ISLAMORADA, FL-11/2010 — Ladies traveled from several states to learn fishing skills in the Keys at the “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”® seminar, Nov. 12-14 in Islamorada, FL. Known as the Sportfishing Capitol of the World for its versatile fishing, the Keys delivered a phenomenal learning and fishing experience for participants. For sisters Kathy Wattecamps and Jean Brazelton, Delray Beach, FL, fishing together was on their ‘bucket list.’ They accomplished not only learning, but catching on Sunday. Mary Stella, Marathon, FL had just bought a boat and wanted to learn so she could take people fishing with her. “I love to eat fresh fish, therefore must learn to catch!” said Janet Steiner, Ponte Vedra, FL. Lisa Karnes, Goodland, FL was surprised with a birthday seminar certificate from her husband, who said it made her so happy, she cried.
Held at Holiday Isle Resorts & Marina, Islamorada, FL, nearly 50 women learned fishing skills from local legends Captains Skip Bradeen, Jim Anson, Lee Lavery and Bob Jones, plus Kelly Campbell of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. There was plenty of knowledge shared at beginner and advanced levels on inshore, offshore, bottom and fly fishing.
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) through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, kicked off with a Friday Welcome Reception, continuing with classes, lunch with Hook and Tackle fishing fashion show and afternoon skills practice on Saturday. Skills included conservation techniques and dehooking, spin casting, net casting, releasing, fly casting, knot tying, gaffing grapefruits, boat handling, trailer backing, operating a Minn Kota trolling motor, Mercury outboard, Bob’s jack plate, Power-Pole, reeling against pressure and more. The ladies learned how to leverage their balance and use fighting belts and the Viper Bob fishing vest as they cranked poolside against Larry Kahn, Editor of the Florida Keys Keynoter performing as the fish. “Should we get the gaff?” one lady quipped. “I’m a ‘Don’t hurt me fish’!” Kahn (the fish) responded as the angler released him. The Saturday events concluded with a second reception at Pasta Pantaleo’s Keys to Life Studio of art.
To complete the experience, the “Bluewater Fishing with Hattatude and Genesis” offshore and inshore fishing adventure on Sunday resulted in a couple first-time-ever sailfish releases, dolphin, yellowtail snapper, pompano, mangrove snapper and more.
Ladies from ages 21 to 80 traveled from as far away as New Mexico, Massachusetts and Missouri to participate.
Featured on national network television and more, the series is held in conjunction with the FWC through the Sport Fish Restoration Program and supported by major partners such as Ranger Boats represented by Islamorada Boat Center, BoatU.S. ANGLER Insurance, Mercury, Gulfstream Int’l Airlines, Minn Kota, Magic Tilt and Humminbird. Annual partners included Bob’s Machine Shop, Harbor Financial Services, Power-Pole, Hook & Tackle, Eagle Claw, Tigress Outriggers, Pompanette, Treasure Cay Resort & Marina, Aylesworth’s Fish & Bait and more. Event sponsors were Bluewater Fishing with Hattatude and Genesis and Sebile. Many local businesses contributed to the program, which benefitted the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.
The 2011 seminar schedule includes Naples: March 11-13, Ft. Lauderdale: April 15-17, Stuart: May 20-22 and Keys/Islamorada: Nov. 11-13. Contact: LLGF, phone 954-475-9068, fax 954-474-7299, email: billfishbetty@hotmail.com, website: www.ladiesletsgofishing.com. # # #
CALENDAR INFORMATION: “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” ® saltwater fishing seminar for women, 2011 schedule: Naples: March 11-13, Ft. Lauderdale: April 15-17, Stuart: May 20-22 and Keys/Islamorada: Nov. 11-13. Registration is $99/early entry, up to $135/walkins. Islamorada is $15 more. Includes welcome party, classes at beginner/advanced levels, lunch, hands-on skill stations and more. Fishing additional. Contact information is: phone: (954) 475-9068; email: info@ladiesletsgofishing.com; website: www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
Islamorada Fishing Report, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010. 3/4 day
With only 1 to 2 ft. seas and great fishing conditions, every boat reported fishing action. In the report, “Caught” could signify landing or releasing.
Blue Chip Too/ Capt. Skip Bradeen: Each lady had a chance to crank on yellowtail snapper. Cindy Campbell’s kingfish was the first fish of the day. Pat Kucera caught a dolphin on the right outrigger and Theresa Mathis released a 3-foot reef shark. The day started with catching bait on sabiki rigs, followed by kite fishing and bottom fishing. Campbell and Mathis are from St. Augustine, FL and Kucera is from Clearwater, FL.
Genesis/ Capt. Jeff Frazer: Carmen Kelley, Coral Springs, FL as delighted to release her first sailfish ever. Barbara Pensell, Islamorada, FL caught a dolphin and Beth Mills, Westerville, OH landed a king mackerel.
Caribsea/ Capt. Kenny Spaulding: Aida Saba, Port St. Lucie, FL, Kathy Kelly, Oradell, NJ and Lisa Karnes, Goodland, FL all caught dolphin. For Karnes it was her first dolphin ever. Sandy Miller, Palm Beach Gardens, FL caught a mackerel. Karen Rodman, Miami, FL caught a ‘humongous’ snapper. The ladies caught ‘wads’ of yellowail snapper on this trip described as ‘unforgettable – the best!’
Sea Horse/Capt. Rick Rodriguez: Joan Antolik, Port St. Lucie, FL released her first sailfish ever, Mary Metcalf, Davie, FL released her first reef shark and a first-time-ever sail was released by Mary’s son, Will.
Capt. Bob Jones: Even though they lost the anchor, one of the ladies got a spare at her house and they continued to crank on ladyfish, jacks, mangrove snapper, ladyfish, cero mackerels, blue runners, sharks, lizard fish and more.
Tails Up/ Capt. Kerry Wingo: The ladies were busy catching or releasing mangrove snapper, redfish, pompano, sheepshead, sea trout, ladyfish, catfish and jack crevalles. For Lori Stamply, Albuquerque, NM, this was the first time she had caught ANY of these fish.
Capt. Michael: Out of Robbies Marina, the Capt. Michael provided a fabulous party boat fishing trip. The ladies said they had ‘tons of fun from beginning to end.’ Kathy Wattecamps, Delray Beach, FL caught a grunt that was her first fish ever. Jackie Jordan, Orlando, FL caught a 5 lb. red grouper, Mary Stella, Marathon, FL caught a 10″ porgy, a 7″ grunt and a 12″ mangrove snapper. Others caught and/or released numerous species.
Comments from Participants:
“The best thing I have done for MYSELF in many years – Thank you!” – Jean Brazelton, Delray Beach, FL
“Nice camaraderie among women and a great chance to learn in an non-intimidating atmosphere!” – Jo Ann Tunnessen, Miami, FL
“I liked the fun, education and socializing” – Aida Saba, Port St. Lucie, FL
“I hate golf but like being outside on the water and enjoying nature – fishing!” – Jean Brazelton, Delray Beach, FL
“Great! I’ll be back!” – Vivian Villanueva, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
“Learned about conservation…No habitat, no fish!” – Karen Rodman, Miami, FL
“Great Magic Tilt trailering exercise! Keep your hands on the bottom of the wheel and just turn the direction you want the trailer to go!” – Carmen Kelley, Coral Springs, FL
“I had a blast and learned alot! – Linda Caldwell, Hope Sound, FL
“I had nobody to fish with before. Now, I do!” – Helen Kelley, Anapolis, MD
“I never fished before and wanted the knowledge, opportunity and wanted to connect with new fishing buddies.” – Kathy Wattecamps, Delray Beach, FL
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