the tides they fished upon. It was love at first catch — not only for her future husband but for the serene embrace of the water.

As she narrates her story, you can almost hear the gentle lapping of waves, symbolizing the changes that have welcomed women into the angling community over the years. From a time when women anglers were rare sightings on New Jersey waters to today’s thriving community on the Vineyard, Ursula and her friends, Fran Clay, Karen Kukolich, and Janet Messineo, have been both witnesses to and architects of this dynamic movement.

The Dawn of a New Day

Under the soft glow of the breaking dawn at Edgartown harbor, laughter and stories mingle with the salty breeze. Here, on Charlie Ashmun's CayLee, the women gather — swapping glances, exchanging bites of banana bread and memories of past triumphs, including the famous Subaru grand prize gold as the community's heart beats with inclusivity and passion.

This annual ritual is about far more than just the catch. It embodies the essence of camaraderie, the chuckles over a tackle box turned snackle box, brimming with charcuterie and dried fruit. Even their quirky name, the 'Lerby Dadies,' a playful twist born from shared joy and inside jokes, adds color to this tapestry of tales. The ocean, after all, is indifferent to gender but deeply respectful of spirit and passion.

Shaping the Future

The Martha’s Vineyard Derby, now a fixture of more than forty years, is a testament to the enduring bonds that fishing weaves. It brings families together, champions change, and celebrates the unique strengths women bring to the sport of fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned sweep, experienced in reading water and weather, or casting your first tentative line, remember — each story you share, each cast you make, shapes the future.

Here at Girls Fish Too, we believe in gear that lines up with your adventurous spirit. Our latest gear arrivals are crafted for those ready to blaze their own trail, echoing the powerful message that fishing is for everyone.

Now, more than ever, we celebrate the spirit of women who refuse to be boxed in by tradition but choose instead to write new chapters in the book of angling. So, let’s keep those stories flowing and tackle boxes ready. Your greatest adventure lies where the shoreline ends, and that’s where the best stories — and fishing spots — are born.

Join Us on This Journey

Ready to make some waves and be part of history? Whether it’s your first catch or your hundredth tournament, make sure your gear is as ready as you are. Explore our gear that understands your journey, because this community doesn’t just fish — we thrive. Embrace your passion, join our sisterhood at Girls Fish Too, and let’s write a future as bright as the morning sun glinting off the water. Because out here, every woman is an angler, and every story is worth telling.

Tight lines and boundless horizons await — let's cast our nets wide. Together, we're not just fishing; we're pioneering a movement celebrating every cast, every catch, and every woman who dares to defy the currents and embrace the call of the waters.