What you can expect to learn through the “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” seminars
Classroom
Fileting on Sunday
Casting
Advanced Classes
Lunch
Stand-Up Fish Fighting
Gaffing
Net Casting
Knot Tying
Ballyhoo Rigging
Fashion Show
Saturday morning sit-down classes: Orientation: – Set the stage for the day, plus fantastic information on where fish live, how they grow and what anglers can do to maintain our fisheries. Fishing tips…and some things you probably did not know about fish habits that will help you target fish. We will also discuss protocol when fishing from charter boats. Hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Classes on Saturday morning:Basics of the Rod and Reel – Getting Started! What kind of equipment do you need? Difference between spinning and conventional reels, which to use for what, how to match a rod to a reel. How to slow down a fish and bring it back to the boat using the rod and drag/brake system. Basic fishing terms. For line, what does pound test mean?Inshore Fishing – Fishing in shallow water, sometimes better for those prone to seasickness. Fish by beaches, rivers, in mangroves or around islands. Fish: Depending on area: Snook, trout, redfish, tarpon, bonefish, mangrove, snapper, flounder, sharks.
What you learn: What to bring, how to find fish, how to catch them, which to release.
Offshore Fishing – Where to find and how to catch local fish such as sailfish, tuna, wahoo, dolphin, mackerel and more!
Bottom Fishing – How to target and catch fish that feed on the bottom such as snapper and grouper.
Lunch: Stand up fish fighting techniques and Dress for Success Fishing Fashions – Learn what fabrics and fashions are best for fishing and clean most easily! Sometimes there is an additional speaker at lunch.
STAND-UP FISH FIGHTING TECHNIQUES – What to do when you get a really big fish on the line. See how to leverage your balance against a human fish in the pool or pulling on the line! Learn to use your lower body to bring the fish to the boat without tiring your arms!
See the secret weapon to effortless fish fighting – the fishing vest!
Afternoon – Hands on Skill practice! Pick the ones you like the best and take at your own pace!
Skill station sessions – typical skill stations offered (varies based on location):
Outdoor Skill Stations:
“REEL” CASTING Station How to get the lure or bait where you want it to go. When to let go of the line. With spinning rods. Bait casting in certain locations.
BOAT HANDLING on the RANGER! Boats have no brakes. This will help your learning curve! Learn basic maneuvers and try your hand at the wheel! Learn about Mercury Outboards, Minn Kota Trolling Motor, Humminbird Electronics, Minn Kota Talon shallow water ancor, , Bob’s Jack Plate and more! Based on weather conditions but usually offered. Learn about Mercury Engines and how to keep your engine performance.
OPERATING BOAT EQUIPMENT (DEPENDING ON VENUE)
LANDING AND RELEASING (Gaffing Grapefruits) – If you can gaff a grapefruit, you will learn the techniques to use on real fish later. It’s better than learning when you have a fish on, as if you miss at the first shot, you could lose the fish!
NET CASTING! – Sometimes having live bait makes the difference between catching and not. If you are out fishing and need to net some live bait, you will be GLAD you learned the technique!
TRAILERING TECHNIQUES – Practice backing your tow vehicle and trailer, with Tony D’Ippolito, MAGIC TILT TRAILERS. Tony is the most patient instructor and will share his secrets so you won’t sweat it next time you are backing a trailer!
Indoor Skill Stations:
HABITAT CONSERVATION AND DE-HOOKING FISH – Learn all about fish and their habitat, and how YOU can make a difference. Learn how to use a dehooker to get fish off hook without touching! Also learn about fish venting tools and where to properly place them, as well as when to use!
GETTING TIED UP IN KNOTS – Learn how to tie on your hook as well as line to leader! Some classes have extra stations for more advanced knots as well.
BALLYHOO RIGGING – In areas where offshore fishing is prevalent, learn how to rig ballyhoo to use for catching pelagic fish such as sailfish, tuna, dolphin, wahoo and more!
HOW TO HOOK UP A LURE – Ever wonder how to set up your lures? What line? Leader? How to tie on? In some areas there will be a station to show you how!
In some areas you will be able to practice putting the hook into live shrimp!
RIGGING OFFSHORE LURES – What goes between the lure and your rod? How to hook it up? Learn this valuable technique at some of the seminars!
Other stations may be there, such as how to save for your boat, tie dock lines, specific to particular seminars.
Some seminars offer other skill stations, such as how to put line on a reel, crimping and more!
In some areas we have reel maintenance, how to take apart a reel and more.
There are also occasional sponsor tables to show you other techniques, such as tying up to the dock and more.
Don’t worry, you don’t need any fishing experience or equipment to attend “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” University for women!
