WIRF

WIRFerence is launched!

WIRF Cara Cummings

Embracing what the WIRF network stands for, it was the culmination of all the individual strengths of our wonderful Leaders that undoubtedly proved successful for the very first (and now, inaugural) WIRFerence.

This conference-style event showcased an array of workshops, clinics, guest speakers, educational talks, and specialised stallholders, all in the aim to upskill, teach, and encourage not just women, but all attendees to improve their fishing prowess.

The event was well attended, and many walked The WIRF team superstars.

Amy and Niki during their filleting demo.

away with showbags, prizes and an appetite to catch more fish!

Highlights of the day Filleting, and cooking demos, fly tying and necklace knot tying workshops, female fishing industry and women in fishing. Julia Menzies was kept on her toes and was a wonderful MC for the of WIRF, Jo Starling, who gave a most empowering and heartfelt talk on her fishing story and ran a series of casting clinics throughout the day.

WIRF Mentor Shea Bloom, shares her involvement in the day:

“Our first WIRFerence Young Zara showing off her catch using new rigs they received.

Dorothy Cremona was the lucky winner of a Ladies Fishing Charter at San Remo, generously donated by WIRF leader and charter operator, Amanda Keilar (@fishing_nanna). Marian (far Left) with the Australian Ladies Fly Fishing team in Norway.

was nothing short of amazing! I presented two ‘hands on’ sessions of Freshwater Basics, co-hosted with Kelly Derks, and Game Fishing Basics Co-hosted with Michelle Jackman. A huge shout-out goes to Black Magic Tackle, thanks to them, I was able to showcase some fantastic freshwater and game fishing gear and every attendee received a little giveaway to go and try! We demonstrated how to tie a basic rig in freshwater fishing and covered lure fishing and bait fishing line selection and how to target cod, yellas, trout, and redfin! “Game fishing, we went through all the basic gear, a selection of game rod and reels, line class, lures, skip baits and walking live baits! Ladies were full of questions and keen to seek out the perfect spot to wet a line! I also sat on several plenary sessions, ‘Where we started’, ‘Careers in fishing’ and ‘Getting involved in your The Northern Tide Apparel catwalk.

local angling club’. A fabulous day and I hope to see you all at the next WIRFerence!”

The reviews of the day by those who attended have been most humbling and rewarding. We have already heard success stories of catching fish by putting new learned practices into place, by using prizes they won and some even whipping up a storm in the kitchen using recipes from the day.

WORLD LADIES FLY FISHING

CHAMPIONSHIPS

WIRF Leader Marian Miller is an incredible woman, her presence and

RECIPES THAT ARE ‘WIRF’ IT

Crispy trout and corn bites

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)

1 smoked trout fillet 1/2 cup plain flour 1tsp baking powder 1 egg 1/3 cup milk Pinch of salt and pepper 1/4 cup grated cheese 1tbsp chopped chives 400g tin corn kernels (drained)

METHOD infectious personality alone, lights up the room. She is a wealth of knowledge and an absolute champion on the flyfishing the excitement was strong. With less than favourable weather and fishing conditions, including some waters deemed too and Martin Droz (Coach).

With many thanks to The Happy Fisherman, who filmed the day, you can view a recap of this event on their TV show (which can be found on their YouTube channel). The day wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many and so we would like to thank all the supporters, helpers, and sponsors of the day whom all contributed to making this event one to remember. In no particular order, thank you to all the WIRF Leaders and Mentors (partners and families), VFA staff, Julia Menzies, Jo Starling, Northern Tide Apparel, Yeti, Black Magic Tackle, Daiwa, Penn, Berkley, Shimano, Spooled, Oz Fish, Hummingbird and Frogley’s Offshore.

To stay up to date and see what else has been

1. Remove the skin and bones from the trout and tear into small pieces using a fork. 2. Mix the flour, baking powder,

egg, milk, salt and pepper until just combined. 3. Gently stir through the remaining ingredients. 4. Heat a generous amount of oil (2-3cm deep for shallow frying) in a frypan or wok. 5. Using a teaspoon, place heaped scoops of the fritter mix into the hot oil and cook until a golden crust is formed all over. 6. Serve hot or cold with your favourite dipping sauce or add a poached egg for a great breakfast option!

*As seen weekly on Ch 31’s ‘Talking Fishing’ TV show or catch up via YouTube. Caitlin and Cara during a trout cooking demo.

scene! We are incredibly grateful to have her play such an important role in our network.

Marion was selected unsafe to fish, these women rose to the challenge and performed exceptionally well, placing 5th overall and doing Australia proud! happening within the network and for upcoming events, please head to our Facebook group www. facebook.com/groups/

Niki and Michelle B presenting a saltwater basics clinic.

for the Australian Ladies Fly Fishing team to represent Australia in the World Ladies Fly Fishing Championships held in Norway. This event had been postponed the last two years due to Covid and so We celebrate their success. Congratulations goes out to the whole team: Karen Brooks (Captain), Jane Forster, Casey Pfeiffer, Julie Butler, Jules Stevens (Manager and Reserve), Marian Millar womenrecfishing/, @ wirfnetwork Instagram page or via the VFA website/Facebook page.

Are you a WIRF member? If not, we’d love to have you on board! Join us on FB today.