"For me, the Women Ice Angler project means changing the way ice fishing is sometimes stereotypically portrayed and generalized. Gone are the days of “Grumpy Old Men.” It’s putting the face of women of all backgrounds, ages, and skills at the forefront of a growing winter sport and activity. We’re women who are equally passionate about fishing as we are about enjoying our time on the hardwater. I love how this project encourages curious future ice anglers to ask questions and feel encouraged and welcomed to give ice fishing a try." - Jenny Anderson, "The Girl of 10,000 Lakes"
"This project means changing the way women look at ice fishing. It's making women have the mindset and knowledge that they can and will be able to fish by themselves. It's providing information as to what gear would be proficient for them, example: a light weight auger and a small shack they can pull by themselves, things along those lines. Women should not be afraid to get out on the ice and enjoy some winter activities!" - MaKayla Jacobs
The Women Ice Angler Project was founded in 2015. Our mission was to take photographs, shoot video, and write stories to promote women ice anglers. We know from being on the ice all over the ice belt, that many women love this sport, yet their pictures are rarely used in catalogs or other commercial marketing materials. We set out to change that.
THE POWER OF MEDIA
Media is one of the most powerful tools which shape our beliefs, establish our views of normalcy, and dictate how we “should” operate within society. Images and messages published by an industry, or not published, can either encourage change or proliferate unrealistic, stereotypical, and limiting perceptions.
INEQUALITY OF REPRESENTATION
Female anglers are statistically underrepresented relative to reported participation rates nationally. The omission of female figures in images, on magazine covers, in advertising, on signage, and as authors within the fishing industry suggests that women are “outsiders.” This perception strengthens the stereotype that fishing is a ”man’s sport.”
When women ARE represented, they are usually seen with a male companion or authority figure. Perpetuating the limiting belief that participation in the sport of fishing is dependent on males. Unfortunately, this is even more prevalent in the ice fishing industry.
