Fly Fishing Friends Friday

JENNY TATELMAN

An increase in women anglers is more than just a growing trend in fly fishing, it's a revolutionizing tidal wave.  As Instagram hashtags like #5050onthewater and #unitedwomenonthefly continue to blow up,  one woman in particular making such waves is Jenny Tatelman of FlyandFlow, based out of Massachusetts.  Her company, through hosted trips and local casting clinics, hopes to encourage more women to get on the water and discover the beauty behind our wonderful sport!

" Fly fishing connects people in ways that aren't always explainable."

It's not often that someone cuts their fly fishing teeth on bonefish in Crooked Island, Bahamas, but that's how Jenny's story starts!  While traveling there on a school trip in high school she started roaming the sand flats and quickly learned of the patience, frustration, and exhilaration that can only be found in fly fishing.  From then on her summer morning started long before the sun's rays hit the Atlantic Ocean as she chased striped bass in her backyard.  Growing up surrounded by a striper blitz facilitated opportunities that would lead to a lifelong addiction.

"I recall working my previous job and in the back of my mind always thinking about fly fishing, the industry itself, and what made me unique was finding success in a male-dominated industry."

​Whether she's stalking technical brown trout in New Zealand (a type of fishing she is gravitating toward) with her husband or battling reel-screaming false albacore, fly fishing is the center of Jenny's life.  Once she accepted the idea that it's okay to work for something different and less structured, she decided to be part of this industry full time in October of 2018.  In the process, she became a true inspiration:  not only to women trying to make fly fishing a career, but to all women shattering glass ceilings in historically male professions. 

She also exhibits the commitment to conservation that we value so much at Wildwood Outfitters.  Jenny passionately practices catch and release as well as the proper handling of fish.  "I treat each fish with immense care and safety," she says.  Limiting time spent out of the water can mean life or death for the fish, and it's something she's mindful of with each of the many fish that hit the net!

Have a question about one of their upcoming trips?  Just looking to chat fly fishing?  Anglers of all skill levels and experience are encouraged to join Jenny and the rest of the FlyandFlow team!  Shoot them an email or check out their website and social media.

Instagram: @Jenny_Tates
Facebook: @FlyandFlowTravel
Website: www.flyandflow.net 

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