Ladies Reel in Fishing Skills at South Florida “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” University April 17-19
Participants came from as far away as Alexandria, VA to learn fishing skills at the “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” South Florida University April 17-19 in Dania Beach, FL. Known as the “No-Yelling School of Fishing,” the event offered a networking party on Friday, classes and hands-on skills Saturday and optional charter fishing on Sunday.
Activities launched Friday evening with a networking party and appetizer contest, won by Lynda Galyo, Hollywood, FL for Finger Salads and Audrey Ferdinand, Ft. Lauderdale, FL for Green Gumbo.
On Saturday, presenters included Capt. Lee Lavery/Fishing Basics, Mike Genoun/Offshore Fishing and Capt. Brian Leibowitz/Inshore Fishing.
In the afternoon were one-on-one stations to practice dehooking, spin casting, net casting, releasing, knot tying, reel maintenance, gaffing grapefruits, ballyhoo rigging, Magic Tilt trailer backing and boating on the Ranger boat.
From charter boats on Sunday, participants caught blackfin tuna, bonito, king mackerel, golden tilefish, torro snapper and more.
Featured on national network television and more, the series is supported by major partners including the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Discover Boating, Miami International Boat Show, Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation, Mercury, Ranger Boats, Magic Tilt trailers, Humminbird, Minn Kota and Fish Florida. Annual sponsors are Freedom Boat Club, Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort, Old Bahama Bay, Sunrise Resort & Marina, Valentine’s Resort & Marina, Penn, AFTCO/Guy Harvey, Harbor Financial Services, Wear Video Badge and All Rite Grading.
Upcoming LLGF events are Treasure Coast May 29-31, Bimini, Bahamas Sept. 11-13, and Florida Keys Nov. 13-15. Contact: (954) 475-9068; info@ladiesletsgofishing.com; www.ladiesletsgofishing.com, www.facebook.com/ladiesletsgofishing.
South Florida LLGF University Fishing Report, Sunday, April 19, 2015 half day:
The ladies enjoyed calm seas and beautiful weather. Every boat caught fish. “Caught” can indicate either landing or releasing.
New Lattitude: The group caught an incredible amount of fish in the four hour trip including six bonito and six blackfin tuna up to 6 lbs. and a 10 lb. king mackerel. Leslie Messina, Boynton Beach, FL was excited to catch her first fish, a bonito which gave a good fight.
Big Game: The ladies caught two blackfin tuna and two golden tilefish, all up to 5 lbs. After trolling for tuna, they went deep dropping in 700 ft. of water, producing two golden tilefish. The first fish was a bonito caught by Bruna Carincotte, Alexandria, VA. Carincotte works for the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and wanted to learn the sport which she spends her days promoting. The second fish, a blackfin tuna was caught by Johana Reyes, Alexandria, Va, also of the RBFF – her first fish ever. M.E. Depalma, Wilton Manors, FL said it was a life changing experience and a chance to get back into the sport that she and her husband had enjoyed in the past.
Catch My Drift – The group caught toro snapper and a blue runner. They also enjoyed seeing playful porpoises.
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Comments from participants:
“Life changing experience! I will do it again!” – M.E. Depalma, Wilton Manors, FL
“This was on my bucket list, now I CAN!” – S. Wood, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
“Finally got my knots perfected!” – G. Olin, Apopka, FL
“I have been looking for this a long time and learned so much!” – J. Cochran, Boca Raton, FL
“Speakers were articulate, knowledgeable, humorous and patient!” – K. Trainer, Oakland Park, FL
“Course is great for beginners! Thanks for making fishing easy to understand!” – J. Reyes, Alexandria, VA
