Women have recently been coming to the sport of fly fishing in increasing numbers. There have been a number of factors involved in this transition. Historically, girls have not been as readily socialized to the sport of fishing in childhood as boys. Financially, women are just getting to the point where they have the disposable income to purchase equipment, instruction and guided trips. More equipment specifically designed for women is becoming available, and this technology leads to greater success than using your husbands castoffs. And finally, women are finally realizing they have earned the right to indulge themselves in fulfilling adventures and they don't have to feel guilty investing time and money on themselves.

In researching the vast sport fishing network, I came upon Cecilia "Pudge" Kleinkauf. I always get excited when I find a woman's name somewhere in the enormous amount of print on fishing. They are a rare and precious commodity, and you have no doubt that if they have made a name for themselves they have done it by exceeding requirements necessary for a man in their same position. Up against the odds, they are tenacious and have more than paid their dues for the recognition they have received.

Pudge grew up in Colorado, enjoying the outdoor sports available there. She and her husband moved to Alaska 30 years ago to pursue teaching jobs at the University. She eventually went to law school in Washington and returned in 1981. Her son took up fly fishing about 17 years ago and she was instantly fascinated. She asked her son to teach her and waited. Finally she met a woman at a cocktail party who took her to the Russian River to fish for reds (sockeyes) and she was hooked. When Pudge asked her to refer her to a woman who taught fly fishing the woman laughed. Pudge went to a man; but she recognized immediately men and women communicate in terms garnered from their frame of reference as males. For example, men explain things using power terms and references to male-dominated team sports such as football. Men are generally brought up in a competitive atmosphere that judges success in terms of size and numbers. Women feel that men are impatient with them and have a tendency to be overly technical. Pudge states, "I'm not saying women can't learn from men, but it's a unique guy who teaches in the way women can learn".

Armed with some basic tutoring, she went out on her own to practice. Women constantly stopped her to ask for lessons or pointers, and as a result 13 years ago Women's Fly Fishing was born out of an undeniable need for a female teacher and mentor. Originally a part-time endeavor with classes here and there and one trip a year, Pudge started to do contract work with "Alaska Women of the Wilderness". As the years have gone by, Women's Fly Fishing has grown to classes in April, May and June and ten trips a year. Pudge offers lessons to men and women and offers couples trips. She tells me that these trips work out well because the partners are open to being guided by a woman and approach the trip in a non-condescending manner. A number of men send their wives to Pudge to become familiar with a sport that they can share. In addition to the Alaska trips there is a trip to Baja California, but the crown jewel of the season is a women's only school held at a women's only lodge.

Claire Dubin and her husband started the Talstar Lodge on the Talachulitna River in 1987. When he was killed in a plane crash in 1987, she decided to finish the construction and run it herself. Pioneer women are still alive today. The lodge can accommodate up to 10 people, and once a year Pudge, an assistant, and 7 women take over the whole lodge for fly fishing school.

Why does a woman who has had two elbow surgeries want to keep going? The answer lies in a love of teaching and a thrill at seeing women expand their horizons. Pudge tells me she loves to see women learning, building confidence and acquiring new skills. A warm tone comes into her voice as she tells me "I love to get women on a river and share her FIRSTS; her first perfect cast, her first fish, her first release. The ultimate is the first fish you catch on a fly you tied. I really like to show women they can accomplish their goals and develop a camaraderie with other women in the process" Some of her favorite memories involve exclamations like "I never would have believed I could be here doing this"; "Oh, is that what he was trying to say"; and "Hey, if I can do this I can do anything"!!!

Pudge's classes and trips cover the entire spectrum of the sport; including instruction in casting, reading water, wading, knot tying, fly tying, float tubing, choosing equipment and more. Her web page, www.halcyon.com/wffn/, is aimed more as a reference and information site than a booking page for clients. You can gain some valuable tips for practicing and fine tuning your skills, as well as a run down of the basics. You can email her at ckleinkauf@micronet.net for specific information and Pudge will be glad to answer you. But I must warn you, her enthusiasm is highly contagious and you may catch a terminal case of the fly fishing bug for which there is no known cure.

Columnist Joan Carter co-owns, with her husband, Dan Carter's Guide Service.