Ladies to Go One-on-One With Pros at Florida Keys Fishing University
ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — An award-winning "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!" weekend university is to provide a lighthearted yet skill-heavy girls' getaway Friday through Sunday, Oct. 13-15, enabling female anglers to learn techniques from prominent fishing captains in the Florida Keys' sport fishing capital of Islamorada.
More than 9,000 graduates to date have learned to become anglers or polished their abilities as well as practicing responsible angling and applying learned fishing skills in offshore, bottom, inshore and fly-fishing.
The Florida Keys University weekend kicks off Friday, Oct. 13, with a 6:30-8:30 p.m. meet-and-greet networking social at Tavernier's BPOE Elks Lodge at mile marker (MM) 92 bayside. Participants and guests can enjoy a fundraising raffle, silent auction, cash bar and appetizers.
Saturday's activities are to take place from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Morning presentations by professional local guides are planned on fishing basics, conservation, release techniques and more. After lunch hands-on outdoor activities include knot tying, bait rigging, spin tackle, net and fly casting, stand-up fish-fighting techniques, gaffing and removing hooks.
Presenters include accomplished female anglers Captain Lee Lavery and Jeanne Towne, along with fishing book author, podcaster and fishing guide Captain Rob Modys. Presentation topics include offshore, inshore and bottom fishing as well as fishing basics. A cocktail party is to follow from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Seaside Glassworks, MM 82 bayside.
Friday and Sunday, participants can opt for an additional inshore or offshore fishing adventure. Anglers can fish from an offshore or center console sport-fishing vessel, inshore flats boat or drift boat. Additional fees apply.
The online early registration rate is $125 per person. The regular entry fee is $145. VIP registration of $180 includes special gifts and discounts. Reduced rates for accommodations are available at Islamorada’s Sunset Inn.
The registration fee includes instruction, the use of equipment, welcome reception, lunch, Saturday party and educational events. A “women with teens discount” is available for women bringing teenagers age 13 and up.
Event information: ladiesletsgofishing.com/fishing-seminars/florida-keys
Female anglers celebrate offshore catches during a Ladies, Let's Go Fishing event in Islamorada. Photo by LLGF.
Female anglers attend the LLGF Florida Keys University with a day of classroom presentations and hands-on practice with fishing techniques, followed by an optional day of offshore or inshore fishing. Photo by LLGF.
The weekend starts with a meet-and-greet networking social at Tavernier's BPOE Elks Lodge at mile marker (MM) 92 bayside. Photo: JoNell Modys
Participants are to gather at Seaside Glassworks in Islamorada for a networking event. Photo: JoNell Modys