Fishing – search is on to attract more women into fishing

Scottish Ladies are keen to encourage more women into fly fishing.

Dione Roberts, secretary of the Scottish Women’s Fly Fishing team, says it is a shame that more don’t take up a sport which has more to offer than just catching trout or salmon.

Edinburgh-based Dione said: “We’re trying to bring people into fishing. I personally am a keen salmon fisher and I see a lot more ladies salmon fishing because it is a comfy sport.

“You are seated on a boat and have your ghillie there to help you but I do find with trout fishing it can be quite daunting.

“If you are going to fish on a river there are questions. What clothes do I need? Am I going to wade? Where do I go? Where do I start off? What equipment do I need?”

Reflecting, she said: “It used to be I would see father and son or daughter out fishing and I very seldom see that now.”

And she added: “We’re trying to bring ladies in, not to be just to part of a team but just to go out and enjoy fishing and the sights and sounds on the river, the sight of a kingfisher going down the river perhaps. It’s lovely.

“I also tie my own flies and I find that really relaxing, bring the fly tying equipment out, watch the telly and make a fly and go out the next day and catch on it.

“So if women are interested they should get in touch. We do a development weekend and we also have three ladies, including myself, as qualified Level 2 coaches.

“We are all around the country and you can find information about us on our website.

“Type in Scottish Ladies Fly Fishing or SANA Ladies and and the website will come up.

“We would be happy to come out and buddy somebody but if anybody wants to go out fishing and I am going then I am happy to take anybody to a river, boat or anything.”