Fly fishing has a way of humbling you. Just when you think you’re making headway, you realise you’ve only scratched the surface.
I’ve been competing in fly fishing tournaments for just over two years now, working hard to accumulate ranking points and demonstrate the commitment required for Australian team selection. When I set out on this journey, I knew it would take time, dedication, and a lot of learning. I had my eye on the long game, expecting to continue building experience before breaking into the international competition scene.
Competitors mill on the shores of Lake Eucumbene ahead of Jo’s first fly fishing tournament in 2021.
Then, earlier than anticipated, I received my official letter of offer to join the Australian Ladies Fly Fishing Team for the 2025 World Fly Fishing Championships in Idaho, USA. While the opportunity came about due to the unavailability of a couple of ladies ahead of me in merit, it’s a challenge I’m grabbing with both hands. I may be coming in green, but I am ready to step up, do the work, and make my teammates and my people proud.
Jo Starling (left) has been warmly welcomed into the Australian Ladies Fly Fishing Team by teammates (from left) Di Richards, Jane Forster, Karen Brooks, and Jules Stevens. This pic was taken by coach Tom Jarman during the first team training weekend.
A reality check at my first training camp
Last week, I joined my first official team training camp with my incredible teammates — Karen Brooks (Captain), Jane Forster, Jules Stevens, and Di Richards. These ladies are seasoned competitors, with years of experience on the international stage. Walking into camp, I felt equal parts thrilled, daunted, and hungry to learn.
Our coach for this session was Tom Jarman, one of Australia’s finest competitive fly fishers, with nine international caps and a fourth-place finish at the 2023 World Fly Fishing Championships in Slovakia. Tom’s approach to training was mind-expanding — particularly his breakdown of Euro-nymphing techniques and time/beat management.
Tom Jarman works with Jules Stevens during the first training camp for the 2025 Australian Ladies Fly Fishing Team on the West Branch of the Kiewa River in Victoria,
I’d expected the learning curve to be steep, but I underestimated just how much there was to learn. I went in thinking I’d been climbing a mountain of knowledge — that I was approaching a peak and about to level up. Instead, I’ve realised I’ve only been scaling a foothill… and standing here now, I see an entire mountain range ahead of me!
This sport is so incredibly nuanced that I doubt anyone — except perhaps the very best — can claim to have a full understanding of it. And that’s what makes it so exciting.
Jo is chuffed with a nice ‘bow taken whilst practicing Euro-nymphing on the Thredbo River. Photo taken by Rebecca Bailey.
Why competition transforms you as an angler
This first taste of international-level training has already given me a deeper understanding of why competitive fly fishing is such a powerful accelerator for growth.
- You learn to think differently. Casual fishing lets you take your time. In competition, you assess the water fast, plan your attack, and make decisions on the fly — literally.
- You discover the value of beat and time management. Knowing when to move, when to persist, and how to target the easiest fish first is a game-changer.
- You’re pushed out of your comfort zone — hard. There’s no better way to find your weaknesses than by competing alongside anglers who are several steps ahead of you.
- You realise how much there is to learn… and that’s exhilarating. Every tournament, every session, every interaction with a top angler reveals a new layer of skill, technique, or strategy.
Jo LOVES her social fly fishing as much as her tournaments. Each holds very different charms, teachings, and personal benefits. Case in point: You don’t get great pics in tournaments.
A journey worth taking
Standing at the base of this new mountain range of knowledge, I’m not intimidated — I’m energised. I want this challenge. I crave the steep climb ahead. And if you’re a fly fisher who loves the technicality of the sport, I can tell you this: competitive fly fishing will change the way you fish forever.
I’m deeply grateful to my teammates, to Tom Jarman, and to Peter Brooks and Glenn Eggleton for their insights and support as I navigate this incredible opportunity.
For anyone out there who’s curious about stepping into fly fishing competition, I encourage you to explore it. The journey will push you, humble you, and transform you in ways you never imagined.
Until next time, FISH ON!
For three decades Jo has worked with businesses and personalities, helping them to promote themselves in one form or another, whether through graphic design, advertising, promotions or marketing.
She has owned a fishing rod for just as long, but it’s only been in this new century that it hasn’t been allowed to gather dust.
Jo is a passionate advocate for the sport of fishing and its promotion as a healthy lifestyle for women.
To find out more about Jo visit her website HERE
Or you can visit her Fishtopia Web site HERE or on the banner below.
Jo is also the founder and National President of the Women’s Recreational Fishing League (WRFL) Inc. The work they do is very important in balancing the participation ratios of fishing in Australia, thus making the collective voices of Aussie anglers more harmonious and powerful, as well as shoring up the economy of the sector. For more information visit their Website at womensrecfishingleague.org
