Breaking Barriers and Reeling in Passion: Lisa Roper’s Journey in the Fishing Industry
- New Wave Fishing Academy
- Mar 16
- 5 min read
Women of Fishing
The fishing industry needs more women that fish! Women who fish now are exceptional role models for the next generation women of fishing - and we want to celebrate that! Meet today's fishing ladies as part of the Women In Angling blog series.
Lisa Roper
This weeks Women In Angling feature female angler is Lisa Roper! We are very fortunate to connect with Lisa and hear her story - Lisa is an avid multi species angler, fishing ambassador, and television host + producer for her own TV series "Lisa Roper Outdoors". Check out her story below!
"Hello! My name is Lisa Roper, and I’m the producer and host of Lisa Roper Outdoors, a fishing and outdoor lifestyle show aired on Sportsman Channel Canada and the World Fishing Network. I’m proud to call the picturesque town of Lac La Biche, Alberta, my home—a place that has inspired much of my love for fishing and the outdoors.
In the fishing industry, I wear many hats: I’m a recreational angler, an educator, a promoter of
youth and female-focused fishing events, and a passionate storyteller. My ultimate goal is to
empower more women and youth to embrace the thrill of the outdoors, push boundaries, and
build confidence in their fishing and hunting pursuits.
My fishing journey started as a young girl, tagging along with my dad on countless fishing
adventures. He was my first mentor, teaching me not just how to fish but how to respect the
environment and cherish the experiences it offers. Those early moments ignited a passion that has stayed with me, evolving from weekend hobbies to a full-fledged career in the outdoors.
What keeps me hooked? It’s the sense of peace and challenge fishing brings. Every cast, every tug on the line, and every sunrise over the water feels like a new adventure. Fishing has a way of keeping you grounded while also reminding you of your limitless potential. Fishing is fueled by hope. You hope your day on the water is successful, you hope to catch the big one, and you hope for favorable weather. This hope spills over into your everyday life, fostering gratitude and a deeper appreciation for the journey.
I primarily fish across the diverse waterways of Alberta and beyond, targeting species like
walleye, pike, burbot, lake sturgeon and lake trout. One of my favorite places is Lac La Biche
Lake, where I’ve caught everything from trophy walleye to burbot. But my adventures have
taken me further afield—fishing for arctic grayling in the Yukon, pursuing massive pike in
northern Manitoba, small mouth bass in Ontario and chasing lake trout of a lifetime in
Saskatchewan.
Looking ahead, I aim to break down even more barriers in the fishing industry. I want to see the outdoor world become more inclusive, where women feel welcomed and empowered to take up space on the water. My vision is to continue inspiring others while fostering deeper connections between people and the outdoors.
One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming the first female in Canada to host and produce a fishing show on Sportsman Channel Canada and World Fishing Network. My show, Lisa Roper Outdoors, is now one of the top Canadian programs on these networks. I’ve also hosted numerous fishing events, including the sold-out Ladies on Ice Fishing Adventure and the Apple School female-youth adventure, which aims to educate and inspire women and youth to embrace ice fishing confidently.
However, the road hasn’t been without challenges. As a female angler in a male-dominated
industry, I’ve faced skepticism and had to prove myself time and again. Whether it’s gaining
respect on the water or being taken seriously as a professional, persistence and passion have been my greatest allies. Staying grounded in “My Why"; has served as my compass, guiding me and keeping me determined every step of the way.
To women aspiring to join the fishing world, my advice is simple: Start where you are, use what you know, keep building and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Surround yourself with supportive people, take pride in your journey, and celebrate every success, no matter how small.
Fishing is more than a career or hobby; it’s a way of life that has shaped who I am. Through Lisa Roper Outdoors, I aim to share that joy with as many people as possible while creating
opportunities for others to find their confidence and passion in the great outdoors.
If there’s one thing I hope readers take away from my story, it’s this: Fishing has no
boundaries—it’s a sport, a community, and a lifestyle that welcomes everyone. All you need
to do is cast your line and see where the adventure takes you."
We would like to thank Lisa for sharing her story & passion for fishing with us all. Sharing the passion for fishing that Lisa so clearly shows in her writing is, in our mind, the best way to grow the sport that we love so much. Catch Lisa Roper Outdoors on Sportsman Channel Canada and the World Fishing Network or o any of the social media platforms below:
Website - https://lisaroperoutdoors.com/
IG – lisa.roper.outdoors
FB – LisaRoperOutdoors
LinkedIn – Lisa Roper
TikTok – lisaroperoutdoors
Threads: Lisa Roper
YouTube: Lisa Roper Outdoors
Women Who Love Fishing
Thank you fishing ladies! All the women of fishing who has participated in the "Women in Angling" blog series as well as everyone who reads, likes, or shares the profiles is contributing to making the sport more inclusive.
If you know women who love fishing, is a great ambassador for Women In Angling, or simply the outdoors lifestyle, that deserves to be recognized please reach out to us on any of our social media platforms so we can get in touch with them.
Women And Fishing Resources
Additional "women and fishing" resources and links for female fishing enthusiasts to connect:
Fishing For Women
New Wave Fishing Academy is an educational platform for the recreational fishing industry that allows everyone to learn how to catch fish; virtually. Not catching fish on outings is a sure way to keep new anglers from coming back to the sport BUT most who go fishing have no idea where to start or how to find success without HOURS of trial and error on the water that nobody has. Before you ever get to the water you can learn how to turn fishing trips into catching trips with our online fishing educational resources.
Click the link to Learn How To Fish!
To experience a day of fishing on the water with us be sure to check out our YouTube channel at the link below.
Women In Angling History
When New Wave Fishing Academy was started it was based around the mission of helping everyone become more successful anglers and especially those who do not have the family, friends, or easily accessible opportunities to push them into the sport! From critics online challenging their skills as anglers, to talking down or belittling their accomplishments, there are a lot of unnecessary hurdles for women and young girls to get into fishing. These hurdles are not set up by those that represent the majority of the members in the industry but unfortunately they are often the loudest voice.
To combat this we started the "Women In Angling" blog series in 2022 to celebrate the women who love fishing, highlight female ambassadors and role models for the sport of fishing, and share their stories for those that just need a little push or someone to look towards to get into this sport we all love!
To read all of the amazing Women In Angling profiles click the link below:
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