Introducing more women to the joys of fishing will not only have a positive impact on the sport, but also on future boat sales. That’s why 42 aspiring anglers learned from the pros at the “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing! Keys University and Fishing Fever Tournament at the Elks Lodge in Tavernier, Fla.

The participants came to learn about fishing and hone their skills on the water at another of the nationally recognized programs dubbed the “No Yelling School of Fishing,” founded by Betty Bauman. Since its inception in 1997, the program has introduced nearly 10,000 women to fishing, and those who joined the fun last weekend caught a whopping 160 fish from eight boats in the fun Fishing Fever Tournament.

The program kicked off Friday with a meet-and-greet. On Saturday, the action began with classroom presentations on fishing basics by Capt. Lee Lavery; offshore fishing by Capt. Jeanne Towne; conservation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; and inshore fishing and fly casting with Capt. Rob Modys.

Hands-on fishing skills taught included proper releasing, knot tying, bait rigging, spin casting, net casting and gaffing.

On Sunday, they put it all to work. Winners of the Fishing Fever Tournament included:

• Top Offshore Donna Jocelyn, 35.5-pound cobia

• Second Place Offshore Kim Royal, 3.1-pound yellowtail

• Top Sailfish Release Kim Royal

• Top Inshore Janet Steiner, 33.5-inch snook

• Second Place Inshore Pat Kucera, 28-inch redfish

• Top Inshore Release Pat Kucera, two tarpon

• Top Teen Angler 13-year-old Ayla Flores 19-inch snook

The participants embarked on offshore or inshore adventures out of Whale Harbor Marina in Islamorada and other locations, followed by fish fillet demonstrations. Overall, fish caught and/or released included cobia, sailfish, a variety of snappers, bonito, tarpon, snook, redfish, trout and sharks. There also were eight tarpon releases and two sailfish releases.

It was remarkable what many of the first-time anglers caught despite the sporty sea conditions. For 13-year-old Ayla Flores it was a life-changing experience to fish her first time ever with her grandparents.

“It was my very first time inshore fishing, and I can’t believe I won first place,” said an enthusiastic Janet Steiner, St. Augustine, Fla.

“This event was designed for beginners who can win a prize in our Fishing Fever Tournament, even if it’s the first fish they’ve ever caught or released,” Bauman said. “To see all the ladies fishing so well is what it’s all about.”

The Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Foundation is a national charitable 501C3 organization dedicated to attracting women and families to fishing while encouraging conservation and responsible angling. LLGF promotes networking among women anglers and emphasizes mentorships.

Want to get involved in this remarkable program? Contact Betty Bauman at (954) 475-9068 or email [email protected].