FISHING FRILLS
Susan Brown goes shopping for
something that will turn a few heads

The inland fish of Australia—used to being stalked by fishermen in full camouflage—are in for a shock. Something much more feminine with a fly rod is about to appear on the banks—all part of a full frontal assault on the blokey culture of the average fishing tackle shop.

Melbourne fisher Ro Kidd’s new style tackle shop ‘Profishnt’ caters for all types of fishing and all varieties of fisher folk “but it is lady friendly,” said Kidd.

Kidd is sourcing, creating and selling new lines in fishing fashion and fishing tackle. “Many women wanting to fish are intimidated by traditional tackle shop culture and don’t seek advice on the places to go, how to fish and the right gear or indeed any gear that might suit them.”

Kidd stocks a special range of fishing blouses in “pretty materials” ranging from gingham to stripes featuring pin tucked frill collars or floral detailing on the inside front seams and neck.

“We feel most unattractive in mens sized ex-army looking fishing gear,” says Kidd who singles out the shirts big front pockets for criticism. “If you are busty you don’t want big pockets.”

And she doesn’t think much of those multi pocketed fly fishing vests either: “When I have a senior’s moment, I can’t think where I have put things.” She has two alternatives, a front fishing pouch with scissors, knife, line and spare tackle and she is developing a new range of vests in “totally different colours, less pockets, a flattering style” and yes, some will be floral lined.

“That issue is there for us and why should we feel embarrassed by it? It is just the way we are.” And dressing for success helps. “If you are comfortable with what you are wearing and you feel good, you have more confidence so you are casting better and fishing better.”

Columbia Clothing Co. is also ramping up its women’s lines this season. Fossil, Stone or Sage colours are supplemented by Red Ibis, Bahama Blue or Chili for women who want to go from the banks to relaxing at the resort according to representative, Greig Smart. And you can forget the baggies. A new range of Capri pants are slimline and Challenger pants are shorts for those hot summer days converting to pants as the fish and biting insects start to rise.

While women’s specific fishing gear is a relatively new phenomenon, so far women have been quietly making do. Doing her market research Kidd found women who were wearing their sexiest lingerie under their camouflage greens.