And yes, it's strange that in our world there are still so few women who calmly take a boat, pack their gear and go to the lake, as if it were their rightful territory.

I often catch glances: someone admires, someone is perplexed, and someone quietly considers me different from everyone else. And you know what? I don't care. Fishing is my quiet zone, where I don't have to please, where there is no drama and other people's expectations. There is only me, the water and the feeling that I can control at least something in this chaotic world 🌊.

Men around me sometimes try to explain how to cast the fishing rod correctly, how to choose the best place, but I realized a long time ago: I don’t want to be someone’s student. I want to be myself, even if it means that my catches are more modest or I do something “wrong”. I enjoy the process, catching moments, not just fish 🐟.

Sometimes it seems to me that for a woman, being alone with nature is a small rebellion. A rebellion against stereotypes, against other people’s opinions, against imposed roles. And the longer I am on the water, the more I understand: this freedom is more precious than anything. The freedom to just be yourself, no matter what someone else thinks.

And here I am with a fishing rod, the sun is setting behind the horizon, and for a moment it seems that the world can be just like this - simple, honest and mine. I am not going to change it, I am not going to apologize for it. Fishing is my little secret of strength, and I am proud that more and more women are starting to discover this world ✨.

Natalie