June 12, 2025
Supplied by Jackie Rosario, Red Tag Fly Fishers
Red Tag Fly Fishers is a recreational fly fishing club based in Yarra Bend Park, Fairfield. The club is in its 93rd year but on May 17, we held our first ‘come and try’ day for the LGBTIQA+ community called Catch a Rainbow: Get Hooked on Fly Fishing with Red Tag Fly Fishers. It was fittingly held on IDAHOBIT – International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia, and it was fabulous!
Despite the rainy skies, 20 Red Tag volunteers and proud allies played host to around 25 participants, guiding them through activities designed as an introduction to the amazing world of fly fishing. Participants were taught how to perform foundation casting techniques, had a chance to tie a fly (a Red Tag of course!) and learned basic facts about this unique pursuit before testing their new skills with some fun competitions and a chance to score a prize before finishing the day with lunch. This was Red Tag’s first celebration of IDAHOBIT, and we were thrilled with the response from participants and member allies.
Feedback from the participants included:
“Leaving the day I realised I’d received the most positive affirmation and genuine encouragement I’ve ever received in one day. I enjoyed how I felt truly included by the passionate volunteers who just wanted to share their skills and knowledge and have a good time together. As a trans person it was incredibly important for me to connect with people outside of my community, who out in the world I would ordinarily be wary or hesitant of due to the animosity toward our community. I’m also obsessed now with finding things to make into flies.”
“I thought it was a great initiative and the culture in the club was really progressive and welcoming.”
“We enjoyed our time so much. We felt safe, included and welcomed. I think I might’ve found my new summertime hobby! Thank you for providing such a fun event.”
And feedback from club members:
“I felt so proud to be able to help today at this great event, it was an awesome day. I got some wonderful glowing feedback from some of the participants, thanks mostly to the work of everyone who helped out on the day. 11 years I have proudly been at this club, and this was by far the best event I can remember. Well done everyone!”
“A great day. Thanks to all those who put in so much hard work. It was a memorable day for me.”
“It is no small thing for a fishing club to be brave and welcoming in such a visible way and I can echo the thoughts of the many people I spoke to that it is something that we should all be proud of. Feedback has been amazing with the attendees that could make it, and we absolutely showed the best of ourselves and what we represent.”
The Club thanks everyone who helped make the day such a success especially the City of Yarra for their grant funding. Red Tag are looking forward to future events that promote and celebrate diversity and that offer genuine connection and community. If you’re interested in joining us or if you’re just ‘fly fishing curious’, please visit the Red Tag Fly Fishers website. We can’t wait to get you hooked!
Red Tag Fly Fishers
Find out more about the Red Tag Fly Fishers Club via their website.
