First Ever All Women’s Team Places 11th in ICAST Cup Presented by FLW
The first-ever all women’s fishing team at the ICAST Cup, presented by the FLW in Orlando, FL July 10 placed eleventh out of 58 boats. Fishing on Team What the Fin (WTF), three women who had never fished together were elated to beat more than 70% of the competitors. Pro Angler Melissa Young, Tavares, FL, Captain Stacy Horak, Crystal River, FL and Betty Bauman, Fort Lauderdale, FL weighed in five bass for a total of 15 pounds 15 ounces, approximately six pounds from first place.
There was a tie for the top prize for the first time in ICAST Cup history. Team Lew’s Fishing brought up 22 pounds, 2 ounces, then Co-Anglers.com weighed in another 22-2 bag. History was made as both teams claimed the title of co-champion. Each team also broke the ICAST Cup total weight record, which was set last year at 20-7.
Team WTF started the day with a bass over 4 pounds caught by Melissa Young on her first cast at 6:45 am. Stacy Horak followed up with another bass about the same size. By 7:30 am when Betty Bauman caught another bass at nearly 5 pounds the ladies started screaming, knowing they had a chance to actually win the tournament. They caught two more small bass to limit out at five. All fish were released following the weigh in.
Commented Betty Bauman, Founder of Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing, “We were elated to finish above so many teams of almost all men – on a boat powered by Mercury!”
The event raised a total of $12,000 to support Keep America Fishing.
Contact information:
Capt. Melissa Young, charter captain MelissaYoungFishing@hotmail.com, 727-674-8931 FB @melissayoungfishing
Betty Bauman, Founder of “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” educational series, info@ladiesletsgofishing.com 954-475-9068, https://www.ladiesletsgofishing.com FB @ladiesletsgofishing
Capt. Stacy Horak, charter captain freeinajeep@gmail.com 352-553-3604 FB @captainstacyfishing
About “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”
The Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Foundation (LLGF) is a nonprofit 501C3 organization dedicated to attracting women and families to fishing while encouraging conservation and responsible angling. Known as the “No-Yelling School of Fishing,” LLGF conducts weekend, immersion-based educational programs in multiple regions of Florida with classroom presentations, hands-on practice, networking and an option to fish from boats or land, depending on the venue. No equipment or experience is necessary. The organization also offers fishing experiences and international trips.
Founded in 1997 by Betty Bauman of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, LLGF has over 8,000 graduates from around the country, representing the largest organization of its kind. The effort is supported by sponsors and donors. Both Bauman and the University series are known nationally in the fishing and marine industries. The organization has earned rave reviews from media including Inside Edition, The Early Show, NBC Nightly News, CBS, Good Morning America, Outdoor Life Network, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, Southern Living and more. More details are on https://www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
