Aspiring anglers can learn, practice skills and go fishing at the award winning “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!®” Keys University, Oct. 20-22 in the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Hosted by the nonprofit Ladies Let’s Go Fishing Foundation, the program offers classroom presentations, two networking events, hands-on skill practice and more. Optional charter fishing is offered on Friday and Sunday. Classes will be held at the waterfront BPOE Elks Lodge in Tavernier FL, with fishing departing from nearby Islamorada. No equipment or experience is required.
Activities launch Friday evening with a networking social and appetizer contest from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Saturday morning indoor presentations begin at 10 am, covering Offshore, Inshore and Bottom Fishing, plus Fishing Basics and Conservation. Speakers include legendary Stu Apte, tournament champion Allison Stattner, renowned Capt. Gary Ellis and accomplished Capt. Lee Lavery. Setting this program apart from typical fishing classes are the hands-on fishing activities taught by several guides for releasing, knot tying, dehooking, bait rigging, spin casting, gaffing grapefruits, cast netting, trailer backing, boat handling and more until 4:30 pm. A second networking party will be held afterwards at Seaside Glassworks.
On Friday and Sunday are optional inshore and offshore fishing charter trips out of Whale Harbor and Robbies, followed by a fillet demonstration.
Ladies may register a male guest or teens to include the whole family.
Featured on national network television and more, the series is supported by major partners including ACR Electronics, Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation, Mercury, Ranger Boats, Humminbird, Minn Kota, Magic Tilt trailers, Penn, Fish Florida and Power-Pole. Annual sponsors are Freedom Boat Club, Coastal Conservation Association, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Savage Gear/Okuma, Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort, Sunrise Resort & Marina, AFTCO/Guy Harvey, Future Angler Foundation and Seaguar.
Online early registration rate is $125 per person. Regular entry is $145. VIP registration of $160 offers reserved seating, goody bag, a gift, future rebates and savings on souvenirs. Registration fee includes instruction, the use of equipment, a welcome reception, lunch, Saturday party, $20 in gifts and $300 worth of door prizes. Accommodations are listed on the website.
Remaining 2017 LLGF events include:
Sept. 8-10 Northeast Florida Seminar weekend St. Augustine
Oct. 20-22 Keys Seminar Weekend/Islamorada
Dec. TBA Everglades/Chokoloskee Adventure
International Adventures/Cuba:
Sept. 14-18 Havana-Varadero
Oct 12-16 Havana-Santiago
Oct. 19-23 Havana-Vinales
Nov. 9-13 All Santiago
Nov. 30-Dec. 4 Havana-Varadero
Contact: LLGF, phone 954-475-9068, email: [email protected],
About “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”
The Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Foundation (LLGF) is a national nonprofit 501C3 organization dedicated to attracting women and families to fishing while encouraging conservation and responsible angling. LLGF promotes networking among and emphasizes mentorships. Founded in 1997 by Betty Bauman, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, LLGF has over 8,000 graduates and is the largest organization in the world whose objective is to introduce women and families to fishing. Both Bauman and the University series – dubbed “The No-Yelling School of Fishing” – are known nationally in the fishing and marine industries. The organization has earned rave reviews from media including Inside Edition, The Early Show, NBC Nightly News, CBS, Good Morning America, Outdoor Life Network, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, Southern Living and more.
By: Betty Bauman
