Women on the Fly – In Their Own Words

Fran has taken the plunge and is thoroughly enjoying learning how to fish on the Otaki River.

More and more women are giving fly fishing a go. Some of the women who have taken part in the Women on the Fly initiative share their experiences and what they got out of it.

 

Fran Busby

Lower Hutt, Wellington.

What made you give the WOTF course a go?

I wanted to do something for myself that was challenging and was outdoors but not too physical. I saw a Women on the Fly event that was taking place on the Hutt River so thought I would give it a go. It was great! Very relaxed and was lovely to meet other women who wanted to give it a try or were new to fly fishing like me.

Why is it good for you and for women generally?

Angling I feel, is great for me as I can do this at my own pace and it is not competitive (but it could be); I am doing this for me. Where I live I am spoilt for choice of local rivers that have easy access and you don’t realise how good it is for relaxation and mental health. It’s not just the fishing, it’s also about reading a river, the local birdlife and flora and fauna. I would love to get out more but with work and family commitments it is not always possible. I feel that it has opened up a whole new world to me and there are so many great Facebook groups and loads of YouTube clips with women all over the world showing you what to do, but of course the best thing was joining the Hutt Valley Angling Club who have been extremely welcoming and helpful in getting me started and offering advice – a great bunch of people.

Advice for women thinking about giving it a go?

For women generally, you can do this at any age and take it at your pace. You do not need to be athletic or sporty and it just gets you out and about. I would advise joining a local club if you have one and if there are Women on The Fly events in your area to go along and see what it is all about. Also, borrow equipment first before you look to invest in a rod etc., and if you join a club they can assist with this. 

Your best catch and why?

To date I have yet to catch a trout but I did catch a kahawai while surf casting in Wairarapa so that’s a start.

Anything else you would like to add?

I think the Women on the Fly concept is fantastic at getting women to try fly fishing and the events that they organise are well run and are proving to be very popular. There is so much knowledge out there and people genuinely want to share that knowledge with you.

 

Nancy concentrates as she practices casting at Otaki River during a Women on the Fly class.

Nancy Bramley-Thompson

Trentham, Upper Hutt.

What made you give the WOTF course a go?  

As a cancer survivor I was interested in finding activities that I could do to get out in nature. Women on the Fly offers a non-judgemental environment for women of all ages and stages to learn from experienced and encouraging coaches. What I’m finding is that I really like doing things that challenge traditional views of what activities are for men and for women. I’m also really enjoying learning, for example picking up the technical language. I feel more confident when I go into the fishing stores and ask for what I need, in fact the other day I knew more than the staff member did which was quietly satisfying.

Why do you think angling is good for yourself?

I’m living with permanent physical and mental consequences of surviving head and neck cancer, in my case laryngeal cancer. I’ve always been an outdoorsy, active person and I’ve had to pivot the way I can be in my body and get used to a new normal. My cancer ended my career and angling fills a gap in my life, it gets me out into the fresh air and wide-open spaces that I love. It ensures I am still getting exercise and I’m also meeting new women and we’re encouraging each other to grow our skills.

And for women generally?

Don’t feel you can’t do something just because it’s traditionally seen as being for men. It’s actually really fun, once you can tie the knots! There’s a lot to learn and it takes concentration but once you get the hang of the basics it’s deeply satisfying and quite meditative. It’s a really good way to be in, and connect, with nature.

Advice for women thinking about giving it a go?

If there’s a course where you live just head along and give it a go. You don’t need a lot of equipment to get started, and there’s loan gear available on the day. In my group it’s the fish that bite, we’re not scary.

 What else would you like to add?

There’s something about hunting and gathering and catching wild food, if push comes to shove you can fish and feed yourself and your families. That’s a good feeling.

Best catch so far?

No fish caught yet however catching rocks behind me tells me I need to practice my casting some more. Onwards we go... 

Karina at a Women on the Fly event in Turangi

Karina Kwai

Lower Hutt, Wellington

What made you give the WOTF course a go?

While I haven't been around people that fish, angling was something I had wanted to do for a long while. Going into it on my own felt overwhelming so WOTF was the perfect opportunity to take a leap of faith and literally jump into it. Taking that step was great as the 'leads' ,if you like, are inspiring and enthusiastically sharing what they know; as a result a whole new way of being in the great outdoors has opened up. I am constantly finding out new things and being reminded to get out there. 

Why do you think angling is good for you?

For me it's a fantastic circuit breaker from the everyday; it’s good for wellbeing. I think some of my friends think I'm a bit bonkers. For me it's also wonderful for work-life balance plus it has grown my awareness and greater appreciation for our rivers and waterways and how even more important it is to care for our environment and potential food sources for future generations.  

And for women generally? 

It can open up in an empowering way new experiences in the great outdoors, and new communities of like-minded people. I guess some people may think angling breaks some of society's stereotypes and maybe things like that can bring some hesitancy though there's heaps of encouragement to be found in angling communities.

Advice for women thinking about giving it a go?

Just do it. Honestly! 

Your best catch and why?

Would have to be the first catch as it felt unbelievable! 

Anything else you would like to add?

I would highly recommend joining local angling clubs and getting out there at any opportunity.