Women are invited to tackle fishing skills and enter a fun fishing tournament at the Northeast Florida “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” University during the weekend of Aug. 13-14.
Held at the Northeast Florida Marlin Association private clubhouse, the activities include classes, hands-on fishing skill practice and a tournament kickoff party on Aug. 13.
On Sunday, there will be optional charter fishing and the “Anyone Can Win” tournament. It is hosted by the Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing nonprofit foundation.
Activities launch on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. with classes on inshore and offshore fishing, followed by hands-on practice for skills that include knot tying, releasing/dehooking/conservation, lure rigging, spin casting, fly casting, gaffing grapefruits, cast netting, trailer backing and reel maintenance.
A reception, appetizer contest, auction and start for the tournament follow from 6-8:30 p.m. On Sunday, there will be an optional inshore or offshore charter fishing trip for sailfish, mahi-mahi, mackerel, tuna, wahoo, snapper, amberjack, redfish, trout and snook, followed by awards.
Participants who opt for the fishing portion are automatically entered in the “Anyone Can Win” tournament at no additional cost.
Although the focus is on women, ladies have the option of registering a male guest and/or teens to include the whole family. Eight thousand women have graduated.
“It has been since 2006 that we have been able to return to this excellent location,” Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing founder Betty Bauman said in a statement. “The Northeast Florida Marlin Club is showing its support to the community and offers an incredible opportunity for women to learn at the ‘No-Yelling’ School of Fishing.”
Featured on national network TV, the series is supported by major partners that include the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Discover Boating, the Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation, Mercury, Ranger Boats, Magic Tilt trailers, Penn, Humminbird, Minn Kota and Fish Florida.
Annual sponsors are Freedom Boat Club, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort, Sunrise Resort & Marina, AFTCO/Guy Harvey, the Future Angler Foundation and Harbor Financial Services. Local sponsors include the Northeast Florida Marlin Association.
Registration of $85 includes instruction, the use of equipment, hands-on training, reception and fundraisers. Early entry discounts are on the website. Charter fishing is additional and includes a free tournament entry. No equipment or experience is necessary.
