Encouraging female participation in fishing has been Betty Bauman’s goal since she established the non-profit Ladies Let’s Go Fishing Foundation more than 26 years ago. The program has introduced nearly 10,000 women to the joys of fishing.
What Betty has accomplished is amazing, and it’s clear we need more of what Bauman accomplishes: showing ladies and their families the benefits and excitement of fishing. Indeed, she nails it when she says, “It’s the magic of fishing that can connect a woman, and subsequently her family, to the joys of boating.”
LLGF’s latest event was “Let’s Go Fishing South Florida,” held last weekend In Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. This one was co-hosted by the Florida Association of Nonprofits. Notably, all of Bauman’s events are appropriately dubbed the “No Yelling School of Fishing.”
The organization annually presents unique, immersion-based educational programs in multiple regions of Florida boasting classroom presentations, hands-on learning and practice, networking and an option to fish from boats or land depending on the venue. No equipment or experience is ever required of a participant.
Each LLGF event normally features an informal Friday welcome/networking and meet-and-greet event. On Saturday morning, the action starts. The day starts in classroom presentations on several fishing basics. At this last event, featured speakers were Capt. Lee Lavery and Capt. Jeanne Towne, along with a presentation by Bauman on conservation and good fish-fighting techniques.
These sessions are followed by hands-on skill practice on such things as knot tying, dehooking, bait rigging, spin casting and more. And, of course, the ladies apply the knowledge to fishing action that follows.
At many LLGF events, participants can also choose an optional fishing charter on Sunday that may include husbands and kids. Those ladies and families that did so at this latest Ft. Lauderdale event saw lots of action from mahi, snapper and other species. “Fishing can unite all ages and backgrounds with participants ranging from teens to seniors as well as a variety of ethnic origins,” says Bauman convincingly, “I see it all the time.”
While there are other entities promoting fishing in our industry, most notably the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and the Discover Boating videos, the LLGF model is a hands-on experiential program and that sets it apart. Moreover, it’s also a great model for what forward-thinking, marketing-minded dealers can consider doing.
What Bauman does could be simulated in terms of an event in a dealership anywhere there’s a dealer and nearby fishing. Families can be invited to a free fishing funday event, complete with some hands-on sessions, prizes and refreshments. If there is an on-water connection or co-sponsor, so much the better. But even an event on land can be made fun, eventful, informative and draw in families to the idea of fishing, and into the showroom.
In today’s tough selling atmosphere, the need for good promotions on great subjects like family fishing and boating that draw people into the dealership are worth gold!
Meanwhile, LLGF upcoming events include: Sept. 20-21, the Guy Harvey Outpost Bass Seminar & Tournament at Camp Mack, Lake Wales, Fla.; Oct. 18-20, the Keys Saltwater Weekend Seminar and Fishing in Islamorada, Fla.; Nov. 23-24, St. Augustine Surf Fishing Academy at the Guy Harvey Resort. In addition, LLGF hold periodic Virtual Meetings and more events can be added to the schedule. Check it all at: www.ladiesletsgofishing.com
Appropriately, the LLGF series is supported by major Partners including: RBFF’s Take Me Fishing & Vamos a Pescar, Mercury, Magic Tilt trailers, Shearwater Boats, Power-Pole, Penn, Lowrance, TACO Metals and Fish Florida. The largest Annual Sponsors are Freedom Boat Club, ICOM, CCA Florida STAR, Bob’s Machine Shop, AFTCO, Costa, Smith Optics, Frogg Toggs, Hubbards Marina, Star Brite, Future Angler Foundation and the Big Rock Sports Conservation Foundation.
Also tipping the cap to these Top Donors: AO Coolers, Egret Baits/Vudu, Engel, Hobie Eyewear, Yeti, Canoe Outpost, Fishing Headquarters, Flying Fisherman, Pelagic Gear, Flanigans, Guy Harvey, TTI Blakemore, The Fish Grip, Danco, Flambeau, Fishbites and Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts.
