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Top Inshore Fish Karen Stone
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Women Get Hooked on Fishing at "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!" University and Tournament in St. Augustine Aug. 13-14, 2016
St. Augustine, FL - 8/2016 - Forty participants learned fishing from the pros and competed in a fishing tournament at the Northeast Florida "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!" University August 13-14. Held at the Northeast Florida Marlin Association, the activities included classes, hands-on fishing skill practice and a tournament kickoff party on Saturday. On Sunday was optional charter fishing and the "Anyone Can Win" tournament. The weekend was hosted by the Ladies, Let's Go Fishing nonprofit Foundation.
Ladies traveled from as far away as Tampa to attend. Some had never fished before. The class was a birthday gift for two ladies.
Activities launched on Saturday with classes on inshore and offshore fishing, followed by hands-on skill practice for knot tying, releasing/dehooking/conservation, bait rigging, spin casting, fly casting, gaffing grapefruits, cast netting and Magic Tilt trailer backing. Speakers were accomplished Capt. Rick Ryals and Joel Cunningham. Several local guides showed fishing skills for the hands-on portion. $300 of door prizes were given. A reception, amazing appetizer contest, auction and kickoff party followed.
On Sunday was an optional inshore or offshore charter fishing trip and tournament, where participants caught king mackerel, redfish, jacks and more, followed by awards. Top Inshore Fish went to Karen Stone, Wimauma, FL for a 26.6 inch redfish on Rick Mackay's boat. Heaviest Fish Overall was won by Lancie Greenlee, St. Johns, FL for a 16.7 lb. barracuda on J Hook.
These ladies joined the league of eight thousand women who have graduated. Betty Bauman, Founder comments, "This No-Yelling' School of Fishing provided the E-ticket for anyone wanting to learn to fish."
Featured on national network television and more, the series is supported by major partners including 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, Seaguar and Harbor Financial Services. Event sponsor was the Northeast Florida Marlin Association.
Other 2016 LLGF events include Bimini Bahamas Sept. 9-11, FL Keys/Tavernier/Islamorada Oct. 21-23, Costa Rica at Crocodile Bay Nov. 11-16 and Chokoloskee/Everglades National Park Nov. 19-20.
Northeast Florida LLGF Fishing and Tournament Report - August 16 6 hours of fishing
Participants enjoyed calm seas and great fishing for the Sunday "Anyone Can Win" fishing tournament. Every participant caught fish and there were several 'first fish evers' - an accomplishment for these aspiring anglers. "Caught" means either landed or released.
Tournament winners
Top Inshore Fish: Karen Stone, Wimauma, FL, 26.6 inch redfish on Rick Mackay's boat
Heaviest Fish Overall: Lancie Greenlee St. Johns, FL, 16.7 lb. barracuda on J Hook
Since everyone caught fish, their names were entered in a drawing for additional prizes.
Scott Stanley/Reel Cracker: Participants released fifteen redfish. Sundie Wilcox caught a 13.8 lb. amberjack. Colleen Messner released five redfish and caught a 10.2 lb. amberjack. Brian Thomas caught two seabass. Comments: "Unbelievably priceless trip, phenomenal!
J Hook: The ladies caught a dozen kingfish, ten amberjacks, a bonito, a barracuda and released two sharks. The barracuda, measuring 42.5 inches and weighing 16.7 lbs., aced the Heaviest Fish division for Lancie Greenlee. They enjoyed fishing from the luxurious charter boat. Several fish were released. Comments: "Great camaraderie, super boat!"
Endless Summer: The ladies caught eight fish, including two kingfish up to 10 lbs., a 12 lb. bonito and released five blacktip sharks. Comments: "An amazing day with fantastic people!"
Rick Mackey/AM to PM: The ladies caught four slot size redfish ranging between 22.5 and 26.5 inches, winning the Inshore Division for Karen Stone. They released one redfish. Deb Byford caught the first redfish of her life. Comments: "Fantastic! The ultimate best!"
Robert Mathis/Can't Wait: The ladies caught five redfish, five mangrove snappers and two jack crevalles. All redfish were released except one small keeper. Comments: "Any day on the water is a great day!"
Capt. Tony Bozzella/TBS Jigs: The ladies caught six redfish, one jack and one whiting. All undersized fish were released. It was the first time fishing ever for Kathy Coopmans and Nancy Willoughby. Coopmans' first redfish and first fish ever weighed 26.5 lbs. They used shrimp and artificials. Comments: "Excellent teacher! Shrimp swim forward when happy and backward when afraid."
Ladies on own boat: Two ladies fished on their own boat and brought back a small keeper redfish.
LLGF 2510 Ranger Bay/Robert Olson: Betty Bauman and Robert Olson caught three keeper flounders. A redfish was released.
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