Seven ladies ventured out to the river bank just up from the bridge in Piercebridge on Sunday as part of an angling project by the Tees Rivers Trust.
Renowned angler Marina Gibson and fly fishing instructor Olly Shepherd helped out on the day providing waders, equipment and tips to the newcomers.
Zoe Fraser heads the Fish For Tees scheme and said the day went really well.
She added: “The number of women angling compared to men is quite low.
“It’s mostly older men who go out to fish so we are trying to make it a more equal sport and dispel some of the myths behind it.”
Sunday’s session ran over time by an hour due to demand and Ms Fraser revealed a portable toilet provided by TESS (Teesdale Event Site Services) proved more than useful.
Ms Fraser added: “All those who took part had never fished or held a rod before.
“Everyone had a fantastic time and a lot of them are keen to keep fishing.”
The Tees Rivers Trust charity aims to improve water quality and habitats along the river as well as raising awareness and getting people to engage with the river.
When it came to angling, Ms Fraser said the image of “an old bloke with a fishing rod” could sometimes get in the way.
“It’s important to say anyone can go fishing and anyone can enjoy it,” she added.
“Marina and Ollie are both young.
“ Marina being female with all her hair done and her nails shows it does not matter how girly or tom-boyish you are or how old you are – anybody can do it.”
She thanked landowner Steven Ray for giving the group access and the guides for their kit and expertise.
The fishing season ended in October but Ms Fraser said the trust hoped to hold a number of similar events next year.
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