Aspiring anglers will learn skills from fishing champions at the award winning “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!^®” Keys University, October, 21-23, 2016 in the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, the Florida Keys. Presenters for the conservation-minded weekend university include fly fishing legend Stu Apte, offshore tournament ace Stephanie Osgood Choate, world class IGFA Hall of Famer Captain Gary Ellis, accomplished female angler Captain Lee Lavery. The nonprofit program offers classroom presentations, networking events, hands-on skill practice, door prizes and optional charter fishing trips on Friday and Sunday. Classes will be held at the waterfront BPOE Elks Lodge in Tavernier, Florida and fishing is out of nearby Islamorada.

Activities launch Friday evening with a networking social and appetizer contest from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Saturday morning indoor presentations begin at 10:00 am, including Offshore, Inshore and Bottom Fishing, plus Fishing Basics. Setting this program apart from typical fishing classes are the hands-on fishing activities taught by several guides for releasing, knot tying, dehooking, bait rigging, spin casting, gaffing grapefruits, cast netting, trailer backing, boat handling, reel maintenance and more until 4:30 pm.

The event is featured on national network television and annually supported by the Future Angler Foundation and other major partners including: Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation, Mercury, Ranger Boats, Magic Tilt trailers, Penn, Humminbird, Minn Kota and Fish Florida. Other annual sponsors include the Freedom Boat Club, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort, Sunrise Resort & Marina, AFTCO/Guy Harvey, Seaguar, Harbor Financial Services, Wear Video Badge and All Rite Grading.

Remaining 2016 Ladies Let’s Go Fishing events include St. Augustine August, 13-14, Bimini Bahamas September, 9-11, Florida Keys/Tavernier/Islamorada October, 21-23 and Chokoloskee/Everglades National Park November, 19-20.