Founder Story · Women in Fishing · Alaska-Born
How FisheWear Helped Change Women’s Fishing Apparel
FisheWear began with a simple observation: women were already fishing, but much of the apparel available to them did not reflect how they moved, what they needed, or how much personality they brought to the water.
Founded by Linda Leary, the Alaska-born brand grew from a lifelong love of fishing into a colorful, functional apparel company and a community for women who wanted to feel comfortable, capable, and unmistakably themselves outdoors.
This refreshed story preserves the original account of Linda’s childhood, career, early manufacturing journey, and vision while showing how that idea continues through today’s apparel, layers, sun protection, and water-ready gear.
Original article by Gloria Evoy. Refreshed July 2026.
The FisheWear Story at a Glance
2015
Linda Leary took the leap from idea to women’s fishing apparel company.
Built for women
Fit, movement, comfort, function, and color shaped the product vision from the beginning.
More than clothing
FisheWear grew around connection, confidence, and helping more women enjoy the outdoors.
In This Story
Why You Can Trust This Story
This article is grounded in Linda Leary’s own recollections and the original FisheWear founder profile. The preserved quotations and early-company details remain at the center of the story. Current product imagery and collection links come directly from FisheWear’s Shopify catalog, while the participation update is based on the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s latest national reporting.
Where It Started
A Childhood Passion for Fishing
Linda Leary’s love for fishing was nurtured during her childhood in Maine. Growing up, she spent her summers at a camp where fishing was a family affair. “If we wanted to spend time with our dad, we had to go fishing,” she recalls. This early exposure to the sport ignited a lifelong passion. Fishing wasn't just a hobby; it was a way to bond with family, especially with her father and uncles, who would take her to the local streams after dinner.
Linda reminisces about the thrill of catching fish, stating, “When you get a fish on, it’s super exciting.” This joy and excitement shaped her vision for fishing gear and apparel for women.
Continue the Maine Story
Fishing Madawaska Lake
Explore the place, memories, and fishing traditions that helped shape Linda’s connection to the water.
From Observation to Action
From Trucking to Transforming Women’s Fishing Apparel
Transitioning into adulthood, Linda's career took her to Alaska, where she worked in the trucking industry, and often took clients fishing. She noticed a significant gap in the market: lack of fun, colorful, and well-fitting women’s fishing clothing.
In February 2015, Linda decided to take the plunge into the apparel business. “I had sticky notes all over the walls in the office,” she recalls, trying to navigate the complexities of manufacturing. With determination, she purchased a book on manufacturing and set to work. Within six months, FisheWear had its first products ready for sale. Her focus on high-quality, colorful, and functional women’s fishing apparel quickly resonated with female anglers.
The Need Was Already There
Creating a Community for Female Anglers
FisheWear debuted at the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation's annual kickoff lunch, where Linda showcased her colorful clothing designed specifically for women. “It is clothing that fit women, that is fun and colorful, and of exceptional quality,” she shares. The response was overwhelmingly positive, confirming an overlooked demand for women's fishing apparel.
As she delved deeper into the fishing community, Linda discovered that female anglers have always existed, but their needs had been largely overlooked. “The camaraderie of fishing together, whether with other women or partners, is special,” she emphasizes. FisheWear aims to create clothing that not only serves a functional purpose but also fosters a sense of belonging and pride.
37% of U.S. anglers are women
Recent national participation reporting estimates approximately 21.3 million female anglers.
Participation is not a niche
Women are a major part of fishing’s present and future, with needs spanning freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing, travel, and everyday outdoor recreation.
Belonging matters
Good gear helps, but so do representation, shared experience, practical education, and visible community.
A Different Visual Language
Breaking the Muted-Gear Stereotype
One of the biggest misconceptions in the fishing world is that anglers should wear dark, muted colors. Linda challenges this notion, advocating for bright and bold colors that express individuality and joy. “You can fish in bright, bold colors,” she insists, pushing back against outdated beliefs that limit female anglers.
Her vision for FisheWear is to provide women with clothing that allows them to feel confident and stylish while fishing. The brand's offerings include leggings, fleece, sun shirts, hats, wading belts, and other accessories, all designed with the needs of female anglers in mind.
Performance Without Losing Personality
Quality Meets Style
Quality is a cornerstone of FisheWear's philosophy. Linda is committed to producing high-quality women fishing apparel and gear that can withstand the rigors of fishing while ensuring that women feel good in what they wear. “I wanted to create products that could go from the riverbank to dinner or shopping,” she explains.
The Original Vision, Still Evolving
How the Idea Shows Up in Today’s FisheWear
Community Engagement and Future Aspirations
FisheWear is not just about selling apparel; it's about building a community. Linda engages with her customers through social media, newsletters, and fishing classes, fostering a supportive environment for women who love fishing. “We just want gals to get out, enjoy the outdoors, and have fun, no matter what they do,” she states.
Looking ahead, Linda envisions expanding FisheWear's product line to include more options for warm-water and saltwater fishing gear. “I think it would be super fun to create something that the bass community would like,” she expresses her excitement for future possibilities.
A Bright Future for Women in Fishing
FisheWear is more than just a women’s fishing clothing brand; it's a movement that celebrates the growing presence of women in the fishing world. By providing stylish, functional, and quality apparel, Linda Leary has empowered female anglers to embrace their passion without compromising on style. As the fishing industry continues to evolve, FisheWear is poised to lead the way, ensuring that women have the fishing gear they need to thrive on and off the water.
As Linda aptly puts it, “It feels like they're part of a community.” With FisheWear, female anglers can finally find clothing that reflects their love for fishing and their individuality. The future is bright for women in fishing, and FisheWear is at the forefront of this exciting change.
FisheWear and Women’s Fishing Apparel FAQs
Who founded FisheWear?
Linda Leary founded FisheWear after recognizing that women anglers needed fishing apparel designed with better fit, function, comfort, and personality.
When was FisheWear founded?
Linda began developing the company in February 2015, and the first products were ready within approximately six months.
Where is FisheWear based?
FisheWear is an Alaska-born brand with its headquarters in Anchorage.
What makes FisheWear different?
The brand combines outdoor performance and practical details with bold fish-inspired artwork created for women who want gear that feels functional without feeling generic.
Does FisheWear only make clothing for fly fishing?
No. The collections support fishing, travel, hiking, boating, layering, sun protection, cold-weather outings, and everyday outdoor use.
Why does FisheWear use bright colors?
Color is part of the brand’s founding idea: women should not have to choose between capable outdoor gear and clothing that expresses joy and individuality.
How many women fish in the United States?
Recent national participation reporting estimates about 21.3 million female anglers, representing roughly 37% of U.S. fishing participants.
Where can I shop FisheWear apparel?
Browse the complete outdoor performance apparel collection online, including leggings, sunshirts, fleece, outerwear, and fishing gear.
Related Reading
Growing Up Fishing
More of Linda’s early connection to family, fishing, and the outdoors.
Fishing Madawaska Lake
Explore the Maine lake, family memories, and fishing traditions that shaped Linda’s connection to the water.
Linda Leary on Fly Fishing Journeys
Hear more about fishing, entrepreneurship, and the community behind FisheWear.
