As Cuba opens up to limited travel opportunities, it’s no surprise that the marine industry’s first lady of fishing, Betty Bauman, is set to lead a group to fish the island’s waters.
Bauman’s “Ladies Lets Go Fishing!” group will host a fishing and cultural trip to Havana from May 18-22. This unique opportunity has been added to this year’s list of group fishing seminar weekends to expand fishing experiences beyond the United States.
“Cuba offers unusual and exciting fishing,” Bauman said. “It’s where so many sought-after species, including marlin, can be released in sight of land. General tourism is still banned by the embargo, but this trip is exempt.”
Are you a dealer or angler or a customer who would jump at the chance to fish Cuba and be among the first Americans to do so in a 50 years? Well, while these events focus on women, the unique nature of this Cuban trip allows men to participate. However, it’s recommended that registration be completed by March 15 to allow processing time for visas.
The trip includes lodging, dinners, transportation, guide, translator, a 1957 Chevy vintage car tour, plus other cultural experiences, visa processing and, of course, deep-sea fishing. The trip starts at $4,950 per person, plus airfare.
For two decades, Bauman’s passion for sportfishing and conservation is legendary. She has brought angling to more than 8,000 women all over the world through her award-winning “Ladies Lets Go Fishing!” seminars. BoatUS Magazine named Bauman one of “The Top Women in American Boating” and she was named among the Top 21 Most Influential Marine Industry Leaders in the 21st century by Boating Industry magazine.
Most regular “Ladies Lets Go Fishing!” seminars offer a fishing immersion weekend program of classroom presentations, networking, hands-on skills practice and an optional charter fishing trip. Depending on the location, instruction can include presentations on offshore, inshore and bottom fishing, plus fishing basics. Hands-on skill practice sessions can include releasing techniques, knot tying, dehooking, bait rigging, spin casting, gaffing, cast netting, trailer backing, boat handling, reel maintenance and more. Most venues offer a networking social to encourage mentorship and optional fishing on Sunday. Moreover, women can register a male guest or teens to include the family.
Upcoming 2016 “Ladies Lets Go Fishing!” seminars are: March 12-13 Gulf Coast/Fort Myers/Matlacha; March 19 Stuart Surf Fishing Clinic; April 29-May 1 South Florida/Dania Beach; August 12-14 St. Augustine; Oct. 21-23 Florida Keys/Islamorada.
Additional special events include: May 18-22 Cuba; Sept. 9-11 Bimini, Bahamas; Nov. 19-20 Chokoloskee Florida Everglades/10,000 Islands. Get complete “Ladies Lets Go Fishing!” information at www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
