Women in recreational fishing network aims to involve more girls

A Preston fisherwoman is leading the charge to get more women and girls to pick up a rod and get hooked on fishing. But she says organisations can do a better job at making popular spots attractive to all.

Niki Duckstein is on a mission to get more women into fishing. Picture: Ellen Smith

Female fishing fanatics are throwing out a line and calling on all interested women and girls to join them in trawling the waters.

Preston Northcote Angling Club vice-president Niki Duckstein is leading the charge and has joined the Women in Recreational Fishing Network Leadership Program.

The Preston fisher said her mission was to link as many women as possible so they could share knowledge and remove the barriers holding them back from fishing.

“I’ve had lots of women approach me asking how I apply rigs, where I go, (about) lures,” she said.

Ms Duckstein said women often dealt with problems men didn’t think about, such as appropriate toilet facilities, child care and safety.

She said she has previously left fishing spots where she didn’t feel safe, and better lighting and cameras were often needed at popular locations.

And there’s the misconception fishing isn’t meant for young people or women.

“Often women aren’t framed in the best light when it comes to fishing — lots of bikini shots and pink rods,” Ms Duckstein said.

Eight female leaders from Victoria flew to the Gold Coast for the Australian Fishing Tackle Association Trade Show to speak to industry leaders about how they can assist women entering the sport.

The WIRF network organises classes and events to increase the knowledge base of women, such as trailer and boat maintenance lessons.

“I just want all women and girls to know they also have the opportunity to follow what they want to do and not feel like they’re held back by some of these challenges,” Ms Duckstein said.

The Women in Recreational Fishing Network Facebook group has more than 1500 members but Ms Duckstein wants it to hit 5000.

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She said many of the posts were women sharing fishing tips with others, and she had learned a trick or two herself.

“It’s meant to be a safe space where women can share knowledge and give advice,” she said.

Ms Duckstein recently set up an Instagram page, The Reel Sisterhood, to share tips and realistic photos of women fishing.

Find WIRF on Facebook and @TheReelSisterhood on Instagram.

For details about the Preston Northcote Angling Club visit their website.

@richardapearce