Later, she worked in the hunting and fishing department at a large retailer for five years, trying to work her way up the corporate ladder to be able to identify with the world's view of success. However, she couldn't ignore an insatiable desire to live a different type of life--one deemed unsustainable by conventional society. As a result, she quit her job, gave up the benefits, and became self-employed, so she could be the boss of her own life.
In 2015, she began kayak fishing and started competing in tournaments across the Midwest to both gratify her competitive nature and to serve as an humbling ego check. Besides fishing against some of the best anglers in the area, she enjoyed the genuine camaraderie among those cut from the same cloth.
"Being a part of the tight-knit community of kayak anglers," Fischer wrote, "has provided me the opportunity to volunteer in the community, become a guide with a reputable company, and host youth fishing tournaments. More importantly, though, it has given me a voice to inspire others to pursue their passions and spend time outdoors."
Fischer has fought for many years (25 plus) to prove that she's truly passionate about the sport.
In her own words, "I have pushed myself well out of my comfort zone and faced adversity on many levels, trying to tell the world I'm not just a blonde chick who likes to be outside. It's something I have grown accustomed to, and I want to share some insight and thoughts on being a female angler."
To her male counterparts, who knowingly or unknowingly stereotype her, she says this:
"I don't blame you. Anytime I am introduced to a fellow lady angler, I catch myself doing the same thing. In a world where the scantily clad 'female anglers' are featured provocatively posing with sub-par catches, how can anyone not doubt the legitimacy of the rest of the ladies claiming to be true outdoor enthusiasts? While we are entitled to our suspicions, please keep in mind that, though our numbers may be few, there are women out there whose passion for the sport rivals and could possibly trump your own.
"I fished a 24-hour, run-and-gun-style kayak tournament against 39 men. We fished nine different bodies of water, including a giant reservoir, in the middle of the night, with no sleep. I caught 11 different species and came in second...and I did it alone. I am usually the first one on the water and the last one to leave. The weather plays no role in my decision to fish.
"When you think about discriminating, remember that there are also men out there who can't catch a bass in a 10-acre farm pond but collect pro staffs like Rosie O'Donnell collects pounds.
"I may speak for myself here, but I believe true women of this sport don't necessarily want extra attention just because they are females. I remember fishing the Tournament of Champions at Lake Fork, TX, and one of the directors asked if I'd talk to the camera because I was one of four women. I politely declined and said, 'If I win this tournament, heck yeah, give me that spotlight. Until then, I'm just a regular angler.' When I go to an outdoor event or tournament, I'm not looking for compliments or true love. I'm there to share tips and stories with fellow anglers from all over the country who are cut form the same cloth, and I'm there to compete."
To the men and businesses who lift up and encourage the bikini babes, she says:
"Basing a woman's talent on the size of her waist and bust typically is not the best method. I've had several companies contact me regarding a 'pro staff' if I would pose for a calendar...Ha! You can keep the free flat bill and decal. I'll keep my integrity.
"Speaking of pro staffs, I met a highly decorated female athlete in Florida who is sponsored by a number of large companies. We talked fishing for a few minutes, and I learned that her knowledge of the sport was comparable to that of an infant child. Male or female, are these the types of people you want representing your brand?
"I have had several comments from several of you keyboard warriors regarding the lack of effort put into making myself look presentable on the water or in the field. I must be mistaken because I thought we were here for the sport. I hash tagged #diehardangler, not #dothesewadersmakemelookfat, but again I do appreciate all the time you spend in the dark on the computer letting the real, bold, outdoor women out there know what you think of their wardrobe selection, while they are outside relentlessly living this life. You will have a much better chance at meeting a girl if you get off the computer and out of your mother's basement."
To the bikini babes, she says:
"I can't write this without giving you some credit. I have no doubt that many of you saw this market as a giant opportunity to make money and gain a massive following. We've known ever since Pearl Tobacco Co. featured a naked woman on their packaging in 1871, that sex sells, and it sells well.
"I also cannot write this without clarifying something. Wearing a bikini and fishing isn't something I'm condemning. I get it: It's summer, it's hot. You spent a lot of time on the treadmill. You're proud of the way you look, and you should be. You're out fishing and happen to be wearing a bikini and hook into a decent fish. Absolutely, take that picture and share it. It's when the focus of the picture shifts from the catch to the female anatomy that eyebrows are raised, and many question your intentions.
"Explain something to me. What does straddling the side of the boat, staring off into the sunset in a thong bikini, with the caption 'I just looooove fishing' do for your image? I can tell you what it doesn't do, and that's earn the respect of serious and professional anglers in the community. Don't you want to be taken seriously? Or is it just about the paycheck?
"Lastly, remember your audience. Though much of your following consists of middle-aged, single men and pre-pubescent teens, there are also young women who view your page. While I support encouraging women to be themselves and to be proud of how they look, I do not support the superficial, sell-your-soul message that some lady anglers portray by posting seductive images that highlight everything that the outdoors is not. What message do you want to send to them?"
To the few and far between, the unabating lady angler, she says:
"Let me tell you: My first time fishing tournaments, I was a nervous wreck. I felt like I had something to prove because I knew I had eyes on me. If a guy zeros, no one notices, but I felt if I did, everyone would attribute it to my gender. I felt like I needed to do this thing on my own. I turned down fishing advice from others, and I wouldn't let anyone help me load my kayak on top of my vehicle. All of that was foolish. We are in this sport to teach and to learn, to listen and to be heard. When a guy offers help, don't take offense to it. The majority of the guys in the sport are genuine and are proof that chivalry isn't dead and has a place in the outdoors.
"Though you probably share the same opinion when it comes to bikini anglers, I would encourage you not to tear them down. When it comes down to it, they are human beings and also are women in this sport, whether they choose to represent it as we would or not. There is a much more constructive way to get a message across than hateful comments. I have found that your voice is the loudest when you choose not to use it in a way that is degrading.
"We all strive to be taken seriously. It's easy to get offended when people doubt your abilities, but allow your actions to prove them wrong. It may take time to earn the respect of the majority, but isn't that the fun part?
"I hate to break it to you, but the majority of the messages you will receive on social media won't in fact be about acquiring information on the giant bass you just posted a picture of but rather your marital status. Many guys who ask to go fishing with you probably don't care to hear about your tricks on working a shaky-head jig. Be selective and be careful. Don't let the attention that comes along with being a rarity in this field get to your head or discourage you. Stay humble and grounded.
"Let's face it: We do get more attention on social media and outdoor companies because we are females. It's the raw truth. Instead of using that as an ego booster, use it as a platform to let your voice be heard. It is an opportunity for us to not only get free products but, more importantly, to let the world know that we are here, and our passion is real.
"Lastly, I want to thank you...thank you for staying true to you...for taking the high road...for turning down easy money...for defying the odds and overcoming adversity...for helping me grow the sport and pave the road for young women across the country. You all inspire me, and I pray I continue to lift you up."
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