The Massachusetts Women Fly Fishers (MWFF) started to be formed in the fall of 2006. The International Women Fly Fishers (IWFF) held their annual Festival at Martha’s Vineyard that year and during that time the idea of a Massachusetts group was born. Jennifer Hall, one of the participants, worked with the IWFF women in getting a list of local members. Through word of mouth, email and snail mail, the word got out to Massachusetts women and the idea was off the ground and running. We had our first meeting in January 2007 in downtown Boston, with about 15 people in attendance. Everyone took some time to talk about what fly fishing meant to them, and what they might want to club to become. Our group of officers was formed. Over the next several months we worked on the structure of the club, our web site was created, and then we started to plan some outings.
Our club meets once a month during the colder seasons, on the first Saturday of the month at the same location in Boston. Joining the MWFF is done on line by joining our group at http://masswomenflyfishers.org/ . At this time, we do not have dues, and we hope to be able to meet our costs through donations and raffles. There are members who come to meetings, those who go on trips, and those to just watch the website until something comes along for them that sparks an interest. There are many ways to participate.
Our members comprise of experienced fly fishers as well as new fly fishers, and we have had the support of many fly shop owners and local guides who have come to our meetings to talk to the group. Several have provided help with outings. This has helped to strengthen the club and to spread out the expertise. We inform members of casting clinics, fly shows, and other activities as we learn of them from guides, other fly fishing organizations, and fly shops. This season we are fortunate to have fly tying lessons for those who are interested.
The internet has been a very strong organizing tool in the formation and continuation of the group. We have some members who have only found us by surfing the net. There are a lot of women out there who want to fly fish, and the internet makes it so much easier to connect. Our web page offers links that members can use. This has really helped to solidify our group as the biggest challenges in any group is the keep the information flowing.
Besides local trips, some members have traveled together to go fishing in other parts of the country. The group is growing, and we welcome new members with ideas and energy. The club can be what you make it. Please visit our website and take a look at who we are, and join in!
Jan Puibello
MWFF President
Return to main clubs page
All textual and graphic material on this site is protected by United States copyright law. You may not copy, use, or distribute any of these materials without prior permission from Women's Flyfishing. © 1996-2013. Fly gif courtesy Gian Padovani and DVWFFA.
