Women Learn Fishing Skills at Rocky Mountain "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!"® Seminar

Sheila Bobik, Ft. Collins, CO, came to learn so she could teach her grandchildren how to fly fish. Judy Duncan, Aurora, CO, came to learn skills to become more comfortable fishing with her boyfriend, an avid fly fisherman. Cheryl Francetic, Orange Park, FL, was interested in fly fishing but needed hands on instruction. Victoria Jones, Denver, CO, had not fished in 50 years and wanted to learn how.

Each found something in common with more than 50 women who attended the second "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!" fly fishing seminar on Sept. 10-12 in Littleton, CO. Held in conjunction with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and sponsored by Eagle Claw, the seminar offered fly fishing classes, hands-on instruction and a guided fishing excursion. Known as the "No- Yelling School of Fishing," the program's objective was to teach women the fundamentals of fly fishing in a friendly, supportive setting.

"We have found a unique way to put the 'fun' into fishing for women," commented seminar Founder, Betty Bauman, named national "Woman of the Year" in the fishing industry by the American Sportfishing Association. The organization also offers a membership association to continue the networking experience.

The weekend seminar began with a social event on Friday, Sept. 10 at Seagull's Resturant near Chatfield Marina. On Saturday, the women spent the day at the Kassler Environmental Center learning fishing techniques presented by the area's best instructors at both beginner and advanced levels.

The seminar offered instruction and "hands- on" practice at skill stations such as fish ID, safety and regulations, wet and dry flies, knot tying, fly equipment usage, fly casting, conservation skills and more. On Sunday, the women went on a guided fishing excursion.

The next LLGF seminar, a saltwater fishing venue, will be held Oct. 15-17 in Islamorada, FL. We still have room, so if you're interested, log onto www.ladiesletsgofishing.com for rates and details.

The $95 Rocky Mountain seminar registration included instruction, meals, T-Shirts, goody bags, door prizes, guided fishing trip and more. For information, contact: Robin Knox, Colorado Division of Wildlife, ph. 303-291- 7362, fax 303-291-7104, email robin.knox@state.co.us (or) LLGF, Fort Lauderdale, FL, ph. 954-475-9068, fax 954-474-7299, email billfishbetty@hotmail.com, web site www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Thanks to the folllowing participants for their comments! We have reviewed the surveys and appreciate the great suggestions! Their comments are below.

We also thank our major sponsors in addition to Eagle Claw, Wright & McGill Co. and the Colorado Division of Wildlife: Bass Pro Shops (Rainbow Trout Sponsor), Ocean2Mountain Outdoor Products, Maxima Line, Hook & Tackle, Crocs, Royal Robbins and Coulter Lake Guest Ranch!

"Very informative and No Yelling!" - E. Hergert, Greeley, CO
"I learned more in one weekend than I learned in two years from my husband!" - M. Moore, Idaho Springs, CO
"A great place for a beginner to get a foundation!" - Z. Anjo, Denver, CO
"I learned a ton - there was not a thing more important than the next thing!" - P. Bartos, Cheyenne, WY
"Very well presented, great variety of information!" - S. Bobik, Ft. Collins, CO
"Nobody talked down to us! Now, I'll be on the river fishing instead of reading about fly fishing!" - E. Bull, Salida, CO
"It was a blast!" - L. Couillard, Castlerock, CO
"I have been looking for a seminar like this!" - L. DePinto, Castlerock, CO
"I love fishing but now I love fly fishing more!" - T. D Freni, Castlerock, CO
"I decided it was time to learn, as I have been wanting to try this sport for years!" - J. Gilliam, Loveland, CO
"Excellent! I would recommend this to anyone!" - E. Fowler, Salida, CO

Concluding note: For those who attended the Rocky Mountain seminar, please email us if you would like to be placed on a list to serve with us on the committee for future seminars in Colorado. We aren't sure when we will be able to return to Colorado, but will contact you when we know.

After the seminar, we enjoyed horseback riding among the golden aspens and green pines at Coulter Lake Guest Ranch, just outside of Rifle. In the evenings, we went skeet shooting and rested our weary behinds by the fireplace. What a beautiful place! Those who live in Colorado are so lucky to have such an awesome state. Here's their website in case you want to plan a trip there. In the winter, they will offer snowmobiling. www.coulterlake.com.