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 Émilie Desjardins! We first came across Émilie on instagram seeing posts of big fish, big tournament bags, and the hardware to go along with the wins! No matter if you're a tournament angler or just stepping into the sport Émilie is someone to look up to. Check out her story in her own words below:
My Journey as a Female Angler: Casting Aside Stereotypes and Reeling in the Future This is the story of my journey as a woman angler, from my early days casting lines with my father to breaking stereotypes and paving my path in the sport. My journey as a female angler began at a very young age when my father introduced me to the world of fishing. Those early days on the water were filled with wonder and excitement. I was captivated by the mysteries of the underwater world and the thrill of the unknown. Little did I know that those experiences would lay the foundation for a lifelong passion. Every trip to the water was an opportunity to learn something new, whether it was about the different species of fish, the art of casting a line, or the importance of patience. It's true what they say; fishing is a never-ending learning experience. With every outing, my enthusiasm grew, fuelling my desire to head back out again. There's something inexplicable about fishing that keeps me coming back for more. Whether I'm pursuing a specific species, casting my line - rain or shine, getting on the water at sunrise and off at sunset, every minute spent on the water is precious. Fishing provides a unique sense of tranquility and exhilaration that's hard to replicate. It's not just about the size or species of fish but the experience itself.
Fishing has taught me patience like no other pursuit. It's not uncommon to spend hours waiting for a bite, and those who fish understand that patience is the key to success. Learning to wait and trust the process has been a valuable life lesson that extends beyond fishing and into various aspects of my life. Being a woman in the world of fishing, I've encountered my fair share of stereotypes and misconceptions. Since the sport is male-dominated many have preconceived notions about girls who fish. My hope is to inspire and motivate other women to get involved and not be discouraged by these stereotypes. I joined a fishing club with a rich history spanning over four decades, yet I was the very first female member. Despite the stigma I found myself making history by becoming the first woman to clinch the coveted title of Angler of the Year. This milestone is not just my own; it is a testament to the progress that can be made when we break down barriers in traditionally male-dominated sports. As much as fishing can be angler vs angler it is mostly you against you. Gender doesn't play a role or contribute to your success only the decisions you make on the water! Some initiatives I believe will help break down these barriers, introduce girls and women to fishing, and spark their interest can be;
organizing fishing workshops, and educational programs specifically tailored to girls
highlighting the stories and achievements of successful female anglers
developing and promoting fishing gear and apparel designed with women in mind
encouraging friends and family to introduce girls and woman to fishing
however providing support and resources is key to ensuring a diverse and inclusive angling community!
For me, fishing is more than a sport; it's a way of life, a passion that continues to shape my identity and outlook on the world. I encourage all women to challenge the barriers and stereotypes so that we can pave the way for future generations.
- Émilie Millar Desjardins
We would like to thank Émilie for sharing her story & passion for fishing with us all. Sharing the passion for fishing that Émilie so clearly shows in her writing is, in our mind, the best way to grow the sport that we love so much. You can connect with her on instagram @desjardinsfishing!
For more Women in Angling features be sure to click 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.
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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