By Charley May, Victorian Fisheries Authority Communications Advisor.

Fishing is one of those activities that almost anyone can enjoy. All you need is a willingness to learn and a sense of adventure – qualities shared by both men and women. So, you’d think things would be even when it comes to participation. Yet out on the water, it’s plain to see the sport is lacking a little lady-power and this is something the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) wants to change.

Fishing is one of those activities that almost anyone can enjoy. All you need is a willingness to learn and a sense of adventure – qualities shared by both men and women. So, you’d think things would be even when it comes to participation. Yet out on the water, it’s plain to see the sport is lacking a little lady-power and this is something the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) wants to change.
In 2017, we did a survey to learn more about the challenges facing women in fishing. The main ones included: lack of knowledge, parenting responsibilities, facilities and hygiene, gender stereotypes and personal safety. Based on this feedback, we launched the Women in Recreational Fishing Network (WIRF) on International Women’s Day on 8 March 2018. The WIRF network is a moderated Facebook group that provides a safe space for women of all backgrounds, ages and fishing abilities to come together and share their love of fishing.
Since launching, the WIRF network has been steadily growing. In June 2018, we took things to the next level. Chloe Molloy, an AFL Women’s superstar, became a VFA ambassador to inspire more women to kick goals in traditionally male dominated sports; and we created a WIRF Leadership Program to unearth female fishing leaders who can help us encourage more women to go fishing.

The WIRF Leadership Program was open to women across Victoria and we received numerous applications. The best applicants were selected to attend a three-day forum at the Australian Fishing Trade Association Trade Show on 24-26 July to meet industry leaders and contribute their voices to the future of the sector. The program was a huge success and we are now putting together a long-term strategic plan to implement many of the fantastic ideas that came out of the forum. Here’s a snapshot of the women who took part and why they’re so excited about what lies ahead.
Karen Rees
I was initially lured into fishing by my partner, but it was a heart-racing encounter with a Murray cod in 2014 that hooked me for life! One of the most inspiring parts of the WIRF Leadership Program was Jo Starling’s advice on becoming a self-sufficient female angler. Like her, I believe it’s so important that women learn how to tie their own knots, launch their own boats, and land their own fish and I hope the VFA can help us develop programs to teach more women these skills.
Hannah Knox
Fishing has always been a hobby for me but the WIRF Leadership Program opened my eyes to the scale of the sector and potential career opportunities. The people who work in fishing are so motivated and passionate – it’s something I’d love to be a part of. The camaraderie at the forum was amazing and I’m super excited to work with fellow WIRF leaders in the future to get more women into fishing.
Alex Embury
I’ve recently rediscovered fishing and now regularly go with my daughter. I particularly enjoyed the behind the scenes VIP Trade Tour and the opportunity to brainstorm our ideas and ask questions of industry leaders. Speaking with them and top brand representatives gave me a whole new level of appreciation about the technology and passion that goes into fishing products.
Jo Larkin
I’m new to fishing and was nervous when I first started going out. Talking to the other WIRF ladies gave me confidence because I realised fishing is a journey, and no matter your level, there’s always something new to learn. Also, being given a platform to talk with industry leaders about my ideas on getting more kids and women into fishing was fantastic because they were excited by what I had to say.
Leaha Libreri
I’m the secretary of the Northern Metro Sport Fishing Club in Melbourne and have been fishing for years. One of the best things about the leadership program was the respectful debate around challenging topics and how to solve them. There was a lot of goodwill in the room and an understanding that making fishing more welcoming to females offers the industry new opportunities. The experience has really motivated me to organise more female and family focused events at my club!
Erica Hawke
I’ve fished all my life but these days it’s all untangling my kids’ lines! I loved getting insider insights on the fishing industry and hearing leaders’ perspectives on the challenges of female participation. Some of their responses were surprising but understanding where they are coming from is so valuable if we’re to work together on a positive way forward. And I’m excited about playing a part in making this change happen.
Tiffany Newton
Hanging out with Chloe Molloy was awesome! She’s a fantastic ambassador and brainstorming ideas together on how to promote positive images and stories of women fishing in the media was a highlight! However, Jo Starling’s presentation gave me goose bumps. She’s so wise and everything she said made me really think about the kind of example I want to set to young girls and women and how I can help them into the sport.
Jo Dobson
I met my husband in a tackle store 26 years ago and I’ve been in love with fishing ever since! It’s been incredible to spend time with other women who are as dedicated as me about passing on their passion to others. The WIRF leadership program is an important step in learning how female anglers, the Victorian Fisheries Authority and the fishing industry can work together to get more women on the water. There’s a real energy among everyone who took part and I’m excited to see where it takes us.
Skye Kirne
I run my own business and going fishing lets me leave my stresses behind. So, when the weather is right, and the fish are on, the “out of office, in business meetings” bounce back is activated! For me, Jo Starling’s presentation on how to forge a path as a woman in the fishing world and learning to fly cast with Kristina Royter were real highlights. Thanks to the WIRF program, I’m now even more motivated to secure a grant to run a women’s Gone Fishing Day event at my club (the Albert Park Yachting and Angling Club).
A taste of Jo Starling’s presentation:
“Recreational fishing needs more women in leadership roles, either taking seats at the political helm — on committees and advisory bodies — or in the public eye, setting a strong example and helping to educate the community about the often-overlooked benefits of our sport… one that teaches compassion, humility, respect for nature and the environment, and an understanding of the food chain and our dependence on it. I believe all women who seek to make their mark in fishing need to do so in a way that inspires respect. It’s about using our intelligence, experience and angling skills not our sex appeal that will lead us to being taken seriously anglers.” Jo Starling.

Tiffany Newton

Karen Rees

Jo Starling

Charley May is a communicator by trade and a biologist by training who’s had over 15 years of experience working in the environment, NGO and wine industries. She is currently a Communications Advisor at the Victorian Fisheries Authority. When she’s not crafting silky words, you’ll find her immersed in a river somewhere in Victoria pursuing her passion for fly fishing.