When New Wave Fishing Academy was started it was based around the mission of helping everyone become more successful anglers and especially those who do not have the family, friends, or easily accessible opportunities to push them into the sport. From our short time in operation trying to accomplish this mission there has been a very clear population that has a hard time breaking into the industry. From critics online challenging their skills as anglers to talking down or belittling their accomplishments there are a lot of unnecessary hurdles for women and young girls to get into fishing. While we know that these hurdles are not set up by those that represent the majority of the members in the industry they unfortunately are often the loudest voice. To combat this we started the "Women In Angling" blog series last year to highlight some of the best female ambassadors for the sport of fishing and share their stories for those that just need a little push or some role models to look towards to get into this sport we all love!
This weeks feature is Janelle Smith! We came across Janelle on instagram @areellady_ where she shares her passion for fishing and exploring the outdoors across southern Ontario. Janelle is a multi species enthusiast and role model for her daughter and any other female looking to get into the outdoors lifestyle. Being in, learning, and enjoying the outdoors is her specialty. Check out her story below:
"I’ve always been an admirer of the outdoors ever since I was a little kid! Mud pies in the garden as a toddler, catching frogs or snakes and keeping them as pets in a bucket until they “escaped” (dad let them go), climbing trees, flipping canoes at camp, and fishing with my dad. Being outside and fishing specifically has brought me so much joy and a real sense of harmony with nature. Allowing myself to be truly present and raw in these opportunities allows for so much peace, growth, and understanding. Nature is incredible to witness, let alone to hold. Which is why fishing is my favourite thing to do in the outdoors.
Remembering the essence of these moments and how I still crave the feeling today, 20 years later is invigorating. This light wont dim anytime soon, and now I have the chance to share it with my own creation. If she likes fishing as much as I do, I will help her to become the best she can be! And if she doesn’t, well ill still help her get there, but I’d be a bit sad.
I feel lucky to go on at least 7 camping trips per summer as well as the odd lodge but I wouldn’t allow it to go any other way. Planning my entire summer in March and April out of pure excitement has left me no regrets. In fact I will always do it this way now. Every Saturday and Sunday that exists in the summer is another opportunity for a trip. Whether with my daughter, my friends or by myself. I love camping with my friends and family. Trips with them are difficult to top. That being said, solo trips do something else for me. When alone in nature, accepting all silence apart from natures footsteps, cooking on a fire that I started, and enjoying the company of my own being provides comfort for the soul that is only attainable when allowing yourself to be truly present; which takes practice at first.
Reassurance. Certitude. Mental calmness;
These are the things I look forward to feeling when solo tripping and of course, the endless fishing on my own accord!
Sometimes when I finish work early, I walk down to the river and throw as many casts as I can before having to do my responsibilities. It’s nice to catch fish when I’d usually be working. Especially with permission. One of the exciting parts about fishing is the potential for what could happen; even in these short periods. Last fall an accidental hook up on my spinner bait made my day! With a perfect corner of the mouth hook set and the fight of a lifetime while bystanders watched and shared their doubts about how I wouldn’t be able to get this fish in with the equipment I had, 14 minutes later this huge 25lbs+ carp right in front of me & I'm happy to have gotten this picture taken by one of those doubtful bystanders.
Despite how I enjoy time fishing alone there is something special about sharing the experience with other like minded women. I've been a part of the Great Canadian Female Anglers group for a few years now and the trips to Bears Den Lodge are . If you're looking for a group to join to get into the sport this is one for you! You can find them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/greatcanadianfemaleanglers.ca/ "
We would like to thank Janelle for taking the time to share her passion for our favorite activity with everyone and being a role model for others. If you want to connect with Janelle you can follow her page on instagram @areellady_!
For more female fishing, fisher woman, and lady angler role model be sure to check out the other Women in Angling features at the link below.
If you know somebody who is a great ambassador for Women In Angling (Or the outdoors) that deserves to be recognized and would be willing to create a post please reach out to us on any of our social media platforms so we can get in touch with them.
--------------------------------------------------
To experience a day of fishing on the water with us be sure to check out our YouTube channel at the link below.
New Wave Fishing Academy is here to teach you all we know and everything we continue to learn about fishing. Check out our fishing courses at the link below: https://www.newwavefishingacademy.com/learn-to-fish-ontario
If you or someone you know is looking to get into fishing or you just want to become a more successful angler be sure to check out our "Zero To Hero Fishing Masterclass" for courses on everything fishing! The masterclass is built to help you learn how to find and catch fish like the pro's by providing all the information you need and a clear development path! Don't miss out check it out now at www.newwavefishingacademy.com/zero-to-hero
Have you ever wondered why lures don't come with instructions and wanted to know how to fish them? Look no further than our "How To Fish" series where you will learn what each bait is, how to use it, when and where it excels over other baits, our preferred setup to use it on, and the common mistakes anglers make when using it. www.newwavefishingacademy.com/how-to-fish
Check out the results of our fishing students and teachers to see what you can accomplish with New Wave Fishing Academy: https://www.newwavefishingacademy.com/best-fishing-ontario