Women's Fly Fishing | How to Get Connected
The sport of fly fishing is evolving. A critical mass of female anglers is emerging and I excitedly notice women deliberately forging connections with each other through a shared passion for fly fishing. I firmly believe these connections go beyond the pursuit of elusive trout; they represent a growing sisterhood of anglers who seek camaraderie, knowledge and support, in what has often been considered a male domain. Itäó»s exciting to see the increasing number of women finding their place to stand on the riverbanks and in the streams and witness what has contributed to this flourishing group of fly fishers in New Zealand and internationally.
I believe events organised by women for women have been invaluable in creating this space. Fostering a sense of community and providing a supportive environment where women can feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their successes and challenges, women openly share their fishing experiences, tips, and stories. A recent example is New Zealand Women on The Fly. Through providing educational workshops, clinics, and outings this group creates opportunities for women to learn from one another and build lasting connections. Their events sell out and now have wait lists! With many novices entering into the sport, early guidance and useful advice make a huge difference to success. Itäó»s opportunities like this were women can ask questions and talk through their techniques and gear - like, how do I wade safely, whatäó»s the best wading stick for shorter humans or which rod is for me? Why does my cast collapse? What waders will embrace my curves, and the never ending debate about which vests or chest packs which suit womenäó»s bodies. Easy conversations to have with a bunch of other women over a cuppa! Find out more about them here https://womenonthefly.nz/about/
Mentorship is another powerful tool among women in fly fishing. Experienced guides and anglers pay it forward and offer support to those who are newer to the sport. Mentoring can help bridge the gap between generations of fly fishers, ensuring that knowledge, wisdom and passion for the sport are passed down from one woman to another. Clubs play a key role in this with a wealth of knowledge amongst the membership and it is wonderful to see more female-focused initiatives being organised in this community space. Taupo Fishing Club is a fabulous example of this with an extensive list of female members and willing mentors.
Retail shops are also important places for connection äóñ supporting our NZ stores and finding the retailers that listen is critical. Seek out the ones who greet you openly when you walk in and are genuine in helping you find what you need and donäó»t try to sell you everything you donäó»t. The better they get to know you and understand what drives your fishing, the more they can help you. Cherish the ones who offer to let you try rods in the carpark, give you a call when new lines and flies have arrived and go above and beyond to find obscure tippet on your behalf. Of great value is them knowing to email receipts so you donäó»t need to hide them from your husband! These humans are gold!
I believe social media can play a pivotal role in connecting women in fly fishing. Platforms like Instagram, You Tube, and Facebook have become virtual gathering places where women from different parts of the world can share their fishing adventures, techniques, and triumphs. In the online world, Zoom meetings can keep people connected, fly tying videos can be watched, and collective celebrations cherish the excursions and the fish caught.
My advice would be to seek out and find women who belong to your local club to grow a local crew of women who fish for fun times. Start small and grow organically. Diary fishing events in advance so life does not get in the way. Find some groups to follow and learn from online. Hashtags like #WomenWhoFish #womenflyfishers have emerged as rallying points, and create a sense of unity among female fly anglers breaking down geographical barriers, allowing women to connect, inspire, and encourage each other regardless of location.
As women continue to embrace fly fishing, the bonds formed through shared experiences on the water will strengthen, creating a network of empowered female anglers who inspire and uplift each other in this timeless and rewarding pursuit.
About the Author
Dr Rachel McNae has a doctorate in many things, but her passion for fly fishing and the encouragement of women's fly fishing is what she is most qualified in. Rachel is the captain of the NZ Fly Ferns.