In a sport so often dominated by men, there is a group of female anglers having fun on Logan’s riversides.
Last week, the final session of Fishing for Women was held by 2 Bent Rods at Riedel Park, Carbrook. Within minutes of the first cast, one of the local fisherwomen caught a 33cm bream fish.
Co-owner of 2 Bent Rods, Samantha Beckmann, said the Fishing for Women sessions were well-attended by locals.
“15 to 20 ladies have come along each session,” Ms Beckmann said.
Many of the program participants were new to fishing when they joined, but have since gained the confidence and community to fish with each other.
One woman who participated in the sessions hardly left the house before joining the program, Ms Beckmann said, but has now learned a new skill and made friends in the fishing community.
“Some of the ladies have made friends and they’re out there fishing together,” Ms Beckmann said.
“The great thing about fishing is that it doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your ability is.
“It’s great for your mental health.”
Ms Beckmann has been a leader in the Women in Recreational Fishing Network for the past 3 years and encourages more women to get involved with fishing.
“I think a lot of women don’t realise that there are other women out there who fish.
“That program runs Queensland-wide, and I think since it started, we’ve got about 2000 people on the Facebook page.”
Last year, Logan City Council and Enviro Fish Inc. both received grants from the State Government. Two Bent Rods has run the program on behalf of both organisations.
Ms Beckmann said without the grant, the program would not have the funds to continue
“I’m sure there would be different grants available. But from my understanding, the grant that they’ve got has finished, whether that comes back again for another year, I’m not too sure,” Ms Beckmann.
A report on the outcomes of the grant programs will be handed down on 30 June.
