Ladies Snag Fishing Skills at Treasure Coast “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” University May 16-18
OutdoorHub 05.20.14
Nearly fifty women spent the weekend sharing fishing knowledge at the Treasure Coast “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” (LLGF) University May 16-18 at Pirates Cove Resort & Marina, Stuart, FL. Held in conjunction with support from Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) with Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration, the program offered women a chance to learn, practice and go fishing.
Alexandria Newbold traveled from the Bahamas to learn fishing basics as she explores how to make a living in the fishing industry. Amy Ramondt, Palm Beach, FL wanted to learn the sport with no yelling. “You just can’t know enough about fishing,” said repeat attendee Andrea Edick, Jensen Beach, FL.
The LLGF University kicked off with the Harbor Financial Services Welcome Reception Friday evening, where sponsors and donors were recognized.
The classroom portion began at 8 am on Saturday. Fishing topics were Conservation and Fish Habitats/Heather Sneed of the FWC, Rod and Reel Basics/Capt. Melinda Buckley, Offshore Fishing/Capt. George Mittler, Inshore Fishing/Capt. Marcia Foosaner and a presentation by The Everglades Foundation. Lunch featured a fishing fashion show. After lunch, the women participated in several hands-on fishing stations, such as conservation techniques, spin casting, net casting, landing and releasing, trailer backing with Magic Tilt and Ranger, fly casting, artificial lures with Capt. Mark Nichols/D.O.A. Lures, knot tying, rod and reel maintenance with 4 Reel Systems, gaffing grapefruits and reeling against pressure.
On Sunday, participants practiced their newly learned skills from inshore, offshore and a group party boat charter.
Major partners also included Mercury Outboards, Ranger, Minn Kota, Humminbird and Magic Tilt Trailers. Annual sponsors were West Marine, Bimini Big Game Club, Treasure Cay, Old Bahama Bay, Harbor Financial Services, Sunrise Resort & Marina, Valentines Resort & Marina, Wear Video Badge, Aftco/Guy Harvey, Hook and Tackle and All Rite Grading. Annual Patron sponsors were Star Brite, Cannon Downriggers, Cabot Cheese, Taylor Made Products, Aylesworth’s Fish & Bait and Ocean Tamer. Treasure Coast-only sponsors were The Everglades Foundation and Pirates Cove Resort & Marina. Patron sponsors for the Treasure Coast event were Coconut Palm Inn, Daggaboy Safaris, Capt. Squeeky Kelly, Capt. Jonathan Earhart, Tigress Outriggers, Lewis Marine Supply Stuart, Black Bart and Terry Gibson. Several local charter captains worked one-on-one for fishing skills.
The final 2014 event is in Islamorada/Tavernier, Florida Keys Nov. 14-16. No equipment or experience is necessary. Charter fishing is additional. Contact: phone (954) 475-9068; email info@ladiesletsgofishing.com; website www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
