Women learned and practiced fishing, then caught fish on Day 2.
More than 40 people came to learn fishing skills at the “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” (LLGF) Gulf Coast University March 12-13 at the Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge. Some came from as far away as Canada, Illinois, Michigan and Oregon.
The University offered education, hands-on fishing activities, networking and an optional fishing trip.
The “No Yelling School of Fishing” began on Saturday, with classroom presentations by Betty Bauman/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, kayak fishing, fly casting, spin casting, net casting, artificial lure selection/usage, reel maintenance and backing with Magic Tilt Trailers. A mid-day break, hosted by Harbor Financial Services, featured Cabot Cheese. The event concluded with a fundraiser, followed by networking at the Blue Dog Restaurant.
On Sunday, participants embarked on their chosen fishing adventures from boats out of Matlacha. They had a chance to catch or release snapper, redfish, sea trout and more.
Participants came for many reasons. Brenda Scott Cape Coral, FL just bought a boat and wanted to learn fishing. Tracey Gray, North Ft. Myers, FL moved to the area and wanted to learn local fishing. Carol Dorer, Punta Gorda, FL had fished in freshwater but was new to saltwater fishing.
Featured on national network television and more, the series is supported by major partners including National Marine Manufacturers Association, Discover Boating, Miami International Boat Show, Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation, Mercury, Ranger Boats, Magic Tilt trailers, Penn, Humminbird, Minn Kota and Fish Florida. Annual sponsors are Freedom Boat Club, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort, Sunrise Resort & Marina, AFTCO/Guy Harvey, Future Angler Foundation and Harbor Financial Services.
Other LLGF events include Treasure Coast March 19, South Florida April 29-May 1, Cuba May 18-22, St. Augustine Aug.12-14, Bimini Bahamas Sept. 9-11, FL Keys/Tavernier/Islamorada Oct. 21-23 and Chokoloskee/Everglades National Park Nov. 19-20.
Ft. Myers/Matlacha University Fishing Report – Half Day, Sunday, March 13, 2016
Women experienced sunny skies and breezes. Every boat had fish action. “Caught” could signify either landing or releasing.
Fishing Report:
Hullaleugh Capt. Jack Pontoon Boat: Sandy Kerr and Diane Rupnow both released 4 lb. jack crevalle using live bait and a lead head. Ellen Silkes released a 10 inch sheepshead, her first fish ever, using 1/8 oz. jig head and live shrimp. Sandy Kerr released a 7 inch black snapper as well as two other snapper, using the Penn dehooker she won in the fundraiser. Robin Hinote who has a captains license released and dehooked a snapper and kept a 1.5 lb. mangrove snapper.
Capt. Rob Locke: Fishing with live and dead bait, the ladies released three sea trout. They learned how to hook shrimp through the head, and reported learning much from Locke.
Capt. Ed Schanen: All ladies caught and released fish, including three 12 inch redfish, 10 inch sea trout and ten catfish. They enjoyed watching frolicking dolphin.
Dock Fishing: LLGF Founder Betty Bauman released eight mangrove snapper from the dock at her motel while the ladies were out on the boats. She used live shrimp on jig heads.
Capt. Mike Wilson: Two women released four sharks. The largest, estimated at 70 lbs., put up quite a fight for Jodi Girouard.
By: Betty Bauman
