What has Gender got to do with it????

[roz]

Been tossing this idea for a topic around for a long time, however I've always chickened out for fear of copping a flogging. Well, I'm feeling a bit brave tonight.... tomorrow might be a different story.

My view on fishing comps and clubs is one of all things should be equal.

Why should there have to be a male champion and a female champion when it comes to angling clubs and comps... Why not just champion angler??

I really don't see fishing as a sport that needs this type of divide. I will concede that males are generally physically stronger than females, but this usually has nothing to do with landing big fish, it's more a matter of endurance and skill rather than brute strength.

I can speak from personal exerience, there is not much joy or merit in taking out a Best Female Angler trophy when you're only one of three or four females in a club of around 40 odd. I think this should also apply to junior anglers.

There are also Female Only comps run from time to time. In your view is this the way to help more females take up the sport of fishing???? Is that fair???? Particularly when there is almost always a male driving the boat.

On the other hand, if there were male only comps there would be an out cry.

I would be very interested to hear views from both sides.

r.

[TimiBoy]

We men are all scared of you. Actually I agree with you on this, Roz. Practically speaking, what the hell is the difference? It's not tennis, is it? Indeed if you tried to enter a men's comp and they denied you, I think they'd be on thin ice.

Power to the Chickies!!!!

Cheers,

Tim

[Kleyny]

Here here

neil

[MeePee_99]

In my opion the male and female thing is to "give the females a chance" in that a male fisherman fishers alot more than females and know a lot more techniques and info (there are alot more males on this site than females and therefore arent open to as much info, so in theory males have an advantage over females (although in many cases females catch more)!!!

[mik01]

is it more to do with the fact that many more men fish and take it more seriously than most women? ie some women who enter comps may just do it cos they accompany their blokes out for the day and don't classify themselves as serious fisho's?? therefore they start with a handicap?

i dunno - just a guess?

[mik01]

Roz - could you request to be judged in the men's division, ala Michelle Wie? If you want to mix it with the blokes you should be able to

[Black_Rat]

Roz,

IMO I can't see a deliberate divide

With a competition there has to be groups for fairness. Male - Female, boat - shore based, under x age, over x age yadda ... yadda .................

There is almost in most comps a biggest "one" that does not judge on looks, race gender or age (I hope )

So if I make sence i've lost a beer

Damo

[Dick Pasfield]

I can think of one reason from a club perspective and I employ it in a club situation (non fishing and mostly jnrs). The more categories you create the more awards you can give. Best male snr, best male jnr best female snr best female jnr.

Remember that the award should be about acknowledging skill development as well as the luck on the day. So creating categories shares that acknowledgment around as much as possible.

Unfortunately I think that it's lost on many people and the process often takes on a look being patronising by those who don't understand the underlying strategy.

Done for the right reasons everyone shares, dojne for the wrong reasons and its demeaning.

[Greg P]

Agree with Miko - just more to do with participation rates than anything else

[Outsider1]

In my opion the male and female thing is to "give the females a chance" in that a male fisherman fishers alot more than females and know a lot more techniques and info (there are alot more males on this site than females and therefore arent open to as much info, so in theory males have an advantage over females (although in many cases females catch more)!!!

Jezz young fella you really do own a big shovel!.

LOL.

Cheers

Dave

[ronnien]

as well as a male & female winner why not have an overall winner as well be it male or female, anyway if u can catch fish you are welcome in my boat any time.

ron.

[Xahn1960]

I don't know if I'd ever want to compete with women, my wife can out fish me any day of the week. If she didn't need someone to drive the boat I'd probably get left behind. They should keep things the way they are ! theres only so much the male ego can take

Bill.

[sleepygreg]

winner of this years 8kg Redcliffe Billfish Tournament was female. Our clubs overall champion is not based on Gender....just on best fish/most points. There are also the male/female/junior boy/junior girl sections...but overall winner is non gender/age related. I would think most Gamefishing and Sportfishing clubs would have similar recognition.

Cheers

Greg (Moreton Bay Boat Club Game/Sportfish Section)

PS : more power to the girls..our recent Ladies Billfish Tournament was a huge success with 14 boats and 40 Lady anglers having a great time and catching some Quality fish.

[bushbeachboy]

There are also Female Only comps run from time to time. In your view is this the way to help more females take up the sport of fishing???? Is that fair???? Particularly when there is almost always a male driving the boat.

Roz I like the idea of female only comps as a way to get more women to get into fishing. From my perspective, if that was to help get my wife into fishing I would be stoked. Then there is the added bonus of more time on the water, possibly some trips away for comps - look at that one they hold in the NT every year - getting to meet more people and have more fun, all together with my partner. So yes I support the idea.

Cheers

BBB

[choppa]

if my darling wife wanted to come fishing with the ""boys"" it would be great for a couple reasons,,,,,,
1... excuse to get a bigger boat
2... someone handy to throw a coldie every now and then
3... a helping hand to wash n clean it after

mmmmmmmm

choppa