20
Jun
Ok…Just Being Pink Is Not Enough…
Posted by the fisherbabe, under Gear Reviews, fisherbabeJust because I am a woman and I like pink things does not mean that I do not expect the same gear specifications that are available for men. You have all heard this before many times…in reference to just about anything they sell for women who fish. I hate to say it…but so far and from what I have seen…the selection is pretty disappointing.
The places that I fish are beautiful and full of natural wonder, but they are often harsh locations with no other people for hundreds of miles. Seriously, one time they told my husband and father in law to set an island on fire if there was an emergency, because that was the only way anyone would know they were in trouble. There is certainly no corner tackle shop to run to when a piece of gear falters or fails. This means that when I go fishing, I must take gear and tackle that I truly trust and believe in. So that means that I buy manly gear.
I guess in fishing there is no real gender separation because for many years now it has been a sport that has been dominated by men. Therefore, I can understand why companies do not make or market products for women. The ones that do market towards women, most commonly market men’s product in a smaller, shrunken down size. They think this is sufficient. I have news guys…women are not made like men! Apparently this is a common misconception around the world of fishing product makers.
Now…do I truly need pink gear…well it would be super cool, but no. Would I like gear that fits my hands so that I can handle my rod and reel more effectively…YES!!! Would I like gloves that mold to my hands the way my husbands mold to his without leaving at least an inch in the fingertips…YES!!! Would I like pants that fit me properly and do not leave a large amount of room in the “crotchal region”…OMG YES!!!!
All this being said, I would like to give an example of some fishing gear from Shakespeare. Now, I love my Ugly Stiks. I do not use any other rods because I know that the quality you get from Shakespeare is unmatched. The service you get is also unmatched. They are a great company with a solid history of caring about the sport of fishing and their customer. I will probably never switch to another rod. My entire family is Ugly Stik die-hards. That’s the way it is when we find something we believe in…we stick with it!!!
However…look at this new rod they are now selling for ladies.
I am seriously upset that someone FINALLY made a pink rod and they do not even make it in the same specifications as the typical men’s rod. THEY DO NOT EVEN HAVE ONE THAT IS EFFECTIVE FOR 20 POUND TEST!!! Are you kidding me? Do they think that women do not want to catch HUGE fish? What if I had a 150 pound tarpon on my line (as my step mother in law did), should I just not fish for that kind of fish and let the big, strong men handle it? That is offensive to me.
A second horrible thing about these rods is that most of them break down into two pieces which means…they have a bigger chance of actually “breaking down” when you catch that fish of a lifetime. It’s a known fact that collapsible rods are not as strong as ones that are all one piece because of the pressure put on the place where the rod comes apart.
Another crappy problem with this rod is that the only 5′6 model available collapses. I only fish with 5′6 BCL 1100 ugly stiks. That is all. They are smooth and easy to handle, and I love them. However, I cannot have it collapsing on me. I really wish they had not made these poles collapsible at all. I mean the choices are insane…I can either get a tiny 4′0 or 5′0 rod or an enormous 6′0 or 6′6 rod. There is nothing in between that comes in one piece.
They are also selling combos now. I will not even get into those…I do not want to compare what they are offering to my shimano cardiff reel, because I will not have nice things to say at all. They do not even offer a baitcaster in their combos. They offer spinning combos and one closed face reel that comes pre-spooled…most likely not with 25 pound test. Oh…and they call it Ladyfish!! Come on now…really?
Perhaps, I am just mad because they are not making exactly what I want. I will commend the company for caring about breast cancer and supporting finding a cure. As I said before, this company is one that is solid and trustworthy, and obviously cares. But I just wish that, if they are going to make stuff for the ladies, they make the same stuff as they have been for men. There are all types of ladies out there, and we need all types of gear. The truly offensive thing is the action of the rods. It’s like they are saying to me…women aren’t good enough to handle the big fish so you don’t need a rod that holds 25 pound test.
Well, I have news guys…I am woman enough to need 100 pound test, and someday I am going to catch a fish big enough to need it!!!
Happy Rod Shopping and Happy Saturday~
LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe
**Photo taken from http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/
Ok, so it seems you are really serious about fishing. Might I suggest you stop playing with the cheap gear and get your self a custom built rod that is made just for you in the colors you want. You can find a really good rod builder in the states and have every aspect of it built to your specs. If you want pink then I am sure you can get it made in pink.
Since I only fish saltwater my gear has to be at the top of the game and considering GT's and Sea Bass as well as Tuna and Wahoo are what I am after. I use Shimano Saragosa reels 8000-18000. Spooled with 30lb and 50lb braid. My rods are all purpose built for my fishing and tend to be a bit more expensive. All of them are 7+ft and most are 2piece. I have broken my fair share of them but usually my fault.
Tight lines and happy rod hunting
Thanks for the comment!! I have actually been thinking about switching to a custom rod. But I am not sure that the expense is worth it just to get one that is pink.
I have always been happy with Ugly Stik until this pink pole issue. I just want the same choices they make in their other rods…thats all
I am still asking for a custom rod however for christmas this year!!!
I understand the frustration about not being able to find the appropriate outdoors clothing to fit. I don't do a lot of fishing.. in fact I just caught my first trout the other weekend. However, I hunt. Until recently, I have had to buy boys hunting gear b/c the men's gear didn't fit (It is impossible to even find a men's small in hunting gear – they just don't stock it in the stores) The stores are finally starting to get it though. There is actually a women's section in the hunting apparel now. Granted, it is usually only one clothing rack with limited choices.. but it is a start.
Good luck finding that perfect rod!
Never mind the color, once you use custom built rod you will never go back. The balance and the grips made just for you, as well as the length. Nothing compares. Try it you'll like it.
Tight lines
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