Healing Waters: How Fishing Restored Jo's Confidence

From Castaway to Community: Jo Starling’s Journey of Healing Through Fishing

In the shimmering dance of sunlight on a river's surface, where the water runs deep and the resilience of the human spirit runs deeper, Jo Starling's story emerges with the grace of a fish breaking through the ripples, bridging her past to a world of renewed hope. For women drawn to the water's edge, fishing becomes more than a pastime—it is a profound journey of giving and receiving, of healing and empowerment.

A Lifeline in Angling

Jo Starling discovered fishing in her 30s, but this wasn't merely an introduction to angling—it was a lifeline amid life's tumultuous currents. "Fishing saved my life," she confides, a testament to her journey of healing after a traumatic assault just before her 21st birthday. Diagnosed with PTSD years later, Jo found solace and self-worth in the soothing rituals of casting line, catching fish, and the silent communion with nature's persistent beauty. The act of casting became a metaphor for releasing burdens, the reel a connection to her inner strength.

The power of fishing as therapy is supported by experts who note how the rhythmic motion of casting a line and the meditative focus required in angling can significantly aid mental health recovery. According to a study by the University of Michigan, activities like fishing can lower stress levels by 28% and boost mood by as much as a 45% increase in positive emotional states, making it not just a hobby, but a scientifically-backed approach to wellness.

Transformation on the Water

When Jo's sisters-in-law invited her to join their all-women fishing team for a barramundi tournament in the Northern Territory, Jo embarked on a remarkable transformation. The camaraderie and skills learned alongside her fellow female anglers didn't just enhance her fishing prowess; they fortified her spirit. Jo entered the waters an amateur and emerged a leader. The empowerment she found among those waves propelled her to share this gift with others. In 2021, her determination gave rise to the Women's Recreational Fishing League, a beacon of female strength and community that now attracts members across five continents, all bonded by the water they dearly love.

Jo's transformation echoes a broader movement; women in fishing are making waves across the globe. Did you know that women now make up about 35% of fishing participants in the United States? According to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, female angler numbers have surged over recent years, representing a significant shift towards gender inclusivity in what was traditionally seen as a male-dominated sphere.

The Ripple of Community

Jo’s narrative, highlighted by Riley Wilson’s insightful article, reminds us of a shared truth: spaces where women gather—whether on the riverbanks or the open sea—bloom with affirmation, safety, and empowerment. Fishing offers more than a chance to reel in a prize catch; it fosters profound connections and unity reenforced by those involved in shared goals and a tacitly understood bond. These spaces allow women to exchange not only fishing tips but stories of resilience, courage, and triumph, echoing louder than any doubts.

“Together we’re unstoppable,” Jo often shares, embodying the spirit of collective strength and empowerment that defines our community at Girls Fish Too. We embrace Jo’s vision of communities where “I can do it, too” rings out in defiance of self-doubt and societal constraints. Fishing gathers us into its expansive fold, equipping us with much more than rods and reels—it arms us with confidence, tenacity, and the comfort of shared experience.

Casting a Wider Net

Girls Fish Too stands with Jo in celebrating women-centric spaces where we can cast without question and learn without limitation. If you’re casting for something greater in your life, know that the fishing community welcomes you with open arms, ready to teach and eager to learn. The bond of sisterhood is as robust as the lines we cast—strong, unwavering, and enduring across oceans and generations.

Are you ready to be part of this movement? Gear up, gather your tribe, and join us on the water. With rod in hand and heart open wide, let's make waves together. From the tranquil backwaters to the roaring surf, there's room for you in our story—where every catch is celebrated, every voice matters, and every woman belongs.

Read the full story by Riley Wilson here.

In the soulful embrace of the water, we find ourselves, each other, and the limitless possibilities that fishing brings. Let's keep casting for the stars.