FT LAUDERDALE, FL 12/2010 — Age doesn’t matter to ladies who find fishing as a way to connect with each other, families and friends. Six thousand ladies from all over the country, ages 18 to 80 have united at “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”® award-winning fishing seminars. Open to the public, the 2011 seminar series encourages women to enter the sports of fishing and boating by providing a fun, non-intimidating atmosphere for women to learn. Hosted by Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission the series offers a weekend of activities starting at only $99 for early registrations, where women can learn, practice and do, plus network.
Described as the “No-Yelling” school of fishing, the weekend seminars teach women saltwater fishing techniques for inshore, offshore, bottom and fly fishing at beginner and advanced levels. To provide women their freedom while fishing, the Saturday afternoon “hands-on” fishing exercises offer hands-on experience with spin casting, conservation, net casting, gaffing grapefruits, boat handling, backing a truck and trailer rig and reeling against a swimmer in the water to learn how to apply pressure to large fish. There is also a networking welcome reception on Friday evening for participants.
An optional fishing trip by boat is on the second seminar day, followed by fish fillet instruction. 2011 seminars are:
Naples: March 11-13, 2011 – Naples Harbour Yacht Club
Ft. Lauderdale: April 15-17, 2011 – IT Parker Community Center
Stuart: May 20-22, 2011- Pirates Cove Resort & Marina
Keys/Islamorada: Nov. 11-13, 2011 Holiday Isle Resort & Marina
Year after year, participants praise the program and share the experience with fellow female anglers. “I learned more in three hours than I have learned all the years I went fishing with my husband – It would have been worth triple the price!” – Nicole Kristman, Cocoa Beach, FL. Karen LaFleur, Fort Lauderdale, FL added, “An excellent venue to learn fishing in a non-threatening, non-intimidating environment! As mothers, aunts and female family members, we got information to teach and instill conservation values in our children, plus we can complete our bucket list!”
Featured in USA Today, Inside Edition, The Today Show and more, the program offers post-seminar networking with a national association and select local chapters. The series is partially supported by the FWC through the Sport Fish Restoration Program and by partners such as Mercury Outboards, Ranger Boats, BoatU.S. ANGLER Insurance, Gulfstream Int’l Airlines, Minn Kota, Humminbird and Magic Tilt Trailers.
The significance of the program’s impact on the womens’ market resulted in the “Woman of the Year” award in the nation’s fishing industry made by the American Sportfishing Association. LLGF Founder and recipient of the award, Betty Bauman, commented, “While participants already get a good deal for their registration, we’re stepping out on a limb to encourage women to participate in recreational activities. Fishing provides a stress break and can be done with a variety of budgets. We’re doing our part to keep the fishing industry on an even keel by attracting new participants.”
Seminar registration is typically only $99 if booked two weeks in advance and $135 the week of seminar. Islamorada rates are $15 in addition. Registration includes instruction, use of equipment, lunch, goody bags and more. Fishing Adventure rates range from $45 to $290 in addition, depending on location. Contact: Betty Bauman, LLGF, P.O. Box 550429, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33355, phone 954-475-9068, fax 954-474-7299, email: info@ladiesletsgofishing.com , website: www.ladiesletsgofishing.com .
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The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
