FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – An incredible mini-event is being offered to women for the first time by the award winning “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!®” University Series. The Matlacha/Ft. Myers University is March 9-10, 2013 at Matlacha Community Park.
“We have chosen to host our Gulf Coast event at Matlacha – a beautiful part of the state with bountiful fishing,” commented Founder, Betty Bauman. “It’s a refreshing location perfect for beginners, those who have fished before or any lady with fishing on her bucket list!”
Held on a Saturday afternoon, the mini-event includes much of what is offered at the full LLGF Universities plus Kayak fishing has been added to the curriculum. For this event, held in conjunction with support from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, women will travel from several states for education, hands-on fishing activities, habitat conservation and to meet other female anglers. On Saturday, the program begins with a session by the FWC on the importance of marine conservation, a demonstration of hook removal, catch and release techniques and more. Speakers include Heather Snead,FWC and Capt. Craig Timbs, known as the “Snook Cowboy.” Topics covered are inshore and kayak fishing, including proper equipment usage, followed by a supervised hands-on fishing skill practice and concluding with a networking party. On Sunday, participants have a option to use their newly-acquired skills when fishing inshore from flats or pontoon boats or from kayaks with guides. The age for participants includes teen females age 16 and up when accompanied by an adult female.
The Award-winning “No-Yelling School of Fishing” Curriculum
Saturday March 9, 12:30 – 4:30: Classroom presentations are conservation, equipment, back country/inshore and kayak fishing, followed by hands-on fishing skills until 4:30 pm. Skills such as releasing, conservation, knot tying, kayak fishing, lure usage, spin and net casting, fly fishing, fish fighting techniques and more will be available for hands-on practice. Events conclude with a silent auction, followed by a networking party.
Sunday, March 10: Ladies embark on their chosen half day fishing adventure from flats and pontoon boats or guided kayaks (optional/additional) out of Matlacha Community Park, followed by fish filleting.
Known for its excellent inshore fishing, Matlacha (pronounced MAT-LA-SHAY) means “Water to the waist” in Indian. Most of the surrounding water, besides the boating channels, does not go above the waist. This tiny strip island, between Ft. Myers and Pine Island, resembles the old-fashioned, rustic Key West style of Florida. The historic Matlacha fishing village and kayaking destination features hotels where one can go fishing in front of your bedroom. Matlacha Community Park is on the water, with large fields, a fishing pier and launch ramp, located at 4577 Pine Island Road N.W., Matlacha, FL 33993.
Featured on national network television and more, the University series is also supported by major partners Mercury Outboards, Ranger Boats, Silver Airways, Fishhound.com, Minn Kota, Humminbird and Magic Tilt Trailers. Those and other supporters are recognized on www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
The mission of LLGF is to increase the numbers of responsible anglers. According to a recent report by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, “For the first time in several years, fishing has gained more participants than it lost – largely due to women taking up the sport.”
University registration starts at only $49 and includes instruction, use of equipment, hands-on training, networking, fundraisers and more. No equipment or experience is necessary. Optional fishing charter rates are onwww.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
Contact: Phone: (954) 475-9068; info@ladiesletsgofishing.com; www.ladiesletsgofishing.com,www.facebook.com/ladiesletsgofishing.
About “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”
Held in conjunction and with support from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!®” (LLGF) is a national organization dedicated to attracting more women to sport fishing and to promoting conservation and responsible angling. LLGF promotes networking among women anglers and emphasizes mentorship between novice and experienced members. Founded in 1997 by Betty Bauman, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, LLGF has over 7,000 graduates and is the largest organization in the world whose objective is to introduce women to fishing. Both Bauman and the University series – often dubbed “The No-Yelling School of Fishing” – are renowned nationally in the sport fishing and marine industries. The organization has earned rave reviews from national media including “Inside Edition,” CBS’ “The Early Show,” NBC’s “Nightly News,” “Good Morning America,” “Outdoor Life Network,” USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, Southern Living and more.
Calendar information: “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!’ Matlacha/Ft. Myers University, March 9-10, 2013
“Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”® Matlacha/Ft. Myers University for women, March 9-10, 2013 at Matlacha Community Park located at 4577 Pine Island Road N.W., Matlacha, FL 33993. Registration starts at $49 and includes networking reception and fundraisers, classes, hands on practice, goody bag and more. Guided fishing on Sunday is additional. Contact: phone (954) 475-9068; email info@ladiesletsgofishing.com; website www.ladiesletsgofishing.com; Facebookwww.facebook.com/ladiesletsgofishing.
Contact:
Betty Bauman
(954) 475-9068 email
“Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”
www.facebook.com/ladiesletsgofishing
