Wrapup Release: Ladies, Let’ Go Fishing Screamin’ Reels Islamorada Tournament June 22-23
Dr. Aracely Llanos, San Juan, Puerto Rico clinched First Place Offshore at the Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Screamin’ Reels Tournament June 22-23 in Islamorada, FL. Fishing on Caribsea, Llannos landed a 10.7 lb. mahi to win a Penn Squall combo valued at $199.00. Second place offshore went to Kim Livingston, Key West, FL on the FinFreak for a 9.4 lb. mahi. Jill Whitcombe, Naples, FL won the Inshore division with a 15 inch blue runner.
Forty anglers caught a total of 108 fish, including 77 mahi, 16 tuna, two wahoo, plus inshore fish to win $1800 in prizes, including reel combos, art prints, lures, line, jewelry and sunglasses. Commented Betty Bauman, LLGF Founder, “It didn’t take a huge fish to win this tournament, with simple rules designed for beginners who don’t normally compete. Our goal is to bring business to the Keys and encourage novice anglers to fish. In addition to Puerto Rico and Florida, ladies came from Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Arizona and California to experience fishing in the Keys.”
Hosted by the nonprofit organization, the event included a class on offshore fishing conducted by Capt. Skip Bradeen at Seaside Glass Works, followed by a day of fishing and friendly competition on Saturday. Friday appetizer contest winners were Cindy Clegg, Islamorada, FL for Deviled Eggs with Bacon, Mary Metcalf, Ft. Lauderdale, FL for Spinach Dip and Maryanne Vondertann, Ft. Lauderale, FL for Crab Ceviche. Photo contest winners were Costa Morada and Sea Horse for first and second place respectively.
Prizes were presented upon the return of boats on Saturday at Whale Harbor, Islamorada, FL. Participants fished from charter boats or their own boats.
Brief Fishing Report by Boat:
Fishing on flat calm seas, everyone hooked a fish.
Offshore:
Costa Morada: The ladies caught seven mahi, two skipjack tuna and two wahoo, with all fish ranging from 5-8 lbs. The gals had an exciting triple wahoo hookup.
Blue Chip Too: Four mahi up to 6 lbs.
Caribsea: 29 mahi, most ranging from 5-8 lbs. Dr. Aracely Llanos, San Juan, Puerto Rico, landed the heaviest fish, a 10.7 lb. mahi to win First Place Offshore.
Sea Horse: The ladies caught 22 mahi, 5-8 lbs. and released 18 mahi, one 2 lb. triple tail and a small jack. The mate netted live pilchards. Mary Metcalf, Fort Lauderdale, FL caught the triple tail. There were multiple hookups with all six anglers fighting fish. Jackie Velaquez, Key Largo, FL caught her first mahi ever, weighing 8.3 lbs.
On The Hunt: Three blackfin tunas, 3-5 lbs.
Everglades 225: Maria Newman, Miami, FL caught three mahi up to 8.25 lbs., four blackfin tuna, a skipjack and one jack.
Reel Women: Seven mahi, three tuna, one bonito.
Fin Freak: Nine mahi with one weighing 9.48 lbs. caught by Kim Livingston, Key West, FL to clinch second place offshore.
Inshore:
Nauti Star: Six mangrove snapper, one blue runner. Released: seven snapper, one grunt and one grouper. Jill Whitcomb, Npales, FL took first and second place inshore fish with a 15 inch blue runner and a 14.5 inch mangrove snapper.
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, Power-Pole and Fish Florida. Largest Annual Sponsors are Freedom Boat Club, Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort, Sunrise Resort & Marina and Future Angler Foundation. Local sponsors are Breezy Palms Resort, Seaside Glassworks and Saltwater Brewery.
LLGF will return to the Keys for their full day seminar with two parties, two days of fishing and the Fishing Fever tournament Oct. 19-21. Participants are encouraged to register at least two months in advance to secure their fishing charter spots. There will also be an educational event at the Tampa Bay Boat Show on Sept. 9.
The next LLGF Screamin’ Reels in Islamorada is scheduled for June 21-23, 2019. Check the website for updates.
Contact: LLGF, phone 954-475-9068, fax 954-474-7299, email: [email protected], website: www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
By: Betty Bauman
