Women lead the way

10 April 2016, 12:00AM

Big game and sport fishing is not just a sport for men.

Participation of women in the sport is ever increasing. This year, women will be competing in both open tournament and dedicated ladies day tournament. Age is no barrier. 

Modern rod and reel technologies have allowed for the biggest fish in the ocean to be landed by anyone; fish do not discriminate! 

For instance, the world record for wahoo (Pala) was caught by a woman – Sara Hayward – in Mexico, weighing in at well over 83 kilos. 

The angler weighed less than the fish, however, this is a common occurrence in big game fishing. 

The Samoa International Game Fishing Association’s (S.I.G.F.A) would not be here today without the valuable contribution of fisherwomen; they including current and previous executive members, sponsors and supporters, including those women who simply like to catch fish. 

The recent President of the International Game Fish Association, to which S.I.G.F.A is a member, was a woman whom dedicated her term to the engagement of both men and women in the sustainable future of our sport. 

Locally, the team that won the 2015 S.I.G.F.A International Tournament included a woman. 

Not only did ‘Team Braveheart’ win overall in terms of points, Christine Elmiger also landed the largest blue marlin of the tournament. 

Over the past few years, fishing clubs and associations around the world and in Samoa have actively promoted the participation of women anglers. 

There are challenges for women who wish to participate in any male-dominated sport; it is no different in game fishing. 

Regardless, for those female anglers looking to land the ‘big one’, anything is possible with the right anglers and club. 

S.I.G.F.A welcomes all women to become active members. For more information, go to www.sigfa.ws or visit them on Facebook.

SPECIAL NOTICE: 

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the 2016 SIGFA International Tournament as advertised last week (23-30 April) has had to be postponed until the following week. The new dates are:

• Opening Ceremony – Saturday 30 April 2016

• Open Tournament – 2-6 May 2016

• Ladies Day Tournament – 4 May 2016

• Final Prize Giving and Closing Ceremony – 7 May 2016

10 April 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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