FisheWear: FUNctional Women’s Fishing Apparel Revolution

FisheWear: Revolutionizing Women's Fishing Apparel

In recent years, the fishing industry has seen a significant shift, particularly in the realm of women's fishing apparel. FisheWear, founded by Linda Leary, has emerged as a beacon for women fishing who seek functional, stylish, and comfortable fishing gear. This blog dives deep into the story behind FisheWear and its impact on the fishing world. 

The Journey Begins: A Childhood Passion

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.

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.

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.

The Evolving Landscape of Female Anglers

Today, women make up 37% of anglers in the U.S., representing over 20 million female anglers seeking fishing gear tailored to their needs. Linda believes this growth for women anglers is only the beginning: “It’s going to continue to evolve and mature,” she predicts.

Breaking Stereotypes: Colorful and Functional

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion: 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.

Check out this awesome video to see learn more about Linda Leary and Fishe:  https://youtu.be/zOqFmAbygb0