The Mid year membership meeting of FFWNMN was a cozy, informative, pleasant gathering
Thurs. evening June 8. Only 15 members attended so we encircled two tables at the St. Paul,
UrBan Growler Brewery. Our chairperson, Monta Hayner, reported on the following topics:
1) Viroqua, WI Fishing Weekend – held in May. Seven members came together at Nature
Nooks Resort. Fun conversation, successful fishing in the Driftless (even though rain
interfered ), provided a worthwhile weekend fishing, socializing experience.
2) Tenkara Fishing – member Sue Nokleby shared her experience at a Tenkara weekend
workshop presented by Tenkara International. The style is of Japanese origin which is
slowly gaining more fishing enthusiasts. Sue fortunately came home having won two
Tenkara rods in drawings during the workshop.
3) 3R Grant – Linda Radimecky presented an update on plans for the July 7,8,9 “Girls Fish”
weekend being held in Preston, MN. Fly Fishing Women procured a $10,000 grant from the
MN DNR which will provide for 12 weekend participants.

It happened! One of the Board goals this year is to create a “pool” of teaching mentors
available to address requests that are made from other fishing groups interested in offering fly
fishing/casting lessons. These requests are part of a growing interest in fly fishing, particularly
involving women in the sport. So… The first TEACH THE MENTOR gathering was held this
week “on dry dock”. The teaching mentors were Monta Hayner and Linda Radimecky. The
learners were Hillary Pennella, Sue Nikolby, Ellen Murphy.
Some information shared was get to know your mentee, basic equipment, fly casting, types of
casts, knot basics, a basic “how to” guideline. Of course, there’s much more to investigate, but
this evening gathering was a fine start. Watch the FFWNMN web for more offerings. Don’t be
shy about joining one of these classes. More mentors are needed and many members are
ready to take on this next step (even if you don’t think you are!).

Fly Fishing Women Represented at Water Action Day!