679 | iFishiBelong with Heather Hodson presented by TroutRoutes - Diversity, Inclusion, Ubuntu Fly Anglers

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/679 

This episode is presented by TroutRoutes, not only the best mapping app to find the best water but also a company supporting important groups who are pushing for diversity on species and anglers!

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/troutroutes 

Heather Hodson, an avid spey fishing enthusiast and the founder of United Women on the Fly, shares her exciting initiatives with iFishiBelong.org. We delve into the significance of diversity among anglers, just as vital as the variety of native fish in our cherished streams. We also learn insights from a survey highlighting the role of women in fly fishing.

Join us as we discuss the need for swift changes in the industry and explore upcoming events designed to engage and empower the community. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with someone as passionate and busy as me.

Episode Chapters with Heather Hodson on iFishiBelong

3:14 - Heather discusses the success and mission of United Women on the Fly, an initiative she has been involved with for eight years that aims to empower and connect women in the fishing community.

She notes that while progress has been made, the push for broader industry change has been slow, which led to the creation of her new project, iFishiBelong. This initiative seeks to unite not just women but all people to foster collective change within the fishing industry and beyond, highlighting the need for inclusivity and collaboration to drive progress.

5:45 - We dig into how they started iFishiBelong which aims to create an inclusive environment within the fishing community by advocating for diversity and unity. Heather also explains that while gender discussions are often easier to address, deeper conversations around ethnicity and sexual orientation can be more challenging. The organization aims to bridge these gaps by starting with gender parity and expanding to other areas of diversity.

9:44 - We ask Heather about the evolution of inclusivity in fly fishing, particularly focusing on women's experiences in fly shops. She notes that there has been some progress in making fly shops more welcoming to women, but she emphasizes that change is slower than desired. A survey by United Women on the Fly revealed that while women feel more comfortable in these shops now compared to a decade ago, there's still significant room for improvement. Heather highlights practical steps fly shops can take to fix this.

17:03 - Heather shares that in the current year, their organization successfully hosted four major events focused on inclusivity, both in terms of participant diversity and geographic accessibility. The events took place in New York, Montana, North Carolina, and Oregon. These efforts were supported by TroutRoutes, which sponsored scholarships to help attendees cover costs and hire guides.

20:50 - She talks about the success of their event called Trout Fest held in Oregon and confirms plans to hold it again next year. This is a significant event for the local community, providing support and extensive educational opportunities, particularly in fly fishing techniques and entomology.

24:34 - Heather discusses an initiative called "All Kids Fish" founded by Becca Sue Klein in Atlanta, Georgia. This program focuses on engaging young people, particularly girls initially, in the world of fishing and environmental conservation. A key aspect of the program is its diverse mentorship, ensuring that children see role models who reflect their own identities, whether they are queer, transgender, or come from various racial backgrounds.

31:19 - We get into spey fishing.

37:49 - Heather highlights the advantage of using the TroutRoutes app for camping and fishing. It helps her find campsites and navigate the complexities of public versus private land, par