SOUTH FLORIDA “Ladies Let's Go Fishing!” Seminar Report, March 4-6, 2005 - Another great success!

We were pleased to have another successful event in South Florida . We wholeheartedly thank our event hosts: IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum & Bass Pro Shops, Dania Beach , FL.

“Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!" Fishing Report: Fort Lauderdale , FL Mar. 6, 2005

Every boat caught fish. Three ladies released sailfish, just after learning fishing skills the day before!

Foxsea: Terri Webb caught and released a 22" kingfish on a skirted hook and planer at a 20' depth and kept a 24" kingfish; Louise Senior landed a kingfish over 36" by kite fishing with live bait. This was the first time the ladies had kite fished or fished with planers.

Happy Day Today : The ladies caught a total of seven fish. The mother-daughter team of Jeannie Ellis and Robin Haropoulis both caught fish. Ellis hooked a 23" and a 25" kingfish and Haropoulis topped her release of a 20" kingfish with a catch and release of her first sailfish ever-measuring 91"! It's amazing she caught a sailfish the first time she had ever gone fishing! She credits her use of Viper Bob's fish-fighting vest, which she says made it all possible - and comfortable! Pat McGrath caught a nice 17 lb. dolphin, O'Dea Coughlin reeled in a 20" kingfish and Leesa Zehner caught a 25" kingfish. The ladies felt it was valuable to use the skills they learned the previous day to remember how to apply the information.

Litening : After catching their own ballyhoo for trolling, the ladies set out to catch a sailfish. Ellen Tacher landed her first sailfish ever, which came in at 80", 45 lbs. They had a second sailfish up and saw one more. The ladies witnessed proper fish-fighting techniques as well as safe catch and release procedures.

*Double Duty Dusky : Capt. Jim Murray continued the education - the ladies baited their hooks and learned rod and reel usage. They caught a variety of fish, including a yellowtail snapper hooked by Judy Czerenda. They experienced trolling and bottom fishing techniques as well as reeling in and de-hooking their catches.

*Stinger : Capt. John Peters. The first catch of the day was by Maria Rodriguez, who landed a kingfish. Fran Adler caught and released a variety of fish, including a remora.

Coastline Marine's Top Priority : Brenda Cork battled a sailfish for an hour and a half, with some relief provided by Grace Rios. This was Brenda's first-ever sailfish! The ladies learned to kitefish as well.

Mary B. III: Carol Budow was excited to catch her first edible saltwater fish, a king mackerel, and she caught a red grouper. The ladies also learned how to properly vent fish.

* Take the Ladies Fishing Sponsors

Viper Bob's Fighting Vests a hit! The ladies who wore their Viper Bob Fighting Vests on Sunday said they really helped them leverage against their fish! If you want one, you can purchase it through www.viperbob.com. They also make great fish-fighting gimbals!

Recipe contest winner: Ellen Dalton for Snapper or Dolphin with Lime Butter Sauce. The recipes were in the class book - watch for them in our cookbook, still in progress!

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, Mercury Outboards, Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats /Joel's Outboard Marine, BoatU.S. Marine Insurance, Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Lowrance Electronics, Rybovich, Viper Bob, Magic Tilt Trailers, Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, IGFA and Gulfstream International Airlines for major sponsorships . Please patronize them! Annual partners : Florida Foundation for Responsible Angling, Minn Kota, Bob's Machine Shop, Maxima Line, Power-Pole, Eagle Claw, Shimano, Hook & Tackle, Penn, Bacardi, Silverstar Jewelers, Pompanette, Treasure Cay Resort & Marina, The Islands of the Bahamas, Scientific Anglers, Royal Robbins, Patagonia, Benchmark Business Systems, Image Graphics 2000, Crocs and Printing Corp. of the Americas. Event Sponsors : Morgan Stanley, Palm RV Centers, Ben & Jeannie Ellis Real Estate Brokers. Patron Sponsors: Aylesworth's Fish & Bait, King Automotive, Battery-Web.com and Knarley Harley. Welcome Party Sponsor: Spark-A-Lure. Food Sponsors : Ben & Bob's, Grampa's Bakery & Restaurant. Their information is in the class book.

Join a LLGF Chapter! Make new fishing buddies! Go to www.ladiesletsgofishing.com for info.

Thanks to our speakers: Capt. R.J. Boyle, Capt. Tim Barefoot, Capt. Lee Lavery, Rich Abrams & Chuck Baldwin! They did a great job of showing how we can contribute to preservation of the environment.

Great Prizes! We had some great prizes, including a trip to Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina/Abaco, Bahamas, airfare from Gulfstream Int'l Airlines, tackle from Shakespeare (major sponsor!), Shimano and Penn, art from Guy Harvey, Carey Chen & more, Lurebox, Hydro Glow, Jewelry from VanMark and Key West Silver Jewelers, fishing trips with Captains Steven Lamp and Chris Lembo. Thanks to all auction and raffle donors! Your contributions help us meet growth demands.

Next Event: Stuart April 22-24. A fabulous seminar location at Pirates Cove!! SIGN UP SOON! Other ‘05 seminars: Sarasota/Aug. 26-28 and Islamorada/Oct. 14-16. Don't forget about the special event at the fabulous Ocean Reef Club July 23-24 (you can bring a male guest if you like - this is a rare opportunity to experience a fabulous, private resort that most people in Florida have never seen - at GREAT rates!) where there's a kickoff party with skill refreshers and a tournament! For those who yearn for a top quality fishing adventure, the Alaska ladies-only week is July 7-11. Visit www.covelodge.com and ask for details! Information is also in your class book.

View photos from this seminar on http://www.ireachamerica.com/PhotosPage2.html. Peter Caspari has kindly taken photos at the seminar and as a convenience, has made them available for purchase.

Send Us Your Letters and Photos! Please email comments about the seminar, especially if you bought tackle, boats, trucks, fishing equipment or if you have had an interesting fishing adventure. We want to keep in touch!

If you weren't lucky enough to get the LLGF 14K gold pendant by Silverstar Jewelers on display on the Silent Auction, you can buy it from us - $220 with diamond eye, $190 without diamond.

If Your Company is a Sponsor, You Attend the Seminar for Free!

We are looking for sponsors, door prize and goody bag donors for next year. If your company takes a sponsorship worth $500 or more, you get a comp entry and other benefits. Please contact us!

Lowrance has a great website that explains the basics of marine electronics at www.lowrance.com . You can also download a simulator where you can practice how to use a Lowrance on your computer!

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

LLGF Seeks Utility Trailer and Website help: If you know of a company who is able to donate a covered trailer or if you know anyone who is looking for a job at our home office, please contact us!

Welcome, Ranger Boats , as the Official Boat of Choice for LLGF! Joel's Outboard Marine was the representing dealer. Be sure to visit www.rangerboats.com .

Remember how important you can be in preserving our marine resources for the future!

Smart Women Finish Rich® Seminar, courtesy of Morgan Stanley! David Lucchese said he enjoyed meeting you and invites you to this great, free seminar. Betty has attended in the past and she found it valuable for future planning. Contact him for the date at 954-267-5623, david.lucchese@morganstanley.com.

Comments from Participants:

“I learned what NOT to do on a boat!” - J. Olczyk

“It was great - very informative!” - C. Critser

“Great basic info to get started!” - J. Politte

“I learned that 90 percent of fishing happens before you leave the dock!” - W. Humphrey

“Fantastic! Lots of details! I learned a lot in a short period of time!” - J. Lakhani

“Great info - lots of camaraderie! I look forward to fishing with my other girlfriends!” - L. Senior

“So worth it!” - T. Webb

“This course does much to spread conservation and fishing information!” - G. Gainey

“A great way to get started in recreational fishing!” - L. Lorenzo