Forestville, Wisconsin: “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” (LLGF) had a full class of nearly 60 people who came to learn fishing skills at the Gulf Coast University March 11-12 at Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge. The University offered education, hands-on fishing activities, networking and an optional fishing trip. While the participants were predominately female, some brought husbands and teens for the whole family to learn fishing.
The “No Yelling School of Fishing” began on Saturday, with classroom presentations by Betty Bauman/Fishing Basis/Conservation, Craig Timbes “Snook Cowboy”/Best Times to Fish and Capt. Jon Fetter/Inshore Fishing. The curriculum included hands-on skill practice such as hook removal/release techniques, knot tying, fly casting, spin casting, net casting and backing with Magic Tilt Trailers. The event concluded with a fundraiser.
Women came for many reasons, some to learn so they could take their children fishing, others to learn how to fish on their own boats, some to network with other women interested in fishing. Those who fish in northern states wanted to learn inshore fishing techniques for Florida.
On Sunday, participants embarked on their chosen fishing adventures from boats where they caught or released snook, snapper, flounder, sea trout and other species.
Featured on national network television and more, the series is supported by major partners including Future Angler Foundation, Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation, Mercury, Ranger Boats, Magic Tilt trailers, Penn, ACR Electronics and Fish Florida. Annual sponsors are, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Freedom Boat Club, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort, Sunrise Resort & Marina, AFTCO/Guy Harvey, Savage Gear/Okuma, Seaguar, Power-Pole and Harbor Financial Services.