FIFTH ANNUAL ST. PETERSBURG Event, July 27-28, 2002 - Another great success!

We were pleased to have a successful 5th annual event in St. Petersburg. The event kicked off with a fun welcome reception on Friday night, featuring the LLGF song and dance routine. LLGF Fishing Report The ladies enjoyed calm waters for the half day of fishing.*Capt. Merrily Dunn, Game Fish-Her Charters: Capt. Merrily Dunn and Capt.Terry Simmons provided plenty of entertainment for the anglers, especially when Merrily went running in the water to chase a redfish after it had been
released, trying to retrieve it for a photo. The women learned how difficult it is to out-run a fish. The women caught trout, mackerel, redfish and jacks. They learned about navigation and witnessed a tarpon jumping. They also practiced conservation by collecting litter from the water and learned how to use a dehooker.

*Capt. Jeremy Loercher: The women released a 29" snook and caught 20 trout. They also practiced net casting.
*Capt. Ray Van Horn: Everyone caught trout, with Sue Cmar of St. Petersburg, FL catching her first trout. The the women reported having lots of fun. *Capt. Ernie Griffin: Lisa Perry of St. Petersburg, FL and Cassie Bock of Plant City, FL both caught redfish over 26 inches. There were also trout and grouper caught. *Capt. Geoffrey Page, Art-i-Fish-All: The women caught trout and ladyfish. Florida Fisherman II: Everyone caught fish, including grunts and mackerel. Nobody got sick! Hi C's: The women caught 35 fish, including snapper, grouper, bonita and kingfish. Susan Maksabedian of Kissimmee, FL caught the first fish of the day, a mackerel, her first fish ever. She was surprised at how slimy it was. Sherry Valdes of South Pasadena, FL experienced hooking herself with a treble hook. The women made new friends and named themselves the 'Ya-Ya
Fisherhood'. Indicision: Everyone caught grey snapper. Jody Evans of Largo, FL and Morgan Tracy of Brunswick, NJ caught sharks. Lucky Too: The women caught 60 fish offshore, including small grouper, grunts, Spanish mackerel and a shark. The most memorable comment, by Capt. Andy Kotsaftis of Madeira Beach, FL, was: "Don't catch a grouper sitting on
your pooper!" This was after he hollered 'Fish on' with no response, as the anglers were busy socializing. Lucky Too II: Melissa Brimmage and Kathleen Brucker, both of St.Petersburg, FL had two sharks on at the same time. Kathleen caught her
first fish that was larger than a bait fish. The women caught Spanish mackerel, white grunts and sharks. At the Fish Tales Party, Suzie Bristol of St. Petersburg declared she now wants a rod and reel for her birthday, instead of the garage door opener she previously requested. Capt. Dave Zalewski, Redington Beach, FL, noted he would rather take groups of women
fishing because they listen better than men and have a greater appreciation of nature. The Hubb: Participants caught grouper and grunts for a total of 65 fish. Reddington Pier: Jessica Smith of St. Petersburg was excited to catch her
first fish ever, a jack. Fish Recipe Winners: JoAnn McCall, St. Petersburg, FL for Mango Tango Grouper and Andrea Brasfield, St. Petersburg, FL for Fish Chowder. * Take the Ladies Fishing Sponsors

Thanks to our Partners!
Our valued sponsors help provide manpower and equipment for the skill stations as well as make it possible for participants to take products home.This provides the opportunity to become familiar with the best names in theindustry. Special thanks to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Sport Fish Restoration, Mercury Outboards (presenting sponsor),
Ranger Boats (Official Boat) /Marine Dynamics, Bass Pro Shops, (Wahoo Sponsor), BoatU.S. Marine Insurance (Insurance Sponsor), Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Lowrance Electronics, Magic Tilt Trailers and
Gulfstream International Airlines (official airlines) for majorsponsorships. Please let them and our other sponsors know how you liked the class: Annual partners include Magic Tilt Trailers, Maxima Line, H2Optix Sunglasses, Yo-Zuri Lures, Eagle Claw Hooks, Hook & Tackle Sportswear, Silverstar Jewelers, Pompanette, Reel Native Florida Fishing
(reelnative.com), Treasure Cay Resort & Marina, The Islands of the Bahamas, King & Bartlett Sportfishing Int'l, Xplores, Mary Kay Cosmetics & Skincare, Benchmark Business Systems, Image Graphics 2000 and Printing Corp. of the
Americas. Class partners: Shimano, Mastry Engine Center, Three Brothers Fishing Co., Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, HWH Electronics, Rally Food Stores, Lee Fisher Cast Net Co., Knarley Harley Art Designs and Royal Robbins
Clothing. Patron Sponsors: Rugged Shark Shoes, Boatmat Corp., Galati Yacht Sales and Tight Lines Publications. They are in the class book. Thanks to our speakers: Jason Schratweiser, Capt. Ernie Griffin, Capt. Merrily Dunn, Capt. Dave Zalewski and Capt. Leiza Fitzgerald! They did a great job of showing how we can contribute to preservation of the
environment.

Great Prizes!
We had some outstanding prizes to give away, thanks to our sponsors,including a trip to King & Bartlett Resort in Maine, a trip to Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina, Abaco, Bahamas, airfare from Gulfstream International Airlines, art prints, Boatmat Corp. mats, tackle boxes from Plano and Lurebox, Shimano tackle, Shakespeare tackle and more, including fishing
trips with Capt. Ernie Griffin, Capt. Thom Smith, Capt. Merrily Dunn, Capt. Geoffrey Page, Capt. Susan O'brien and Hubbard's Marina. Thanks to all auction and raffle donors! Next Event: Islamorada on Oct. 18-20. Includes a fun tournament. The Grand
event of the year!! Sign up soon! Send Us Your Letters and Photos! We need new material for the Association and website. Please email us your comments about the seminar. Let us know if you bought tackle, boats, trucks, fishing equipment, if you have had an interesting fishing adventure. Thanks!

Lowrance has the answer to finding fish, and finding your way on the water.Did you know their hand-held I-Finder units can help you find your way around town when you're driving, too? Contact www.lowrance.com . Need Marine Insurance? Get a free quote at Boat/US Marine Insurance at Boat/US.com. See their womens' web page! HWH Electronics offered a special discount on marine electronics to LLGF participants - call 727-367-2754! Where to buy: Hook & Tackle: BassPro.com, Bass Pro Shops and tackle shops. Royal Robbins: Dillards and Beall's. Note on Conservation: Remember, it is up to you to insure there will be
quality fishing tomorrow! LLGF Seeks Utility Trailer: If you know of a company who is able to donate a
covered trailer, please contact us! Welcome, Ranger Boats, as the Official Boat of Choice for LLGF! Want to see
more? Visit Marine Dynamics, or call 941-698-1444. Or, visit www.rangerboats.com . Remember how important you can be in preserving our marine resources for the
future!