Women encouraged to give freshwater fishing a go this season

Women who have been thinking about giving freshwater fishing a go are being encouraged to get out on the water when the new season opens this Thursday, October 1.

Fish & Game and other angling organisations have been supporting workshops and classes aimed at making fishing more accessible to women, including Otago Fish & Game’s Adult Beginner Fishing Courses.

Pictured: Shay-Ruby Wickham (left) gets some fishing tips from Ngaio Emson, who ran the women’s adult beginner fishing class for Otago Fish & Game ahead of the season opening. Photo: Bruce Quirey

The adult beginner courses have been running for many years, including women’s-only classes. This year, for the first time, the Dunedin women’s theory class was led by a woman, Wānaka angler Ngaio Emson.

Ms Emson said her years working in a tackle shop had given her a broad grounding in different fishing methods, equipment and places to go fishing.

“It’s pretty cool to be able to pass on some knowledge to other women,” she said.

“It’s definitely getting more common for women to want to be interested in fishing. Historically maybe it’s been seen as a sport for old men. This is definitely not the case.”

Female freshwater anglers represent around 25 per cent of Fish & Game licence holders.

Dunedin’s Shay-Ruby Wickham attended the course hoping to pick up some practical skills before heading out fishing on her own. Before the course, she had caught a few fish with the help of other anglers but now had her own fishing rod.

“I think the main thing that I really want to get out of it is some confidence,” she said.

Ms Wickham said fishing offered more than the prospect of catching a fish, including the chance to explore parts of the country through Fish & Game access spots and spend time outdoors.

“It's also really good for your health. You get out and get walking in nature. But, of course, catching a fish is pretty exciting too.

“Definitely give fishing a go.”

From this Thursday, October 1, anglers can head out to a wide variety of Otago waters, mostly in lower catchments connected directly to the coast. These include the Taieri, Pomahaka, Shag/Waihemo, and many other rivers and tributaries.

In Central Otago, Poolburn and Blakelys dams can be good early-season options when rivers are high and discoloured. The Deans Bank section of the Clutha River/Mata-Au, which is fly-fishing only, also opens on October 1.

Most rivers above Clyde Dam, with a few exceptions, remain closed until November 1 while rainbow trout are still spawning.

Anglers must have a valid freshwater fishing licence. Regulations vary between waterways, so check the Otago fishing regulations before heading out.

Licences can be bought online or from a local licence agent.