New Anglers Net Fishing Skills at “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” Gulf Coast University March 23-25
Women came to learn fishing skills and nailed the fish at the “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” (LLGF) Gulf Coast University March 23-25 at Bass Pro Shops, Fort Myers, FL.
The University offered education, hands-on fishing activities, networking and an optional fishing trip. While the participants were predominately female, some brought husbands and teens for the whole family to learn fishing.
The “No Yelling School of Fishing” began with an informal reception on Friday. On Saturday were classroom presentations by Betty Bauman/Fishing Basis/Conservation, Craig Timbes “Snook Cowboy”/Best Times to Fish and Capt. Jon Fetter/Inshore Fishing. The curriculum included hands-on skill practice such as hook removal/release techniques, knot tying, fly casting, spin casting, net casting and backing with Magic Tilt Trailers. The event concluded with a fundraiser.
Women came for many reasons, some to learn so they could take their children fishing, others to learn how to fish on their own boats, some to network with other women interested in fishing.
On Sunday, participants embarked on their chosen fishing adventures from boats where they caught or released snook, snapper, redfish, sea trout and other species.
Featured on national network television and more, the series is supported by major partners including Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation, Take Me Fishing, Vamos a Pescar, Mercury, Magic Tilt trailers, Penn, Power-Pole and Fish Florida. Annual sponsors are Freedom Boat Club, Coastal Conservation Association, Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort, Sunrise Resort & Marina, AFTCO/Guy Harvey and Future Angler Foundation. Other donors are listed on the website.
Other LLGF events include:
April 27-29 South Florida Saltwater Weekend Seminar
May 12 Palm Beach Surf Fishing Seminar
June 22-23 Keys Fishing Learning on the Water
Oct.19-21 Keys Saltwater Weekend Seminar
Register soon at www.ladiesletsgofishing.com
Fishing Report:
Capt. Jon Fetter/Catching the Cure: A family team of mother Erin Howell, father Aaron Howell and 13 year old teen, Haley Howell had nonstop fish action and released all their fish. Haley Howell released ten ladyfish, three sheepshead, two gray trout and three spotted sea trout. Aaron released six ladyfish, five sea trout, two sheepshead and two puffer fish. Erin released five sea trout and eight ladyfish, all in only four hours of fishing. They released several catfish and were using live shrimp on jig heads or popping corks. All are from Estero, FL.
Adventures in Paradise Group Boat: Fishing with live shrimp, eleven ladies and men released 31 sea trout and had two keepers.
Capt. Keith Kersey/5/O Charters: A family team of a mother and two teen daughters came from Parkland, FL to spend quality time learning to fish together. Teen angler Amy Krueger released three mangrove snappers and a ladyfish. Teen angler Erin Pyper released six mangrove snappers. Mother Robin Krueger released a mangrove snapper and a catfish. It was a nice break to focus on a family-shared experience.
Capt. Rob Fussnecker/Aqua Breeze Fishing Charters: The sheepshead bite turned on as the ladies were free-lining with mud crabs size of a quarter on 1/0 hook with 3 foot 20 lb. leaders. In all they caught twenty sheepshead, many at 8-9 lbs. each. Sheane Hatch, who never caught a fish before, was excited to catch sheepshead and a redfish. Using jig heads with shrimp, the ladies caught four redfish measuring 19-22 inches. They released four spotted sea trout and six ladyfish. Sheane Hatch, Ft. Myers, FL who never caught a fish before landed sheepshead and a keeper redfish. Fussnecker said it was the most enjoyable charter he has ever had.
Capt. Brian Lynch/Sea Shift: Everyone released sea trout. Naomi Kelly released a ladyfish. Two ladies hooked large snook but lost them.
Capt. Jeff Bankowski/Chum Slickers: Mickie Martini, who never fished before, was excited to catch the first fish on the boat, releasing a blacktip shark. The four anglers released ten sea trout measuring 13-14inches, six ladyfish measuring 16 to 22 inches, catfish and pin fish. They learn baiting tips, casting and tackle usage.
By: Betty Bauman
