Bio |
Jo Starling is a creative strategist working almost exclusively in the recreational fishing space as a fishing media personality, public speaker, mentor, writer and visual creative. She is an avid angler, dedicated to shoring up recreational fishing as a valued aspect of the Australian culture and way of life. Jo represents the interests of recreational anglers on both the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council and the RecFish Research Steering Committee.
She didn’t completely succumb to fishing fever until 2003 when she started fishing with the all-girl (and family) tournament team “Sister Act”. From there the learning curve turned steep, increasing ten-fold when it led her to meet her husband, Steve.
Today, Jo calls herself a ”passionate fishonista” with an agenda — to share the richness of happiness, wonder and health that fishing brings to a woman’s life. You’ll find Jo sharing her insights, tips and skills through Fishotopia.com (the Starling’s online fishing community), along with social media, mentoring, workshops, clinics, articles, on stage at boat shows, and on television and in videos.
Let me introduce you to some of my favourite captures…
In response to your selection criteria…
YOU SEEK PASSION | I have it in spades!
1. Demonstrated passion and involvement in recreational fishing.
Whilst my husband is far better known than I am, my role in the fishing community is very public, although I am like a duck on the water… there’s a lot going on that people cannot see. I am an educator, motivator & public speaker, as well as a small-time television fishing personality. I am also a writer, having many articles published in fishing & business magazines for well over a decade, as well as scripts for many DVDs, television & radio commercials.
I am a sponsored angler, fishing many tournaments all over Australia & even placed 6th International Angler in the 2011 Com Fishing Festival in Timor Leste! This gives me ample opportunity to speak to peak level, avid anglers.
You’ll most often see me on a playbill with themes like “Fishing — What’s In It For Chicks?” or “How To Fish As A Happy Family”… or a personal favourite, “How To Raise A SuperFisher” [read Habitat Hero]. Reconnecting with nature, eco-systems & our interactions with them are always presented as some of the primary positives that come with recreational fishing.
It’s fair to say that I am driven to advance & develop the pastime of recreational fishing in Australia, broadening the participation demographics & educating about best-practice at all times.
I am a member of the Recreational Fishing NSW advisory council and the RecFish Research Steering Committee of FRDC. I am currently sitting on the Trawl Whiting Harvest Strategy Working Group, representing the interests of recreational fishers (this may seem like an irrelevant species to recreational fishing, but there is no such thing, as you know. Also, this is the first of many Harvest Strategies to be developed and I’ve been tasked with helping to develop our understanding of the process). I have also served on the Batemans Marine Park Ministerial Advisory Council and the National Fisheries Advisory Council. In all of these forums, fish habitat, stock levels, the environment & our social licence are my big “barrows”.
Got time to be inspired? WATCH THIS to witness the value of the Barra’Prentice program…
GIVING BACK
RFNSW Advisory Council since 2016
RecFishing Research Steering Committee since 2018
Financial Member since day dot
Barra’Prentice Founder, Trainer, Mentor & Coordinator
Tournament Success
2018
Skipper & Competitor
(54th of 270 anglers)
Barra Nationals
Grand Finalist
Bass Nation Kayak Rounds
2017
Champion Angler
SWB Barra Challenge
Champion Team
(Barra’Prentice— Mentor & Skipper)
SWB Barra Challenge
2016
Champion Family Team
Lake Windamere Golden Classic
2015/16
Champion Team
Australian Freshwater Masters
2015
Champion Female Angler
Lake Windamere Golden Classic
2014
Champion Family Team
Lake Windamere Golden Classic
2013
Champion Female Angler
Champion Family Team
Lake Windamere Golden Classic
2012
Champion Female Angler
Lake Windamere Golden Classic
2011
6th placed International Angler
Com Fishing Festival (Timor-Leste)
2010
Third placed Female Angler
Daly River Barra Classic
Champion Team
SWB Barra Challenge
2009
Champion Team
SWB Barra Challenge
2008
Runner-up Champion Team
SWB Barra Challenge
2007
Runner-up Champion Team
SWB Barra Challenge