South Carolina WITO Makes Waves with First Noodling Event
The South Carolina WITO (Women in the Outdoors) Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation hosted a unique event geared toward getting women involved in the outdoors. The “noodling” event brought four women together for a hands-on day of fishing, fellowship and outdoor adventure on Lake Murray.
The event was hosted by Billie McCarter, South Carolina NWTF State Chapter WITO coordinator, and Jennifer Hodge, South Carolina WITO Chapter president, with support from volunteers from other NWTF local chapters.
After days of watching stormy weather and monitoring changing lake levels, on the day of the event, the skies cleared, the water cooperated, and the group was able to turn the day into a memorable outing for event attendees and volunteers alike.
“A noodling trip, a first for the South Carolina Women in the Outdoors outreach program, [is] where the catch wasn’t made with rod or reel but with their own hands,” McCarter said.
Noodling, a method of fishing for catfish by hand, gave participants a chance to try something completely new. Instead of casting a line or setting a hook, the women stepped into the water and learned a skill that takes patience, trust and a willingness to get a little uncomfortable.
The goal for the day was simple: Make sure all four attendees had the opportunity to snag a fish. With the help of volunteer guides and support from volunteers in a second boat, that goal was accomplished.
Participants Callie Ferqueron, Laci Steele, Frances Wooten and Katherine Poland each had the opportunity to get in the water, learn from experienced volunteers and experience the excitement of catching catfish by hand.
For many women, WITO events provide an approachable way to try new outdoor activities in a supportive setting. Whether someone is brand new to hunting and fishing or already comfortable outdoors, events like this create space to learn, ask questions and build confidence alongside other women.
That welcoming environment was a highlight of the day.
Steele, one of the event participants, said the outing gave her more than just a chance to learn a new skill.
“I got so much more out of that day with the amazing volunteer guides and the gals from my WITO chapter than I ever expected,” Steele said. “What they didn’t realize all the while is that they gave me so much more than an opportunity to learn a new skill and have an experience. I found an unexpected kinship, folks that I could just be myself with and learn from in more ways than one.”
That sense of kinship is central to the Women in the Outdoors program, which helps women build outdoor skills, connect with one another and find new ways to enjoy hunting, fishing and conservation.
The event also highlighted the commitment of NWTF volunteers and local chapter leaders. From planning around weather and water levels to managing logistics on the day of the event, the outing required teamwork from organizers, guides and support crews.
“Billie and I could not host events like this without the amazing support of our community,” Hodge said. “Thank you to everyone who helped make this day such a memorable experience.”
For South Carolina WITO Chapter, the first noodling event was more than a successful day on the water. It is a reminder that the program continues to create meaningful outdoor experiences, introduce new skills and strengthen connections among women who share a love for the outdoors.
Be sure to check your state’s local regulations for this type of fishing, as rules vary widely across the country.