STUART “LADIES, LET’S GO FISHING!" SEMINAR GRADS TACKLE THE BIG ONES
JUNE 26-28, 2009

Women came from around the state to learn and practice fishing skills at the Stuart “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!" seminar, June 26-28 at Pirates Cove Resort and Marina. Some never expected to release sailfish the next day!
            Held in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and presented by Mercury Outboards, the “No-Yelling School of Fishing,” offered a welcome reception on Fri. June 26, followed by fishing classes and hands-on instruction on Sat. June 27 and an optional fishing adventure on Sun. June 28.   
            Participants came from many walks of life and for a variety of reasons. Susan Cecelia, Ft. Pierce, FL came to learn skills to help her compete in her first ever marlin tournament in Hawaii. 85 year old grandmother, Margaret Enneking, Gainesville, FL, received the seminar registration as a birthday gift from her two granddaughters and all three attended. Enneking exclaimed, "It's never too late to learn about fishing!" She eagerly participated in several of the fishing skill stations and commented about the trailer backing experience provided by Magic Tilt Trailers, “I think I finally have it right and will feel more confident launching my boat!"
            Conservation played a key role in the educational process, with a presentation made by Rich Abrams, FWC. "I learned how important it is to properly release fish by using wet hands," commented Debi Taylor, Jacksonville, FL. Susan Saver, Ft. Lauderdale, FL added, "We had better conserve our fish supply or we'll only have beef to eat!"
            The event kicked off with a networking reception on Friday evening. On Saturday morning, sessions were conducted on beginner and intermediate/advanced levels by local speakers: Capt. Peter Wright/bluewater and bottom fishing, Capt. Joe Massaro/basics, Capt. Marcia Foosaner/inshore fishing and Capt. Jim Anson/fly fishing. On Saturday afternoon the women participated in several “hands-on” fishing exercises, such as spin casting, net casting, knot tying, gaffing grapefruits, conservation, boat handling, backing a truck and trailer and reeling against pressure. Martha Dyal, West Palm Beach, FL, commented, "Wow! Way more than I expected! World class instructors who loved teaching...plus I can't believe I backed a trailer without jackknifing!" After the five-hour fishing trip on Sunday, the event concluded with a fish fillet demonstration. The ladies caught and/or released a variety of offshore and inshore fish. Two boats reported sailfish releases by anglers who had never previously hooked a billfish. There were several large snook released.
            Featured on national network television and more, the series is held in conjunction with the FWC through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, presented by Mercury Outboards and supported by major partners such as Ranger Boats represented by Anchors Aweigh, BoatU.S. ANGLER Insurance, Gulfstream Int’l Airlines, Shimano, Minn Kota, Magic Tilt and Humminbird. Annual partners included Maui Surf Co., Bob’s Machine Shop, Raymond James & Associates, Power-Pole, Hook & Tackle, Eagle Claw, Tigress Outriggers, Treasure Cay Resort & Marina, Aftco Bluewater/Guy Harvey, Aylesworth’s Fish & Bait, Pompanette, Silverstar Jewelers and more. Class sponsors were Dolphin Jewelers, John B's Fly and Light Tackle, Off the Chain Carvings and Reel Sassy. 
            Seminar registration included instruction, use of equipment, hands-on training, networking Reception, lunch, goody bag and more. The Fishing Adventure, with tackle and bait provided, was additional. 
            The final 2009 seminar will be held Nov. 13-15 at Holiday Isle Resort in Islamorada. “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” also offers memberships in local chapters in Florida for seminar graduates. For more information, call (954) 475-9068 or email info@ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Stuart Fishing Adventure Reports, 6/28/09, 3/4 Day
Infinity/ Capt. Charlie Burns: Karen Kozak, Ft. Pierce, FL released her first sailfish ever, utilizing stand-up fish fighting techniques acquired the day before. Connie Tuttle Lill broke off a 10 lb. dolphin and released a 15 lb. bonita. The ladies had an opportunity to catch bait.
*My Other Honey/Capt. Pete Morello: A 6.5 ft. sailfish was double-hooked and released by Debi Taylor, Jacksonville, FL and Martha Dyal, West Palm Beach, FL. Neither had ever caught a sailfish. The others caught 15-20 lb. bonita.
Bite’s On/Capt. John Young: Two snook, 33 and 40 inches long, were released.
*Bucks Tail/Capt. Melinda Buckley: Susan Cecilia, Jupiter, FL had 3-4 shots at nice snook but lost them. However, she hooked and released another boat! 
*Outlaw/Capt. Joe Massaro: Jo Ann Tunnessen, Palmetto Bay, FL had a grueling half-hour fight with a 30 lb. jack crevalle. She released snook from 22 - 30". "My hands and arms were killing me," commented Tunnesen, "The rush of adrenaline was like nothing else and got me through it!" Joan Antolik released her first snook ever.
Safari I Party Boat: The ladies aboard the drift boat caught a variety of snapper, triggerfish, amberjack and more. Stephanie Curtin, Jupiter, FL exclaimed, "Fishing is as fun as catching!"

* Take the Ladies Fishing Sponsors
“Caught” signifies either landed or released

Thanks to our Partners!  Our valued sponsors help provide manpower, equipment for the skill stations and exciting products.  This program would not be possible without their support! Special thanks to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Sport Fish Restoration Program, Mercury Outboards, Ranger Boats, BoatU.S. ANGLER Insurance, Gulfstream International Airlines, Shimano, Magic Tilt Trailers, Minn Kota,and Humminbird for major sponsorships.  Please patronize them!  Annual sponsors: Maui surf Company, Bob's Machine Shop, Raymond James & Associates, Power-Pole, Hook & Tackle, Eagle Claw, Tigress Outriggers, Pompanette, Treasure Cay Resort & Marina, Aftco Bluewater/Guy Harvey, Silverstar Fine Jewelers, Aylesworth's Fish & Bait and Mary Kay Cosmetics. Class sponsors were Dolphin Jewelers, John B's Fly and Light Tackle, Off the Chain Carvings and Reel Sassy. 

Class notes:

Dolphin Jewelers - If you didn't have a chance to pick up a great piece of gold or silver jewelry, check out www.dolphinjewelersonline.com.

Bauman Named One of The Top Women in American Boating by BoatU.S. Magazine
Betty Bauman, Founder and CEO of “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!®”, was just named one of The Top Women in American Boating by BoatU.S. Magazine. She was prominently featured in the May 2009 issue which celebrated a few of the most impressive and inspiring women who are setting the trend for female boaters.

Video link of ladies on My Other Honey and their sailfish:  http://www.hookedonproductions.com/HOP/VIDEO_4.html  
If you like this and want to contact the artist to have your own video edited or filmed, here's the info: Susan Grandone, Hooked On Productions, website: www.hookedonproductions.com email susan@hookedonproductions.com

Check out www.rangerboats.com, the Official Boat of Choice for LLGF!

A Note on Conservation: Remember, it is up to you to insure there will be quality fishing tomorrow!

2009 Grand Finale! Nov. 13-15, Islamorada, FL. Registration is $115/early entry, up to $145/walkins. Includes welcome party, classes at beginner/advanced levels, lunch, hands-on skill stations, Fishing additional.

Comments from Stuart participants:
"Wow! Way more than I expected! World class instructors who loved teaching...plus I can't believe I backed a trailer without jackknifing it!" - M. Dyal, West Palm Beach, FL
"The best no pressure way to learn more about all types of fishing and the rules of conservation!" - C. Shirley, Melbourne Beach, FL
"Loved the skill stations and instructors' patience in helping us get it right!" - R. Monserrat, Tequesta, FL
"Fun experience and empowering!" - L. Cameron, Jupiter, FL
"Very fun, no-pressure learning environment!" - J. Vargas, Jupiter, FL
"Great, non intimidating and practical instruction from top caliber pros!" - Barbara Leary, Jupiter, FL

Click here for more photos!

Click here for more photos!