NSW DPI running Learn How to Fish for Women program on Coffs Coast

Fridays are for fishing – and its certainly not just for the blokes. Keen female anglers meet once a month on the Coffs Coast as part of a state program. Take a look.

Roxanne Herson fishing next to the Urunga Sailing club on Atherton Drive Urunga with the women's fishing group.

Fishing for crayfish, abalone and scallops off Tasmania’s southwest coast is in contrast to fishing for whiting or bream on the Kalang River, Urunga – but Roxie Herson loves it.

The ex-commercial fisher woman joined the Learn How to Fish for Women program at Coffs Harbour and now goes fishing with the group every month. The program is run by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

Ms Herson has learnt about the tides, how to cast a rod, how to tie knots and is interested in learning about crabbing and beach fishing.

When the group met at Urunga to fish in the Kalang River on Friday, they were taught how to use a yabby pump.

Learning and sharing together at the women's fishing group formed after a Department of Industries women's fishing program run in the Coffs Harbour area.

DPIRD education officer Melanie Buhler runs the learn to fish programs with money provided by the NSW government’s recreational fishing trust.

Ms Buhler continues to support the women in their monthly fishing trips with the assistance of her team and volunteers.

“It provides women with opportunities to have a go at fishing,” she said.

“Many women have considered it but don’t have the confidence to or know how to start and it can be daunting.”

Some of the women have gone on to fish together in various locations on the first Friday of every month.

Department of Primary Industries Education Officer Melanie Buhler at Urunga for first Fridays Womens' fishing trips.

There are various reasons why the program has attracted a broad range of women with a diverse amount of fishing experience.

Jackie McLennan joined for the fishing activities and the social connections.

“I have fished before in Tasmania, mainly out on boats,” she said.

Jackie McLennan proudly showing off her catch from a trip to Mylestom with the DPI supported first Fridays women's' fishing group.

“However that was mainly line fishing, not rod fishing.

“So I’ve learnt a lot about casting, how to tie the hooks and sinkers and so on.”

Melissa O'Mullane loves the chance to fish with other women on the Coffs Coast as part of the DPI supported first Friday Women's Fishing Group.

FMelissa O’Mullane said she has been able to flip the script and tell hubby to look after the kids while she’s off fishing.

Since having children her chances to take herself fishing dropped so joining the group has been a lifeline.

“I thought this is going to be a good way to make friends and I’ve met other women like me with kids and we’ve had coffee catch ups as well as the fishing,” she said.

Ms Buhler and her team provide fishing rods and a tackle box with a few supplies for free and encourage women to join their next session on August 25, 2024.

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Originally published as NSW DPI running Learn How to Fish for Women program on Coffs Coast