Reeling in Success: Women Anglers of Minnesota

A Mission to Empower Through Fishing

Imagine a sunny day on the water, surrounded by friends, sharing stories, and reeling in your latest catch. For members of Women Anglers of Minnesota (WAM), this is more than just a pastime—it’s a lifelong passion. WAM has spent the past 45 years creating a supportive, educational, and inclusive environment for women of all ages to fall in love with fishing.

Casting the Line: How WAM Started

WAM was founded back in 1977 by a group of women who shared one simple goal: to help other women learn to fish. At a time when fishing was considered a male-dominated sport, these trailblazers took the initiative to create an inclusive space. Since then, WAM has grown into a dynamic community with members spanning generations.

“We started by meeting one cold January night,” one founding member recalled. “Our mission was simple—teach women how to fish, and hopefully, they’d pass that love down to their kids.”

Learning, Teaching, and Thriving Together

At its heart, WAM is about education and empowerment. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned angler, WAM offers countless resources to level up your fishing game:

Educational Summits: Covering everything from walleye fishing tips to fish photography.

Ice Fishing 101: Teaching women how to jig, read electronics, and enjoy fishing even in the coldest months.

Fly Fishing Clinics: Learn the art of fly fishing with hands-on demonstrations.

Speaker Events: Monthly virtual talks featuring experienced anglers who share their stories, advice, and best fishing practices.

The Facebook group is another cornerstone of WAM’s community. Members can ask questions, share photos of their latest catches, and celebrate one another’s victories. As one member put it, “It’s like having a family of fishing sisters who are always there to support and cheer you on.”

Fishing with Purpose: Conservation and Tournaments

One of WAM’s standout events is their annual Open Water Tournament. Held in a catch-measure-photo-release format, this tournament emphasizes camaraderie over competition while promoting conservation efforts. Participants use the FishDonkey app to record their catches, reducing fish mortality by safely returning them to the water.

“Our conservation mission is huge,” one member shared. “By using virtual submissions and length measurements, we can explore trophy lakes without putting unnecessary pressure on the fish population.”

WAM also runs virtual tournaments and a unique challenge called the “WAM Slam,” where anglers compete to catch five species—sunfish, crappie, bass, northern pike, and walleye. The challenge has inspired members to fish new lakes and try new techniques.

Building Lifelong Friendships

WAM’s community is about more than fishing. Members often describe the organization as a home away from home—a place where lifelong friendships are forged on the water. Some members have been fishing together for over 20 years, sharing laughs, stories, and even life milestones.

Supporting the Next Generation

WAM’s commitment to the future of fishing extends beyond its members. The organization runs virtual tournaments for kids and supports high school fishing teams through donations and scholarships. Their goal? Get kids hooked on fishing (and off their Xboxes)!

One long-time member explained it best: “If you can get a kid in a boat and let them catch a few sunfish, they’ll be hooked for life.”

Making Fishing Accessible to All

WAM has worked tirelessly to make fishing accessible to women of all backgrounds and experience levels. They provide pontoon boats and captains for members who don’t own boats, ensuring that everyone can participate in tournaments. And with membership fees at just $30 for adults, $15 for youth, and free for veterans and women over 70, WAM is a budget-friendly way to join the fishing community.

WAM also values inclusivity in other ways. They collaborate with major industry brands, like Lund Boats, to ensure women have a voice in everything from boat design to fishing apparel.

Empowerment Through Independence

For many members, WAM has been a gateway to confidence and independence. Some have even started guiding professionally, something they never would have imagined before joining. “Learning how to back a trailer or launch a boat on your own might seem small,” one member shared. “But it’s empowering—and that’s what WAM is all about.”

Join the Fun

Whether you’re looking to learn, compete, or simply make new friends, Women Anglers of Minnesota welcomes you. From educational events to family-friendly tournaments, there’s something for everyone. So why not grab a rod, join the WAM community, and reel in your next adventure?

For more information, visit WAM’s website or follow them on social media to stay updated on upcoming events. You just might discover a lifelong passion—and lifelong friends—on the water.