A fishing group is branching out and encouraging more Katherine women to pick up a line and get outdoors.
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Territory Women Hunting and Fishing, which started on Facebook, has gained traction since its inception one year ago and now has almost 2000 followers.
“It is a group where women can post up their stories or photos and ask for advice in a safe and supportive environment,” organiser Catherine Baker said.
The 28-year-old started the group after hearing from women that it was difficult to find other women to fish with.
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“It has always been a male dominated sport or hobby,” Ms Baker said.
“I was going fishing with my partner and his friends and I wanted to get other women together who were also only fishing with their male friends.
“It is also a place for women who are new to the Territory or who want to learn about fishing, they can jump on and ask questions or organise a meet-up,” she said.
The group now has women across the Territory involved, from Groote Island to Borraloola, Ms Baker said.
Now she wants Katherine women to get involved.
“It is such a great hobby, and unfortunately it is from the way it started that it has been more geared towards men. But that is changing now.
“Women love hunting and fishing. And the group has given women a platform to show off what they like to get up to.
“I have two kids, and the best thing for them has been seeing both parents getting outdoors,” Ms Baker said.
Warren de With has owned Katherine fishing and camping shop Rod and Rifle for 32 years and said he has seen a dramatic increase in women participating in the sport.
“It is a family thing,” he said.
“The amount of kids getting involved has been great and it is all because they have both parents enjoying the sport.
“It gives kids an understanding of the world, life skills and it is so much better than them sitting at home on a computer.”
Mr de With said the veil has been lifted on fishing being a mens only sport with the start of women’s competitions and technology developments.
“Boats have changed dramatically over the years,” Mr de With said.
“Back in the day it was a 12 foot tinny and the men would have to carry it to the water. But these days we have nice bitumen roads, boat ramps, canopies, new technologies and everyone can get involved.”
According to Catherine Baker, the group already has a handful of Katherine women involved, and more information sessions and meet-ups are planned for the near future.
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