Clam Outdoors and Ice Team Add Women’s Ice Fishing Pied Piper Barb Carey
OutdoorHub 11.10.14
Ice fishing is still a male-dominated sport, but every year pockets of new women emerge across the ice belt to chip away at the disparity. One hardcore ice angler has led that revolution: Barb Carey of central Wisconsin. Carey teaches ice fishing techniques while shining a beacon on a great northern-climate outdoor sport. Today’s ice fishing is completely different from anything women experienced 20 or 30 years ago with advanced technology in products to stay warm, dry and safe. Clam Outdoors and IceTeam are proud to announce the addition of Carey to their pro staff—oft referred to as the Pied Piper of Women in Ice Fishing.
“It only makes sense that a leader of women-on-ice joins the team,” said Matt Johnson, IceTeam manager. “Not only is Barb an accomplished angler, but she is a top-notch educator and promoter for the sport. She has found a way to help bring women anglers to the forefront in ice fishing.” That philosophy melds well with Clam’s mantra: We Are Ice Fishing. Clam wants to speak that message to all potential ice anglers and help diversity grow. “It is a breath of fresh air to see the efforts Barb has put forth to involve more women,” continued Johnson. Carey founded a grass-roots organization entitled WI Women Fish. “There is a lot of camaraderie within women ice anglers. I’m excited to have Barb lead the way with us. She can relate to, and teach, even more women about the sport of ice fishing.”
“I’m impressed with the intensity, drive and hard work Barb gives to make sure women have the chance to ice fish,” added Nick Chiodo, director of marketing for Clam. “She teaches in an ice fishing environment that isn’t filled with male egos, boyfriends or husbands. Her credentials and ability to communicate as an award-winning writer set her apart. She’s a perfect fit.” Clam Outdoors wants the sport of ice fishing to remain healthy and continue to grow. More participants, including more women, are a big part of that vision.
“I’m excited to join this group and the opportunity to reach even more women,” added Carey. WI Women Fish enjoys membership predominantly from Minnesota and Wisconsin and ice fishing is their biggest season of events. She will present at the St. Paul and Milwaukee ice fishing sport shows. “Clam produces great products and enjoys a huge following. Dave Genz has already been a tremendous benefit in teaching me skills that I can pass on to other women. That’s where I shine—sharing.” Carey is humble when asked about her skills. “I’m learning all the time. I’m like an inverted funnel; what I learn is shared with everyone so they grow with me. We rejoice in other people’s successes.”
For more information on Clam Outdoors go to http://www.clamoutdoors.com or contact Nick Chiodo at Clam Outdoors at 763-231-4138 or email nchiodo@clamcorp.com. WI Women Fish info available on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WiWomenFish or http://www.wiwomenfish.com/.
