Women Anglers of Minnesota Celebrates 40 Years of Bringing Women and Children Into the Sport of Angling

  OSAKIS, MN - 04/01/2017 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

The Women Anglers of Minnesota (WAM) is proud to celebrate their 40^th Anniversary as the nation’s longest standing fishing club for women. The first WAM President Sybil Smith was quoted, “Why do we need a separate fishing organization for women? Because most women grew up with the notation that fishing, like football and finance, was a boy’s only activity.” So, in 1977, the idea was born to form a Women’s Fishing Club.

Club members include multi-generations of mother, daughter and grandmothers, where younger members were raised coming to club events. One longtime member recalls bringing her girls to the monthly meetings in their car seats. Today, all of her daughters are adults with children of their own and their family remains active the organization.

On Saturday, June 3, the club will hold their 40^th annual all-women’s fishing tournament on Lake Osakis. The multi-species, fundraising tournament will be headquartered at Head of the Lakes Resort where 100+ members from across Minnesota and neighboring states come together to fish for 23 different trophies and over $8,000 in prize money. Tournament entry fees help raise money that is used for promoting and operating many kids fishing clinics throughout the year.

To further commemorate the 40-year milestone, a celebration will be held on Saturday, September 23 at the Osseo/Maple Grove Legion Post 172. The event will welcome the founding members, current members and their families and honorary guests including many fishing industry professionals; plus food, entertainment and fundraising. Many Minnesota businesses have helped make the 40^th year a success, including Clam Outdoors, Cabelas, Head of the Lakes Resort, Geiger’s Trails End Resort and Northern Lights Casino. More details about the event can be found on the Women Anglers of Minnesota website, www.womenanglersmn.com.

The Women Anglers of Minnesota has a rich history, with a genuine, heartwarming story to share. As a demographic who faces barriers and stereotypes in a male-dominated industry, the club was started to give women the opportunity to learn and experience fishing in a safe, judgement-free environment. The club hopes that by sharing their story, it may help spread the word and inspire the next women angler to come out and try this great sport.

For more information about the club or tournament please visit the WAM website:  www.womenanglersmn.com