Release: Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Keys University Nov. 15-17

Women’s-only getaway in Islamorada and Tavernier, FL, includes fishing, rigging, conservation and more!

The secrets of fishing will be shared with women at the award winning “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!^®” Keys University, weekend of November 15-17, 2013 in the Sport Fishing Capital of the World.

In 18 years, more than 7,000 University graduates have praised the program and returned to learn more. Some have attended as a family to learn fishing skills or to learn how to use their boats for fishing. Others come to experience the adventure of Florida fishing and build their confidence while pursuing the sport.

For this event at the Tavernier Elks Club, held in conjunction with support from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, women will travel from several states for an exciting weekend of educational and hands-on fishing activities, habitat conservation and to meet other female anglers. The University provides an opportunity for the ladies to use their newly-acquired techniques to fish inshore or offshore on their choice of a group boat, flats boat or sportfishing boat. Bonus Fishing Days are also offered for participants on Friday, Nov. 15 and Monday, Nov. 18. Teen females age 16 and up are welcome when accompanied by an adult female.

The Award-winning “No-Yelling School of Fishing” Curriculum

Known as the “No-Yelling School of Fishing,” this award-winning University for women will kick off on Friday, November 15, with a meet-and-greet social from 6:30-9 pm featuring networking and fundraisers for registrants and guests. Saturday’s events begin at 8:30 am with classroom presentations on offshore, bottom, inshore and fly fishing, followed by lunch and hands-on fishing skills until 4:00 pm. Named speakers are Heather Sneed /FWC and prominent Captains Lee Lavery, Bob Jones, Rick Rodriguez, plus the legendary Stu Apte. Skills such as releasing, conservation, knot tying, bait rigging, spin and net casting, grapefruit gaffing, trailer backing, boat handling, stand-up fish fighting techniques and more will be available for hands-on practice. Presenters include Florida Sportswoman’s Brittney Novalsky, Capt. Chris Hansen and more. Events conclude with a silent auction, followed by a networking party with food and fun at Gary Ellis’ Redbone Gallery on Morada Way at MM 81.5 oceanside, Islamorada, FL. On Sunday, November 17, ladies embark on a Fishing Adventure (optional and additional) from offshore, inshore and inshore boats, followed by a fish fillet demonstration out of Whale Harbor, Islamorada, FL. They can also choose party boat fishing out of Robbie’s Marina, plus the newly-announced option of guided kayak fishing. Women can opt to take a male guest on certain charters.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will educate University participants on the importance of marine conservation by demonstrating the habits to develop so that each person can make a difference, no matter where they fish. Women will learn safe hook removal, release techniques and more.

“Our Keys University offers a unique vacation getaway where women can learn, network and enjoy the fabulous Florida Keys and its remarkable fishing,” notes Betty Bauman, LLGF Founder.  “The venue at the Elks enables the series to contribute to the Keys community and enjoy a facility that is on the water with beautiful sunset views on the bayside.”

Featured on national network television, newspapers, and magazines, the University series is held in conjunction with the FWC through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, with major partners such as Mercury Outboards, Ranger Boats, Minn Kota, Humminbird and Magic Tilt Trailers. Other partners are on the LLGF website at www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.

University registration is $118 for the first 10 to register and $145 thereafter. This includes instruction, use of equipment, hands-on training, networking reception and fundraisers, lunch, goody bags and more. Fishing adventure fees for Sunday and Bonus Fishing Days on Friday and Monday are additional. The fundraisers help support the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.

BPOE Elks is at MM 92 Bayside in Tavernier. Host hotels include Breezy Palms Resort, the Islander Resort in Islamorada, plus Ragged Edge in Tavernier. As it will be a busy weekend in the Keys, participants are encouraged to book rooms early.  Fishing is out of Whale Harbor, Islamorada. 2014 University dates include Ft. Myers/Matlacha March 8-9, South Florida April 11-13 and future dates for Treasure Coast to be scheduled in May.  Contact: phone: (954) 475-9068; info@ladiesletsgofishing.com; www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.

About “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”

Held in conjunction and with support from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!®” (LLGF) is a national organization dedicated to attracting more women to sport fishing and to promoting conservation and responsible angling. LLGF promotes networking among women anglers and emphasizes mentorship between novice and experienced members. Founded in 1997 by Betty Bauman, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, LLGF has over 7,000 graduates and is the largest organization in the world whose objective is to introduce women to fishing. Both Bauman and the University series – often dubbed “The No-Yelling School of Fishing” – are renowned nationally in the sport fishing and marine industries. The organization has earned rave reviews from national media including “Inside Edition,” CBS’ “The Early Show,” NBC’s “Nightly News,” “Good Morning America,” “Outdoor Life Network,” USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, Southern Living and more.

Calendar information:  “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!’ Florida Keys University, Nov. 15-17.

“Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”® saltwater fishing university for women, Nov. 15-17 at BPOE Elks, MM 92 Bayside, Tavernier, FL. Early registration is $118 for the first 20 participants, $145 thereafter. Registration includes networking reception and fundraisers, classes at beginner/advanced levels, lunch, hands-on skill stations, goody bag and more. Fishing charter fees for Sunday and Bonus Fishing Days on Friday and Monday are additional, out of Whale Harbor and Robbies, Islamorada. Contact: phone (954) 475-9068; email info@ladiesletsgofishing.com; website www.ladiesletsgofishing.com