XFactor Tournaments provide stepping stones that allow women to build their confidence and skills in fishing — breaking down preconceived beliefs of the sport being a male domain — building an experiential pathway to feeling empowered to fish happily alongside their fellow fishers, regardless of gender.

What is an XFactor woMENTORnament?

In keeping with our goal to see Australia’s recreational fishing future shored-up by genuine gender equity in participation by 2050, the Women’s Recreational Fishing League has developed a unique tournament format — the woMENTORnament.

Our tournaments are single species, which are selected for the state in which each event is run. You will recognise them all by their “XFactor” branding, where the X represents the female chromosome.

Don’t be fooled, though… XFactor woMENTORnaments may be gender specific, but they are NOT sexist. Our format recognises that the perceived gender bias in fishing is cultural and societal. It’s not inherent in our sport. Unfortunately, the beliefs forged across a lifetime create significant barriers to entry… and we’re here to smash them down!

How do XFactor Tournaments help break down barriers?

XFactor Tournaments are uniquely designed to reward mentorship between self-sufficient anglers and those seeking to expand their skills. They run like a tradition Pro-Am, with the slight difference of creating a need for both rods to be productive. This encourages attention from the more capable fisher.

Mentors compete against fellow mentors, while mentees compete in the mentee category. And to ensure all mentees board their first boat with the foundations of fishing self-reliance, they all participate in an intensive full day WRFL Signature Fishing Clinic on the day before lines in!

The funds from this Project will go towards logistics involved with training and coaching event coordinators and trainers for those signature clinics to ensure that all participants in every state enjoy the same empowering, practical experience nationwide.