Event organised by South Canterbury Anglers Club with the support of Women on the Fly NZ: 26 January 2025
Organised by Anne Valentine of the South Canterbury Anglers Club with the support of Women on the Fly NZ and Central South Island Fish & Game , the event aimed to introduce more women to the sport while also showcasing the opportunities available through the South Canterbury Anglers Club.
The Timaru event attracted 16 women from across Canterbury, all eager to learn more about fly fishing and meet others who share a similar interest.
The event was a fantastic way to foster connections and create a welcoming environment for women interested in learning about fly fishing.
Welcoming Environment
The day started with a warm welcome from club members, Anne Valentine and Sarah Smith, and Women on The Fly NZ coordinators, Leigh Johnson and Shirley Salisbury. This was followed by group introductions to help everyone get to know each other, which laid the foundation for a friendly and warm environment.
Fish and Game NZ
Nikki Dellaway, Fishing Officer from Central South Island Fish and Game, provided an insightful session on fishing licenses and regulations, ensuring that all participants understood the legal aspects of the sport, before joining in the remainder of the day’s programme.
Learning About Rods, Reels, Lines, and Leaders
Leigh Johnson and Shirley Salisbury led a session on rods, reels, lines, and leaders, explaining the essential equipment for fly fishing. After the explanation, participants had the chance to hold a rod and have a go at casting it.
This was a taster session aimed at those who had never held a rod before, giving them a feel for the equipment before the main casting session later in the afternoon.
(Shirley is a long-standing member of the Christchurch Fishing & Casting Club, which has an active female membership, and is also involved in the Reel Women Facebook community.)
Afternoon Workshops and Sessions
Anatomy of a River: How, Why, and Where to Look for Fish
Four senior members of the South Canterbury Anglers Club made a great contribution to the afternoon. The guys provided an engaging discussion for the full group on how to read the water and understand the anatomy of a river.
They also shared tips on identifying key spots for fishing and explained the various factors that influence fish movement, offering valuable insights for participants looking to enhance their understanding of where to catch fish in our rivers and lakes.
Rotating Small Group Sessions (20-minute rotations)
The afternoon included four practical hands-on sessions, run consecutively in 20-minute rotations with groups of four participants moving between these stations:
- Casting
- Knot practice
- Assembling and rigging a rod
- The six most useful flies
This hands-on approach gave participants the chance to ask questions and receive personalised advice from the mentors while gaining valuable knowledge on rigging rods with the best fly options for the conditions in the area.
Women on the Fly Presentation
Leigh Johnson introduced Women on the Fly NZ to the group, explaining how the organisation supports women who are new to fly fishing and those looking to build on their skills. This session covered the three goals of WoTF NZ:
- Be New Zealand’s best-connected community of women who fly fish.
- Providing support to locally-led events that encourage more women into fly fishing.
- Be a voice for the Women on The Fly NZ community through our relationships with stakeholders.
We shared information about Women on the Fly NZ, explaining the resources and support available to women who want to continue their fly fishing journey.
Thanks to our supporters, we gave away a rod combo donated by Timaru Hunting & Fishing (🙏), a WoTF NZ cap and other items from WoTF NZ sponsors. This included packs of flies kindly donated by a Taupo-based WoTF community member.
Closing the Day
To wrap up the event, we also asked participants what they would like to explore next on their fly fishing journey, giving everyone a chance to reflect on the day and express interest in further learning or events.
The women were highly engaged throughout the day, asking lots of questions and showing genuine enthusiasm for the sessions.
Prove of Success
Eight women joined the South Canterbury Anglers Club, responding to the generous membership deal provided by the club. Congratulations. What an outcome!
Several women, including those from North Canterbury, joined the Reel Women Facebook page and showed interest in the Christchurch Fishing and Casting Club, where there is a growing group of active female members.
This highlights the power of these type of event in connecting like-minded women and fostering a supportive community for women new to fly fishing.
Women on the Fly NZ contribution
Women on the Fly NZ was proud to be part of this inspiring event. The South Canterbury region is well set up for any women wishing to increase their knowledge, skills, and confidence in fly fishing, with plenty of local resources and active groups to support their journey.
It is our mission to encourage more women to explore fly fishing and provide the resources and support they need to succeed. This event showcased how much can be achieved when women come together, share knowledge, and help each other grow.
Get Involved
Women learn differently to men. Women on the Fly NZ is here to support you every step of the way by providing mentors, learning and planning resources, and advice on what works.
We encourage other groups, clubs, and organisations to host similar events in their communities.
If you’re interested in organising an event in your area or want to learn more about Women on the Fly NZ, get in touch. We’d love to see more women take up fly fishing and be part of this growing community.
Contact Leigh Johnson, our National Coordinator, or visit us at www.womenonthefly.nz to get started!
Then follow us on Instagram, or the WoTF Facebook page or join the private WoTF NZ Facebook Group.