There’s something magical about water, especially when you’re transgender.
For many of us, daily life is a minefield of microaggressions, erasure, and exhaustion. The idea of “getting out” for leisure can feel risky or even laughable when your energy is tied up in safety, presentation, and survival. But what if your next moment of peace came not from a pride parade or protest, but from a peaceful lake, a fishing pole, and a deep breath under the sky?
This isn’t your grandpa’s fish story. This is about trans people reclaiming leisure, healing in nature, and casting a line toward calm, clarity, and maybe even community. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone rediscovering old hobbies, fishing offers more than just a chance to catch dinner; it’s a way to reconnect with your body, your breath, and a world that still belongs to you.
Why Fishing? Why Now?
Let’s be honest: the outdoors hasn’t always felt like a safe or welcoming place for trans folks. Many of us carry complicated feelings about our bodies, our visibility, and how we’re perceived in traditionally “masculine” or “rural” spaces.
But fishing? Fishing asks nothing of you.
You don’t need a gym body, expensive gear, or a certain kind of voice. You don’t need to “pass,” “perform,” or explain yourself. All you need is time, some gear (more on that soon), and the willingness to sit with yourself under the open sky.
Fishing is grounding. It’s meditative. And for trans people navigating stress, dysphoria, grief, or anxiety, it can be a deeply healing ritual of reconnection with nature, with stillness, and most importantly, with you.
The Mental Health Benefits of Fishing
Studies have shown that fishing lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), reduces symptoms of depression and PTSD, and helps regulate breathing and heart rate. For transgender people, who experience disproportionately high levels of stress, anxiety, and social isolation, that kind of calm isn’t just helpful; it’s survival.
Fishing allows your body to do something gentle and purposeful while your mind slows down. There’s no algorithm. No email. No mirror. Just the rhythm of casting, waiting, and breathing.
It’s mindfulness without the mat. Therapy without the copay.
Solo or Social? You Decide.
Fishing can be as introverted or social as you want it to be. Here’s how each experience offers something unique:
Solo Fishing
Perfect for self-reflection, quiet, and grounding. Ideal if you’re managing dysphoria, social burnout, or just want to disappear into nature for a few hours. Solo fishing lets you be completely yourself without performance.
Pro Tip: Look for public parks or maintained trails with small lakes or ponds. These are often well-patrolled and less intimidating than remote wilderness.
Fishing with Friends or Queer Meetups
Want company without the bar scene? Try organizing a queer-friendly fishing outing. Some LGBTQ+ groups host “camp & cast” weekends or nature retreats. If none exist in your area, start small: a few trusted friends, snacks, and a good playlist.
Pro Tip: Invite friends who understand the importance of safety and consent in shared public spaces. Bonus if they know how to tie a decent fishing knot.
Choosing the Right Spot (and Staying Safe)
Not all fishing holes are created equal,especially when you’re trans. Here are key factors to consider:
Inclusivity & Comfort
- Urban parks or state-run lakes often have diverse visitors and rangers on site.
- Avoid secluded or poorly lit areas if you’re alone or in unfamiliar territory.
- Check Google Reviews or queer-friendly travel apps for insights on local vibes.
Red Flags
- Areas known for conservative or hostile culture.
- Bait shops or lodges with aggressive political signage.
- Remote locations with no cell service (unless you’re with others you deeply trust).
Safety Checklist
- Share your location with a friend.
- Bring sun protection, snacks, and water.
- Know your state’s fishing laws (some require licenses, others allow free fishing days).
- Keep a safety tool on hand (e.g., pepper spray or a personal alarm).
Gear for Beginners: What You Actually Need
Fishing doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. For most freshwater fishing, you’ll need:
Basic Gear
- Spinning rod & reel combo: Inexpensive and versatile.
- Tackle box with:
- Hooks (sizes 6–10 are good starters)
- Sinkers
- Bobbers
- Swivels
- Bait: Worms, corn, or even bits of hot dog work great for panfish.
- Fishing license (if required by state law).
Budget tip: Walmart, Bass Pro, and even Amazon have affordable beginner kits under $40. Or hit up a secondhand store or local Facebook group for used gear.
Trans-Specific Considerations
Fishing is generally gender-neutral in appearance. You can wear oversized clothes, hats, buffs, sunglasses—whatever makes you feel protected or affirmed. Still, here are a few extra things to think about:
Binding While Fishing
- If you bind, avoid doing so for long periods in the heat.
- Consider loose button-ups or sports bras that offer compression without overheating.
Tucking & Bathroom Access
- Plan around restroom access if needed. Many fishing spots have porta-potties or none at all, so prepare in advance.
- Bring wipes, hand sanitizer, and a plan for privacy.
Voice & Interaction Anxiety
- If you’re worried about small talk from strangers, headphones and sunglasses can be useful social buffers.
- Practice simple answers to common fishing questions (“Any luck today?” “Just getting started!”) if you’re feeling nervous.
Making It a Ritual
Fishing isn’t just about catching fish. It can be a ritual—a quiet ceremony for returning to your body, clearing your head, and holding space for yourself.
Here’s how some trans folks have personalized their fishing rituals:
- Affirmation Journaling: Bring a small notebook. Write down how you feel before casting your first line and again before heading home.
- Catch & Release as Symbolism: Every fish you let go becomes a metaphor for releasing shame, fear, or expectations.
- Water Offerings: Some offer a flower or crystal to the water as a gesture of gratitude, connecting spirituality with self-healing.
Seasonal Options: Fishing Year-Round
Depending on where you live, fishing doesn’t have to be a summer-only hobby:
Spring/Summer
- Great for beginners.
- Easier to access parks and shorelines.
- Lightweight clothing options.
Fall
- Cooler weather = fewer crowds.
- Fish are often more active.
- Great for scenic photos and quiet afternoons.
Winter (Ice Fishing)
- Advanced, but possible in northern states.
- Cozy up in a fishing hut with hot drinks.
- Always go with a guide or experienced group for safety.
What If You Don’t Catch Anything?
Here’s the secret: it doesn’t matter.
Fishing isn’t about the fish. It’s about making space for peace. It’s about standing still in a noisy world. It’s about proving to yourself that joy doesn’t have to come in curated posts, in pride events, or in perfectly filtered affirmations.
Joy can come quietly. On a dock. On a riverbank. In a moment of stillness that no one else sees.
5 Beginner Fishing Items You Can Buy on Amazon
Whether you’re casting your first line or returning to the water after years away, these beginner-friendly products are affordable, accessible, and help take the guesswork out of getting started. No gatekeeping here, just gear that works.
Zebco 33 Spincast Combo Rod & Reel
- Perfect for: Absolute beginners, solo fishers, or anyone who wants stress-free casting.
- Why it’s great: The Zebco 33 is one of the most beginner-friendly rod and reel combos on the market. It comes pre-spooled with line and features a simple push-button reel that makes casting smooth and tangle-free, even if you’ve never fished before. Lightweight and reliable, this combo is great for freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers.
PLUSINNO Fishing Tackle Kit for Beginners
- Perfect for: Stocking your tackle box without overthinking it.
- Why it’s great: This all-in-one kit includes hooks, sinkers, bobbers, swivels, and a few beginner lures. This kit provides everything you require to begin fishing, eliminating the need to aimlessly browse through a gear aisle. It’s compact, well-organized, and designed for newcomers who want a complete set that just works. Toss it in your backpack, and you’re ready to go.
KastKing Monofilament Fishing Line (300 Yards)
Perfect for: Refilling your reel or having backup line on hand.
Why it’s great: You don’t need premium braided line to start fishing. This affordable, flexible monofilament line is durable, easy to tie, and great for beginners fishing in freshwater. If your pre-spooled reel gets tangled or you want a different strength line, this is a solid go-to.
Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack (Water-Resistant)
- Perfect for: Queer fishers who want form, function, and a bit of flair.
- Why it’s great: This backpack holds all your tackle and gear, plus snacks, sunscreen, a journal, or whatever else you need for a peaceful day by the water. Water-resistant with multiple compartments, it’s especially great for folks who like to keep their space organized and move easily between spots. Bonus: it doesn’t scream “dad-core.”
UCO 9-Hour Candle Lantern Kit
- Perfect for: Early risers, evening fishers, or lovers of cozy vibes.
- Why it’s great: Fishing is often about creating an experience, and this compact candle lantern adds warmth, safety, and serenity to your setup, especially if you fish at sunrise or dusk. It runs on long-lasting candles, fits in a tackle bag, and adds a peaceful glow that makes your outing feel intentional and affirming.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, TransVitae earns from qualifying purchases. This means we may earn a small commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support our mission to provide affirming, inclusive content for the transgender community.
Resources for Trans-Affirming Outdoor Recreation
- Queer Nature: queernature.org. Ecological education for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Out There Adventures: outthereadventures.org Outdoor programs for queer youth.
- Fishbrain App: Great for finding local spots and tracking catches.
- State Wildlife Agencies: Many offer free “try fishing” days where no license is required.
The Bottom Line
Let’s be clear: the world doesn’t always make space for transgender people to relax, to play, to just be. But fishing offers an invitation. Not just to escape, but to return. To presence. To yourself.
You don’t have to be an outdoorsy type. You don’t have to know how to tie a knot or wear a vest full of tackle. You just have to show up. The water doesn’t care about your gender. It only asks you to listen, cast, and breathe.
So this weekend, maybe you don’t doomscroll. Maybe you don’t cancel. Maybe you pack a snack, grab a pole, and go find your quiet.
Because sometimes, casting a line is the first step toward reeling your joy back in.
