LADIES NET FISHING SKILLS AT FT. LAUDERDALE “LADIES, LET’S GO FISHING!" SEMINAR
MAY 1-3, 2009

            "I can compete with my husband…and now I can bait my own hook!” said Suzanne Petersen of Fort Lauderdale, FL, after completing the "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!®" South Florida Seminar May 1-3.
            Held at the Ramada Inn and Marina Bay, more than 40 ladies learned fishing secrets from the pros, practiced hands-on skills and tested their new fishing knowledge on the water.
            Known as the “No-Yelling School of Fishing,” this award-winning series for women, held in conjunction with Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and presented by Mercury Outboards, kicked off with a special, mind-setting experience on Friday at 5:15 pm. Hypnotherapist John Tur of www.HypnosisGroup247.com, treated participants to a session on stress relief and building self confidence prior to the networking reception. On Saturday morning, presentations were made by Capt. Lee Lavery (Fishing Basics); Capt. Jim Anson (Fly Fishing); Capt. Tony Digiulian (Offshore and Bottom Fishing); Capt. Ky Smith (Inshore Fishing); and Rich Abrams of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Conservation). All topics were taught at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
            Local captains and LLGF South Florida Chapter members worked one-on-one with participants to show a wide variety of fishing activities including boat handling; conservation and dehooking; spin and net casting; releasing; reeling against pressure; knot tying; gaffing techniques with grapefruits; trailer backing with a Magic Tilt trailer; operating a Minn Kota trolling motor, Mercury outboard, Bob's jack plate and Power-Pole.
            To complete the experience, a Fishing Adventure on Sunday gave the women a chance to practice their newly learned skills on the water. Each of the charter boats came back with exciting reports of many ladies catching or releasing large amberjack, dolphin and more.
            Featured on national network television and more, the seminar series is held in conjunction with the FWC through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, presented by Mercury Outboards and supported by major partners such as Ranger Boats represented by Joel’s Outboard Marine, Boat U.S., ANGLER Insurance, Gulfstream Int’l Airlines, Shimano, Minn Kota, Magic Tilt and Humminbird. Annual partners included Bob’s Machine Shop, Raymond James & Associates, Power-Pole, Hook & Tackle, Eagle Claw, Tigress Outriggers, Pompanette, Crocs, Treasure Cay Resort & Marina, Aftco Bluewater/Guy Harvey, Mary Kay, Silverstar Jewelers and more. Class sponsors were Awlgrip, Dolphin Jewelers and Costco.

Class notes:

Media: We were pleased to have reporters from The Herald and Sun Sentinel at the seminar. The Sun Sentinel article is scheduled for June 7 in the Florida Outdoor Life section.  The Miami Herald article is scheduled for Sunday, May 10.

Dolphin Jewelers - If you didn't have a chance to pick up a great piece of gold or silver jewelry, check out www.dolphinjewelersonline.com.

Thanks to Costco for contributing to the Friday party!

Bauman Named One of The Top Women in American Boating by BoatU.S. Magazine
Betty Bauman, Founder and CEO of “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!®”, was just named one of The Top Women in American Boating by BoatU.S. Magazine. She was prominently featured in the May 2009 issue which celebrated a few of the most impressive and inspiring women who are setting the trend for female boaters.

CALENDAR INFORMATION: 2009 schedule: June 26-28, Stuart, FL and Nov. 13-15, Islamorada, FL. Registration is $99/early entry, up to $145/walkins. Includes welcome party, classes at beginner/advanced levels, lunch, hands-on skill stations, Fishing additional.

Thanks to our Partners!  Our valued sponsors help provide manpower, equipment for the skill stations and exciting products.  This program would not be possible without their support! Special thanks to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Sport Fish Restoration Program, Mercury Outboards, Ranger Boats, BoatU.S. ANGLER Insurance, Gulfstream International Airlines, Shimano, Magic Tilt Trailers, Minn Kota,and Humminbird for major sponsorships.  Please patronize them!  Annual sponsors: Bob’s Machine Shop, Raymond James & Associates, Power-Pole, Hook & Tackle, Eagle Claw, Tigress Outriggers, Pompanette, Crocs, Treasure Cay Resort & Marina, Aftco Bluewater/Guy Harvey, Silverstar Fine Jewelers, and Mary Kay Cosmetics. Local contributions provided by:Awlgrip, Dolphin Jewelers and Costco. Sponsor information is in the class book.

A Note on Conservation: Remember, it is up to you to insure there will be quality fishing tomorrow!

Comments from participants:
“My husband loves to fish. We are buying a boat so I can get into it now, too.”
“You are all knowledgeable, enthusiastic and you care. You can tell you love the sport.”
— Lara Pietras, Greenacres, FL
“The program eliminates intimidation and boosts confidence. I will keep coming back. Plus, I love the auction!”  — Michell Getchell, Pompano Beach, FL
“Fishing is fun!  It’s even more fun with others who share the same passion.” — Doris Mitchell, Orlando, FL
“Fishing is fun without yelling.” — Lin Burley, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
“I have been fishing all my life and still learned so much from the speakers and the seminar. I enjoyed meeting other women who had enthusiasm for this sport!” — Jennifer Kerlin, Jupiter, FL
“I love fishing but never have the opportunity. I came to learn to tie knots, learn fish habits and be self-sufficient so I don’t have to depend on anyone else to ‘take’ me fishing.” — Tonie Farace, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
“You guys put on one heck of an event!! I used to fish with my Dad as a kid and since have done some saltwater fishing with friends. I was surprised to find out how little I really knew about the subject and how much more I learned in just a few hours with your seminar and expert instructors.” — Leslie Knudsen, Boca Raton, FL

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