Through the mists of my mind… out there on its distant horizon… I feel more than see a glimmer.
A coalescing, convalescing phantom — promising to be exquisite. Elusive. Not yet formed, but deeply felt. It’s the Sleeping Beauty of our great sport, waiting to awaken into its full, breathtaking potential.
This is my vision of recreational fishing in Australia: equal male:female participation , vibrant, fully expressed. Where women are not just welcomed, but woven into every level of our sector and sport. Not by invitation, but by design.
Holding tight to that vision, I row toward the shimmer. And as I draw near, I see that — like the fairy tale — it emanates from a tower.
A lighthouse, to be precise.
The tower’s not locked. The light’s not broken. Ladies, we are not being kept out. The path to the door is just WAY overgrown!
If I could gift everyone in fishing a tool, it’d be a machete. Not to swing at those who beat you to the honey-hole, but to start hacking through the bramble that’s grown thick around the base of that lighthouse — that place where courage meets visibility and change radiates outward.
The tower’s not locked. The light’s not broken. Ladies, we are not being kept out. The path to the door is just WAY overgrown!
The thorny mess that blocks the way isn’t opposition — it’s old vines of preconception, wrapped around our ankles and whispering, “You’re not what leadership looks like.” It’s a hangover from a bygone era… that one of male dominion that the swathes of fabulous fishing women have swept away. We are not on the night out — we are enduring the morning after. The fog. The doubt. The belief that we’re not welcome, when in truth the sector is standing at the door with a fresh brew and a “Come on in!”
Fishing is one of the few sports where there’s zero biological barrier. ZERO. Yet women still hesitate to step forward — not because we’re not wanted, but because we don’t see ourselves there.
And visibility? It’s not just a nice-to-have.
Jazz Miller of South Australia recently set a new world record in women’s fishing this bluefin tuna, weighing in at 146.8 kgs. Jazz report it took 1.5 hours to win the fight… energy well spent! And a deft demonstration that fishing holds no inherent gender bias.
When You See Her, You Can Be Her
This isn’t just feel-good fluff — it’s backed by some pretty serious science. Studies show that same-gender role models make a measurable impact on women’s participation in sport, science, and leadership. Not just because they “inspire” — but because they dismantle doubt.
Seeing someone like you take the stage, run the event, host the show, or chair the panel makes your pulse settle. It pulls dreams down from the clouds and drops them right into your lap with a “Go on, then.”
That’s what this editorial is about. Lighting the bloody path.
Taylah Christian recently stepped into the role of Sponsorship Accounts Co-Ordinator at Shimano Australia, and is loving it! The sector is keen for more women to bring their talent and skills to the fore.
The FiSHEr Leadership Forum: The Beam Is ON
Last week, the Women’s Recreational Fishing League announced something very exciting — something I believe will echo for years if we give it energy.
Thanks to the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, we’re launching the FiSHEr Leadership Forum — a two-day power-up for women in fishing, built to respond to this need for more active role models. Think of it as my machete.
This isn’t about making influencers. It’s about making impact.
Think more women on the mic at events; more women running the tournaments, not just fishing them; women teaching, coordinating, podcasting, lobbying, and yes — catching fish, but also changing the shape of the sport itself
Because here’s the kicker: when we equip women to lead, we don’t just get better photos for our brochures. We get rounded ideas, stronger communities and a full choir of voices because harmony matters when you’re trying to get the attention of decision-makers.
NSW Fisheries Minister, Tara Moriarty and Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland announced funding from the Recreational Fishing Trust Fund Grants for the FiSHEr Leadership Forum in Merimbula last week. Jo Starling (centre) is lead on the initiative, with support of the WRFL National Leadership team.
Courage Looks Good On You
To every woman who’s ever thought, “Maybe I could…” but let the thorns talk her out of it — I see you.
To every woman already out there already swinging their own machete — keep going.
And to every man in every echelon of fishing who’s cheered us on, opened a door, or handed us the torch instead of just carrying it — we thank you. You are the lynchpin of this. I see you too.
My hope? That other states see what’s possible — and invite WRFL to bring the FiSHEr Leadership Forum to their shores. With the right backing, we’re ready to light beacons across the country — equipping women everywhere to engage with courage, clarity, and purpose.
Until next time, FISH ON!
For three decades Jo has worked with businesses and personalities, helping them to promote themselves in one form or another, whether through graphic design, advertising, promotions or marketing.
She has owned a fishing rod for just as long, but it’s only been in this new century that it hasn’t been allowed to gather dust.
Jo is a passionate advocate for the sport of fishing and its promotion as a healthy lifestyle for women.
To find out more about Jo visit her website HERE
Or you can visit her Fishtopia Web site HERE or on the banner below.
Jo is also the founder and National President of the Women’s Recreational Fishing League (WRFL) Inc. The work they do is very important in balancing the participation ratios of fishing in Australia, thus making the collective voices of Aussie anglers more harmonious and powerful, as well as shoring up the economy of the sector. For more information visit their Website at womensrecfishingleague.org
