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| Women proudly hold their fish at Ft. Myers/Matlacha LLGF University. |
Women Catch Hands-on Fishing Skills at "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!" Ft. Myers/Matlacha University March 8-9
More than seventy women from ages 16 to 84 joined together to learn fishing skills at the "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!" Ft. Myers/Matlacha University March 8-9. Women traveled from as far as Arizona, Canada and Michigan to join others from Florida to share the joys of learning how to fish.
Held in conjunction with support from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, the University offered education, hands-on fishing activities, habitat conservation, networking and an optional fishing trip on Sunday. The Ft. Myers/Matlacha venue was a Mini University, held during one afternoon versus the typical full weekend programs offered in other cities.
Women came for many reasons. "I wanted to learn a new skill so I could contribute when fishing with my husband," said Debbie Peterson, Cape Coral, FL. Patti Binder, St. James City, FL wanted to learn how to catch fresh fish for dinner. Lisa Wright, Cape Coral, FL had just moved to Florida and wanted to be able to enjoy fishing there. Carol Mullen, Bokeelia, FL wanted 'out-fish the guys.' Marlene Egan, Delanson, NY came with her sister, Sandra Gutowski, Sarasota, FL to learn and share fishing experiences.
The event began on Saturday, March 8 with classroom presentations by Heather Sneed/FWC/Conservation, Craig Timbes "Snook Cowboy"/Inshore, Capt. Rick Karnes/Artificial Lures and Scott Swartz/Fly Fishing. The curriculum included marine conservation, hook removal/release techniques and hands-on skills such as knot tying, kayak fishing, spin casting, net casting, artificial lure selection/usage, hooking live shrimp, boat to dock tying and backing with Magic Tilt Trailers/Ranger Boat. A mid-day break hosted by Harbor Financial Services featured Cabot Cheese. The event concluded with a silent auction followed by a networking party with entertaining karaoke at Mulletville.
On Sunday, March 9 participants embarked on their chosen fishing adventures from boats or kayaks, followed by fish filleting. Women had a chance to catch or release redfish, snapper, ladyfish, snook and flounder.
Featured on national network television and more, the University series is also supported by major partners Mercury Outboards, Ranger Boats, Minn Kota, Humminbird and Magic Tilt Trailers. Those and other supporters are recognized on www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
Upcoming 2014 LLGF universities include April 11-13/South Florida, May 16-18/Treasure Coast and Nov. 14-16/Florida Keys/Tavernier/Islamorada. Contact: (954) 475-9068; info@ladiesletsgofishing.com; www.ladiesletsgofishing.com, www.facebook.com/ladiesletsgofishing.
Ft. Myers/Matlacha University Fishing Report - Half Day, Sunday, March 9, 2014
Women experienced a picture-perfect fishing day with sunny skies and brilliant, blue water. Fishing was a bit slow with most boats having bites and plenty of time for women to learn more fishing skills on the water. Ladies chose from guided kayak fishing, pontoon/deck boat or inshore/flats boat fishing. "Caught" could signify either landing or releasing.
Pontoon Boat/Capt. Ray: Phyllis Marmo, Cape Coral, FL released a small snook and two small rays. Jill Stanley, Cape Coral, FL released a small trout.
Captain Jack's Fishing Tours: Using live shrimp and artificial lures, the women released trout and other fish.
Capt. Mike Hertzog/Rip N Lip Charters: The women released six sea trout and two snapper. Linda Redditt, Cape Coral, FL caught her first-ever mackerel and Margaret Plaxton, Ontario, Canada caught her first-ever ladyfish. They learned how to use popping corks.
Capt. Peggy Riley/Seafari: Using live shrimp and artificial lures, two of the women caught trout. They learned more about casting, lures and baiting hooks.
Capt. Eric Napier: The ladies enjoyed seeing dolphins and catching multiple trout.
Capt. Chris Stanford: The women caught several trout using artificial lures and live bait. They learned side casting techniques and how to use various lures. Patricia Weaver, Fort Myers, FL released a 12-inch flounder.
Florida Paddlesports Kayaks: Ten ladies went kayak fishing. Lovell Luparni, Miami, FL caught a 27-inch redfish. They learned how to retrieve lures from mangroves, how to bring in fish andmore knot tying.
Overview:
"Ladies Let's Go Fishing!" hosts saltwater fishing universities for women in different Florida cities. This mini Fishing University offered much of what is offered at the full universities except in a shorter time frame. Noted as the "No Yelling School of Fishing!"
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 as well as 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.
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