Women invade fly fishing world

Women bond at a 'ladies only' fishing trip.

Fly fishing for trout is a pursuit steeped in tradition and mystique, and until recently, considered to be largely the prerogative of the male angler.

Rotorua Anglers Association president Gavin Corbett says the technique of casting a fly line and presenting a fly to the unsuspecting trout has been, up until recent years, of little interest to women anglers - but change is underway.

He says fly fishing clubs up and down the country are fielding increasing demand from women of all age groups to learn fly fishing, and the Rotorua Anglers Club is no exception.

Formed more than 50 years ago with a membership almost exclusively male, the club is now reflecting the demand for more family participation, and noticeably, from more women keen to learn, he says.

A healthy and growing membership reflects this trend, with nearly 50 per cent of the club being women.

Gavin says many of these women have taken advantage of the club's formal tuition programme, the A to Z course, or picked up hints and advice from club members when fishing on one of the organised club trips.

The women are now organising fishing trips of their own, he says.

A token male may accompany them to help with the more mundane tasks such as launching the boat or cleaning the catch, but it's a girl's day out.

Club member Charlotte Wilkinson says it is a chance to relax, have some fun together, and catch a few fish.

"The men are only there to help. "They are not allowed to fish. They are seen but not heard."

Gavin says fishing is a great pastime as it challenges the mind, exercises the body, and with a little skill and an ounce of luck, can put food on the table.

- Contact rotoruaanglers.org.nz