In 2022, I was invited by a friend to attend my very first Women’s Fishing Federation (WFF) event. I was beyond excited – not just for the chance to fish, but to meet a community of like-minded women who shared my passion for the outdoors. Fishing has always been my escape, my joy, and my connection to nature.
At that time, though, life was heavy. My stepdad had been diagnosed with leukemia, and I had spent months going back and forth to West Texas to help care for him. When the event landed on Mother’s Day weekend, it felt like the breath of fresh air I didn’t even realize I needed.
Finding My Way to the Surface
The event was held at Lake Fork, a place known for its legendary Bass. As I pulled up to the cabin, I was nervous. I knew hardly anyone and wasn’t sure what to expect. But that changed almost instantly.
I dove into everything: kayak safety, flipping drills, baits, tackle, and how to become a stronger, more confident angler. The environment was welcoming, encouraging, and incredibly inspiring. I left Lake Fork with new skills, deeper confidence, and most importantly, friendships that have lasted to this day.
The camaraderie among these women is something special – we support each other’s success, cheer each other on, and stay connected through social media. That bond became even more meaningful when I was diagnosed with cancer in October 2022. These ladies were there for me – checking in, encouraging me, and reminding me that I wasn’t alone.
Fast forward to 2024, when I attended the WFF’s first saltwater event in Rockport. I had fished saltwater from a kayak before, but I was eager to sharpen my skills and soak in all the knowledge I could. The event was just as amazing as my first! There were powerful speakers, incredible instructors, and many of the same women I had grown close to since 2022. We shared laughs, stories, and supported each other as we learned the ins and outs of saltwater angling. We explored the marshes, learned about saltwater-specific tackle, and focused on safety and technique. The connection among the WFF ladies was stronger than ever – it felt like a family reunion on the water.
Sisterhood in Action
I also had the honor of attending the fifth anniversary of WFF in Branson, Missouri. I’d never been to Missouri before, and the beauty of Table Rock Lake took my breath away. What made it even more special was seeing so many familiar faces from past events. And then it happened, I caught my very first Smallmouth Bass. Not just one, but three – and a giant Bluegill too! We participated in fun flipping competitions, attended hands-on gear maintenance workshops, and heard from empowering, encouraging speakers who reminded us just how powerful we are – on and off the water.
The Women’s Fishing Federation has taught me so much more than how to cast better or be safer in my kayak. Through workshops on reel maintenance, understanding moon phases and weather patterns, navigating unfamiliar waters, and even Alligator safety, I’ve grown as an angler. But more importantly, I’ve grown as a woman.
I’ve learned that it’s okay to show up unsure, to ask questions, to lean on others, and to be proud of how far I’ve come. The WFF community, these incredible women, they show up for you without hesitation. We cheer each other on. We share tackle, stories, and sometimes tears. We laugh until our cheeks hurt. We celebrate each other.
I’ll always be grateful to the WFF for the sisterhood and the unforgettable memories we’ve made.
