Ladies to Tackle Fishing Skills at “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” in the Florida Keys Nov. 15-17
OutdoorHub 06.03.13
Women’s-only getaway in the Florida Keys includes fishing, rigging, conservation and more!
The secrets of fishing will be shared with women at the award-winning “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” Keys University, weekend of November 15-17 at BPOE Elks, Tavernier, FL in the Sport Fishing Capital of the World.
In 18 years, more than 7,000 University graduates have praised the program and returned to learn more. Some have attended as a family to learn fishing skills or to learn how to use their boats for fishing. Others come to experience the adventure of Florida fishing and build their confidence while pursuing the sport.
For this event, held in conjunction with support from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, women will travel from several states for an exciting weekend of educational and hands-on fishing activities, habitat conservation and to meet other female anglers. The University provides an opportunity for the ladies to use their newly acquired techniques to fish inshore or offshore on their choice of a group boat, flats boat or sportfishing boat. Bonus Fishing Days are also offered for participants on Friday, Nov. 15 and Monday, Nov. 18. Teen females age 16 and up are welcome when accompanied by an adult female.
The Award-winning “No-Yelling School of Fishing” Curriculum
Known as the “No-Yelling School of Fishing,” this award-winning University for women will kick off on Friday, November 15, with a meet-and-greet social from 6:30-9 pm featuring networking and fundraisers for registrants and guests. Saturday’s events begin at 8:00 am with classroom presentations on offshore, bottom, inshore and fly fishing, followed by lunch and hands-on fishing skills until 4:30 pm. Named speakers are Heather Sneed /FWC and Captains Lee Lavery, Bob Jones, Rick Rodriguez and the legendary Stu Apte. Skills such as releasing, conservation, knot tying, bait rigging, spin and net casting, grapefruit gaffing, trailer backing, boat handling, stand-up fish fighting techniques and more will be available for hands-on practice. Events conclude with a silent auction, followed by a networking party with food and fun with artist Pasta Pantaleo at his Signature Gallery, MM 81.5 oceanside in a historical Red Cross home. On Sunday, November 17, ladies embark on a Fishing Adventure (optional and additional) followed by a fish fillet demonstration. Women can opt to take a male guest on certain charters.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will educate University participants on the importance of marine conservation by demonstrating the habits to develop so that each person can make a difference, no matter where they fish. Women will learn safe hook removal, release techniques and more.
“Our Keys University offers a unique vacation getaway where women can learn, network and enjoy the fabulous Florida Keys and its remarkable fishing,” notes Betty Bauman, LLGF Founder. “The Elks Club enables the series to contribute to the Keys community with a bayside facility on the water featuring beautiful sunset views.”
Featured on national network television, newspapers, and magazines, the University series is held in conjunction with the FWC through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, with major partners such as Mercury Outboards, Ranger Boats, Minn Kota, Humminbird and Magic Tilt Trailers. Other partners are on the LLGF website at www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
University registration is $118 for the first 10 to register and $145 thereafter. Registration includes instruction, use of equipment, hands-on training, networking reception and fundraisers, lunch, goody bags and more. Fishing adventure fees for Sunday and Bonus Fishing Days on Friday and Monday are additional. The fundraisers help support the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.
BPOE Elks is at MM 92 Bayside in Tavernier. Host Hotels include Breezy Palms Resort and the Islander Resort in Islamorada and Ragged Edge in Tavernier. As it will be a busy weekend in the Keys, participants are encouraged to book rooms early. Fishing is out of Whale Harbor, Islamorada. Contact: phone: (954) 475-9068; info@ladiesletsgofishing.com; www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
