FAQ’s

We use PayPal for credit card processing for your convenience and security of your credit card information. You can use this even if you don’t have a Paypal account. There is place at the bottom of the PayPal window you can check you are using it as a guest. Or you can use funds from your PayPal account. A small fee will be added to your transaction to cover this convenience. State of the art security technology – 24/7 transaction monitoring – verification systems – protection against unauthorized purchase.

It is preferable to pay in advance due to any meals that need to be ordered and ESPECIALLY if you want to go fishing. You need register online in advance with your payment including for fishing. We have to book the boats as far in advance as possible. Registration and fishing choices are not confirmed until payment is received. If we waited until last minute most likely the boats would be not available. Fishing choices usually become wait listed 1-2 weeks prior to each seminar or event..

Social angler membership with fishing! If you already know how to fish and can’t attend the full day on Saturday, come to the Friday party and fish with us on Sunday! Bring more, male or female – fees are on each University information page. You pay the fee plus fishing, see charter rates below. Does not include anything on Saturday, come to the party and fish on Sunday.jacc/]What is wait-listing for fishing?::

About 2 weeks prior to the seminar and when the charter boats we have held are filled, we place additional registrants on a “wait-list” status until we can fill an additional boat. We usually ask for first, second and third choice at that time and do our best to fill them to your priority. If you paid for your first choice we adjust that once we know what fishing we can put you on and you are notified. If we don’t get enough to fill a boat and you cannot fish we refund the fishing fee.

Not at all! At least half of the ladies attend solo. It’s a great place to meet new friends who like to fish.

An interesting group from all walks of life. Attendees range from housewives and retirees, doctors and CEO’s. Ages range from 21 – 75 and teens can also come when accompanied by an adult (both have to pay). They come from all over the country.

Absolutely no experience is necessary and beginners are our specialty!

Yes! You never know it all about fishing and new techniques are constantly being discovered. Most of the full day seminars offer a fishing basics course but have an option for those who know the basics to hear a different instructor in another room on a fishing topic.

We ask for 2 reasons. We are one of the few organizations who are taking statistics on women and fishing. The other reason is when we match up participants for the Sunday fishing trips we try to group similar ages and experience levels.

For the full day seminars we offer a fishing basics course but have an option for those who know the basics to hear a different instructor in another room on a fishing topic.
Beginner: This class starts with an hour on the basics of the rod and reel: Differences between conventional and spinning reels, how to hold them properly, what is pound test line, drag system and more. Even though you have fished before, if someone else made the decisions about tackle and baited your hook, you may be in this category.
Intermediate/Advanced: This is for participants who are comfortable fishing on their own. The instructors will use terminology but will assume the class knows the definitions. The classes cover the same categories (inshore, offshore, bottom fishing) but concentrate on technique only.
For a more detailed description of the difference between the classes click here (link to https://www.ladiesletsgofishing.com/seminar/classlevel.asp )
You can switch classes during the seminar if you feel you have selected incorrectly.

The hotel room is not included in the registration fee, but LLGF reserves a block at discount rates that expire in advance of the seminar. Our website and flyers list a “host hotel” and their contact information.

You will get a confirmation by mail. If you register far in advance, it might be about 2 months prior to the seminar before you get the confirmation as we need all of the weekend’s details to be finalized before we send them.

You can bring and register teens if you feel they are mature enough to sit for a half day of classes. The curriculum is conducted on an adult level but also appropriate for teens. For children younger than teens it is possible they may become restless to sit for that many hours and may disrupt your ability to learn. There are many programs offered at the child level that are mostly participatory. Teens may also go fishing but all the rates for fishing and registration are per person. .

Yes for most venues, but you have to register for him and pay for it. He can also fish, too if you sign him up for that. He can come to the party as your guest for free if he is not fishing.[/toggle]Do I need to bring a fishing rod?::

It’s not necessary, but if you want to bring it to ask questions about it, that’s fine. You do not need to bring a fishing rod on the fishing trip, but if you really want to bring your own and feel it’s appropriate, you can bring it and ask the captain if it’s ok to use it. It should have line, though.

Yes, but you will learn more by fishing with the experienced guides LLGF supplies.

We send a confirmation that provides directions and all that information upon receiving your registration.

No. If you have a chapter in your area and plan on joining, however, we suggest you attend the seminar first so you will be better prepared to attend their fishing trips.

Put their names in the section of the registration form that says “Other party members.” While we can’t guarantee you can fish together, we have been successful 99%. Reserve your space as early as possible.

Please see the cancellation policy and No Worries – it is on each University information page at the bottom. We also offer a No Worries policy for a small fee where you can cancel up t 30 days before the event and receive a refund. Your money is typically refunded the way you paid unless you registered more than 2 months before the event – in that case we can send a check.

I am not eligible to receive a refund, can I send a substitute?”]If you fail to meet the cancellation deadline and you can always send a substitute in your place. As long as it’s a female age 21 or over.

You will learn techniques for inshore, offshore, bottom and fly fishing. Then, you will have a chance to practice fishing skills hands-on (see “skill stations” below), then apply this knowledge if you opt to take the Sunday fishing trip.

Usually there are more male than female instructors, mostly because there are more men who are qualified and able to do so. It doesn’t matter if they are male or female as long as they’re patient and knowledgeable!

On Saturday afternoon, you will have a chance to practice 12 – 20 fishing skills with an instructor, such as knot tying, choosing hooks, gaffing grapefruits and how to make that decision, boat handling, trailer backing, casting, net casting, bait/lure rigging and more. You can attend the skill stations at your own pace. The skill stations vary from area to area.

Our oceans are a finite resource. If you learn conservation techniques in the beginning, you’ll be equipped to make a difference for the future of fishing, so your children and grandchildren can enjoy this wholesome sport. What else can you do with family and friends, where you are together, working as a team/unit, without outside interruptions?

The main species of saltwater fish include but are not limited to dolphin, tuna, wahoo, sailfish, mackerel, marlin, grouper, snapper, cobia, snook, tarpon, sea trout, redfish, permit, bonefish, jack crevalle, bait fish and more. Some of the techniques would extend to salmon, halibut, striper and fish common to other areas.

It helps defray the cost of the program, plus it provides a great chance to see items that will help you when fishing.

Depending on the facility, it opens at the Friday welcome reception and closes at the end of the skill stations on Saturday.

You can get great deals and see the latest and greatest in fishing equipment. There are super trips, airfare and great art pieces.

Since it’s a fund raiser, anyone with a credit card, check or cash, men or women, participants, volunteers, guests and anyone involved with the event. You will receive an email with the list and websites to help you make decisions in advance.

Yes. Some of the most interesting items have come from participants and it’s a great chance to promote what you do.

A portion of the proceeds from select seminars go to various charities that offer programs to help women or the environment. The funds also help defray the cost of the seminars and enable LLGF to contribute to a variety of charitable causes, including conservation group efforts, groups who help the homeless and numerous fishing events whose proceeds go to charities.

If you want to hold a fishing rod most of the time, the party boat (drift boat) or inshore/flats fishing are good choices. If you want to practice casting, the inshore/flats is your best choice. The party boat also takes the public and usually goes bottom or drift fishing. Usually the fish caught are small, but there are exceptions! The sportfishing boat might go trolling or bottom fishing. When trolling, you should be observing what is happening, what the captains/mates are using. You usually will sit until a fish hits. Then the fun begins. If the fish aren’t biting, then get to know the other ladies and observe while you can. In some areas, the sportfishing boats will seek dolphin, tuna, wahoo, sailfish, kingfish and more. Party boat and Sportfishing boat usually has a bathroom. Inshore/flats is a good choice if you are concerned about rough seas. Inshore/flats usually do not have a bathroom, but many times they are close to land if you have to make a pit stop. If not, it’s time to get used to the bucket or over the side method. Don’t worry, guides are used to this situation and know how to handle it!

That is different per area and per category. In all cases it includes the vessel and operator. You will need to bring your own snacks, sandwiches and sodas. The party boat usually includes rod and reel rental. If it does not, the registration form will reflect this. Inshore/flats boats include rods, reels and tackle, plus a guide. If live bait is additional, we will tell you at the seminar. Usually it is not, and sometimes you’ll have a chance to catch live bait, a valuable experience! Offshore boats include rods, reels, tackle, captain, usually a mate. Most times, dead bait is included if appropriate. Live bait is usually not included, but sometimes you will have a chance to catch it yourselves!

We recommend you bring rain gear even if it’s not raining, to keep you dry because saltwater can blow into the boat. If the seas are not fishable and the captains agree that it’s not safe to venture out, the fishing adventure will be cancelled but participants will have the option to re-book at the same rate for a practice fishing trip in calmer waters. Usually most re-book because it’s a great opportunity to practice fishing skills and ask questions of the captains and Mates.

The captain will choose the most efficient method for catching fish, depending on what’s biting.

Absolutely! The decision is up to the angler, however some protected species including sailfish, bonefish and tarpon are in an all-release category.

Possibly, but you would be on an inshore/flats boat which takes two and would not be fishing with other ladies. Or, the party boats do take public so you can buy a party boat fishing spot for him. The sportfishing boats take six anglers and spouses cannot be on the boat with other ladies who have paid for those spots.

No, but the captains and the mates will provide as much guidance as possible. They are independent operators, not instructors, and can provide a wealth of information based on their experience. Just remember to ask questions when the fishing is slow.

No, but you will probably want to after learning how to fish.

No. We will take care of filling the boat.

The boat will not return in case of seasickness. If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend you purchase over the counter medicines and take them the night before. Do not drink much alcohol the night before and also don’t eat a heavy breakfast prior to departing on the fishing day.

Usually not, however we will advise in the class if you are on a boat where you need one and how you can easily telephone in for your license with a credit card. Sometimes the seminars book private tournament boats which provide an excellent experience.

At the welcome reception, sometimes there are snacks served but not dinner and there is a cash bar. On Saturday morning there usually is coffee and pastries, but not a full continental breakfast. You may be served lunch on Saturday depending on venue, but don’t expect multiple courses or anything fancy. You are there to learn fishing! There is no additional food served on Saturday afternoon. Dinner Saturday night is on your own, except for the Islamorada seminar where there may be a second party. On the Sunday fishing adventure, no food or beverages are provided. You may want to bring sodas, snacks, sandwiches, etc. If you have a special dietary requirement, we suggest you bring what you need.

At a special event, such as the Alaska (women only) or Costa Rica (men invited) trip, you will learn fishing skills on a boat as you are fishing. There are no sit-down seminars. The seminars provide a mix of learning experiences including sit down classes and hands-on practice, culminating with the optional fishing trip.

Many ladies get to go fishing but someone else does the rigging, tackle selection, etc. LLGF provides theory, hands-on experience and a chance to try your skills on the water, plus, networking and fun. This complete package will jump-start you into the sport. That’s better than beginning your learning when you have your first fish on. Saltwater fishing is a team sport, and it’s advantageous to learn the equipment and procedures before you get in the game.

Traditionally, women don’t have the mentoring men have when it comes to fishing. That’s what LLGF strives to provide. Whole the focus is on women, some venues may allow men so the family can learn fishing together.

The main focus of the seminars is to teach fishing skills and provide the fishing experience. The seminars also provide a networking function. The focus of the chapters are to provide networking and occasional fishing trips, but not to teach fishing skills. Most chapters have regular meetings with speakers who do cover some fishing skills or topics to provide skill refreshers.

Right now there is a hold on starting any new chapters, as it is still in the pilot stage. Let us know, however, that you are interested and we will keep you informed of any progress.

No.

Since the chapters were formed to create a networking opportunity, you must have attended a LLGF seminar prior to joining or make plans to take the seminar within one year of becoming a chapter member. The objective of the seminar is to teach. The objective of the chapters is to have meetings where you can listen to a speaker and to provide a chance to network with other women who like to fish.

If your seminar is in hurricane season and you are flying, we recommend trip insurance. If the meeting facility must close due to impending hurricane, LLGF will reschedule the seminar and refund to those who can’t make the new date. If it’s questionable, the best action would be to log into the website and listen to the cartoon character on the home page quickly. The headquarters can handle only so many phone calls at a time but the message would be changed to reflect postponements. Many of the functions are indoors and can be held in inclement weather.

The sponsors provide equipment, expertise and services that will help you as you go fishing. Their contributions help defray the costs so the seminars can be offered at an affordable rate. LLGF recommends participants support these sponsors and mention LLGF when patronizing them. Without them, the program would not be possible.[/toggle]How long has LLGF been operating and how many women have graduated?::

LLGF was founded in 1997. Nearly 8,000 women have graduated from the program.