They have come a long way and achieved so much in six years – Above line up of the “originals” – the TRM Women-only tournament at TRM in 2019.
WOMEN ON THE FLY UPDATE
By Leigh Johnson
Women on the Fly NZ (WoTF NZ) is a self-funded, grassroots community representing
women who fly fish across Aotearoa, committed to growing participation through inclusive
events, mentorship, and community-building.
Partnership with Eastern Fish & Game
In May, a successful weekend workshop, hosted in partnership with Eastern Fish & Game,
welcomed 24 female beginners. Organised by WoTF NZ’s Jill Sweeny, with support from
Tauranga Anglers Club and Rotorua Anglers Association, the weekend offered
foundational fly-fishing skills led by experienced mentors.
Club Membership Boost
Since WoTF NZ’s inception, we’ve seen substantial growth in female membership across
the fishing clubs who WoTF NZ has partnered with for events, including Kapiti, Nelson,
South Canterbury and Christchurch clubs. We believe many other clubs are benefiting from
the wave of interest in fly fishing.
A Voice for Women Who Fly Fish
To ensure women’s voices are heard, WoTF NZ surveyed 711 community members about
the Family Licence structure, receiving 51 responses. 70.6% found the current rules too
18restrictive and 64.7% said it limits their ability to fish independently. Respondents strongly
advocated for options allowing both adults to fish independently and access to voting
rights.
Partner with WoTF NZ
We welcome collaboration with Fish & Game regions (and clubs) to co-host events and
promote women-focused initiatives. More details at www.womenonthefly.nz or
contact info@womenonthefly.nz
Photos of the most important function at the women’s tournament are the dinners in 2020 & 2021.
OK? But there are many more memorable activities in the various Women’s Tournaments than the stale-pale-male clubs can imagine… i.e. Priorities like having “fun”! Over the last twenty-plus years, TRM have hosted many other trout fishing clubs, who would never guess what they are missing out on the “fun element” that these ladies enjoyed. It was such a breath of fresh air, an education to us to realise how boring many other male-dominated clubs can be.
Naturally they were more seriously focused on which fly and how many were caught and how big, etc., but they had forgotten about that other essential element, guaranteed to increase club membership and to encourage younger participation, called enjoyment.
They needed to attend the TRM women’s tournament to rediscover what fun fly fishing is. As we all age, it become much more critical…
SWMBO’s message is, if you want to boost your club membership, seriously, then start to recruit more women. (Ask Taupo Fishing Club)
TRM have other historic images of some of the funny nocturnal activities at the early women’s tournament – such as the infamous “Troutgate”. (See below)
