Founded in 1976, the Gold Coast Sportfishing Club is a welcoming community for anglers of all levels. Focused on learning, sharing, and promoting ethical fishing, the club hosts regular comps, guest speakers, and major tournaments like the Gold Coast Flathead Classic. Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned fisho, boat or bank – there’s a place for you here.

WHO IS THIS GROUP FOR: 

Women’s Recreational Fishing League (WRFL) is Australia’s first national NFP, turning angling into an accessible, goal-oriented sport for modern, time-poor women. Our Fast-Track pathway meets women where they are and propels them toward their own vision of fishing success. Through a suite of practical, skill-sharpening initiatives, app-scored competitions, and a firm focus on habitat stewardship, we combine fishing’s blue-therapy calm with clear performance wins for women, families, and waterways.

WHO ARE OUR MEMBERS?

Our core members are adult women — and those who identify as women — aged 18 and above (voting Executive Members) and 16 and above followers who are building their skills and confidence. We attract budding female leaders and influencers, as well as absolute beginners and seasoned tournament anglers alike. Supportive families and male allies join through our Family Memberships (junior participants participate under a parent or guardian). At the same time, corporate members join as non-voting partners, committed to advancing gender equity, mental health, and habitat stewardship in recreational fishing.

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS? 

We address the barriers women report—confidence, know-how, safety, and “no one to fish with”—and replace them with opportunities. By focusing on mindset and self-efficacy — rather than on “breaking into a male space” — we transform obstacles into stepping-stones and cultivate empowered leaders who bring others along.

WRFL delivers:
• Supportive hubs, online and on-ground
• Hosted developmental fishing adventures
• Mentoring tournaments
• Instant buddy networks
• National sorority & leadership pathway

WHY GET INVOLVED?

1. Empowerment that lasts
WRFL uses recreational fishing as a practical, goal-driven way to build self-reliance, resilience and confidence. Women learn to plan, problem-solve and compete—skills that transfer directly to careers, study and family life.
2. A clear equality mission
Our vision is an Australian fishing sector with genuine gender balance. We’re working toward 50 / 50 by 2050, and every new member or corporate ally moves that target closer.
3. Ready-made community
State Chapters, local community CrewPods and mentoring tournaments give instant fishing buddies, peer coaching and a nationwide “tribe” widely praised as the most supportive rec-fishing network in Australia.
4. Mental and physical wellbeing
Fishing delivers proven “blue-therapy” benefits — reduced stress, greater mindfulness and gentle, adaptable exercise — while keeping families outdoors and off screens.
5. Leadership development
Our Fast-Track pathway and leadership development initiatives gently move first-time anglers into local leaders and role models, enlarging the circle for the next wave of women.
6. Stewardship in action
Pledged Stewardship, our sustainable fishing ethos and catch-photo-release events teach custodianship and data skills, ensuring healthier waterways and sustainable fish stocks.
7. Food security & self-sufficiency
Learning to harvest and prepare a legal, ethical catch gives women practical food security and a deeper connection to nature.

Join WRFL to gain skills, health, community and a platform that reshapes what women can achieve—one cast at a time.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

1. Visit womensrecfishingleague.org and click Join, then tap the BECOME A MEMBER button and follow the prompts ($25/year). Fill in the Application Form that comes your way.
2. Subscribe to our monthly e-zine to stay updated about events.
3. “Like” our parent page on Facebook: /the.WRFL and on Instagram /WRF.League
4. Join your state chapter group on Facebook
5. Enrol in our Rec’ Fishing Fundamentals starter module.
6. Find or start a local Crew Pod via your State Chapter Facebook group.
7. Download our FREE APP (search women’s rec fishing league on your store)
8. Start playing the FREE FisherQuest Challenge.
9. Consider competing in our League Ladder ($80/year) for monthly prizes and a fun experience.

HOW TO CONTACT US?

General questions should be directed through Messenger.
Emails to executive@womensrecfishingleague.org