More than 200 fish, including three prized bluebone, were landed during the recent Mary Island Women’s Fishing Competition, with women anglers enjoying an absolute “pearler of a day”, celebrating their role in recreational fishing.
Recfishwest was proud to support the event through our Community Grants Program, helping bring together 50 regional anglers for a day of fishing, friendship, and community connection.
Small grants delivering big community benefits
During the past three years, the annual competition has recognised and rewarded “fishing chicks” across four categories, ensuring that every fisher has an equal chance at a prize supported by the event’s organisers, sponsors, and the local community.
Mary Island Fishing Club committee member Louise Scott said the event was largely focused on promoting women in fishing, while the men took a back seat, supporting participants throughout the day.
“This comp is probably one of the first that I’ve been at that promotes women in fishing strongly,” Louise said.
“There’s a space for us in fishing, and it’s really good to celebrate that.”
The Derby-based event will continue to be a much-anticipated part of the community’s annual calendar, hoping to attract more women each year and grow support from women anglers, Mary Island Fishing Club committee member Ashleigh Beer said.
“All in all, it was a fantastic day, and we are already looking forward to next year,” she said.
Stronger, more connected communities
Recfishwest Senior Operations Officer Sam Russell said the Mary Island Fishing Club’s Women’s competition was a fantastic example of how local fishing clubs help build stronger and more connected communities across Western Australia.
“The Mary Island Fishing Club is a big part of the Derby community,” Sam said.
“It gives local fishers and families a place to connect, share their passion and enjoy the social side of fishing.”
He said Recfishwest’s Community Grants program was designed to support grassroots initiatives that strengthen fishing communities and encourage more people to experience the many benefits of recreational fishing.
“We love supporting events like this because they bring people together, get a more diverse range of people involved in fishing and strengthen local communities,” he said.
