Women like to fish? You must be Kidding?

When the “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” organization started planning their hands-on seminar series for women, they had plenty of doubters. “People laughed when they heard our initial concept,” said the program’s founder, Betty Bauman, remembering the program’s beginning seven years ago. “Some men just could not understand how their wives could possibly learn more about fishing from anyone other than them.”

Based on a hunch that there were millions of women who might try fishing if they had the opportunity to practice techniques hands-on, Bauman was not deterred. She had been inspired by a speech made in 1995 by Mike Hayden, President of the American Sport Fishing Association, about the lack of participation by women in the sport. Although there was little market research on the reason why, Bauman had a gut feeling more women would fish if they had a chance to pick up the equipment and learn its usage.

Based on that, she approached the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with the prospect of a weekend seminar where women could learn fishing theory, practice hands-on fishing skills, participate in a fishing trip and conclude with learning how to prepare the catch. The FWC, through Sport Fish Restoration Funds, became her partner, with the additional objective of teaching conservation.

The first event, held in Fort Lauderdale, FL in June of 1997, was a huge success, with 120 participants. Women interested in fishing came from all walks of life, ranging from sales clerks to homemakers to business owners. The weekend seminars typically begin with a reception on Friday evening. Early on Saturday, classroom sessions are held at beginner or advanced levels on inshore, offshore and bottom fishing. Lunch is served, followed by a multitude of hands-on stations where women practice fishing skills such as knot tying, rigging, boat handling, fish release procedures, trailer backing, casting, net casting and even reeling against a “human fish.” The program became nicknamed as the “No-Yelling School of Fishing,” and expanded to five Florida cities as well as held on other states. Satellite programs were conducted as far away as the British Virgin Isles. The program attracts an average of 100 students per seminar and enlists the services of more than 100 volunteers per year.

“We’re changing the way women look at this sport,” commented Bauman, “Versus the typical middle age burly guys fishing together on a boat you see on television, we’re accentuating the thrill and natural beauty of fishing. We’re providing the know-how in a fun, non-intimidating environment, with an opportunity for social networking and continued learning through the national organization and its local chapters.” Graduates have purchased boats and equipment as a result of taking the course, and prior novices have even become professional tournament anglers.

Times have changed since the beginning of “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” With more than 2,000 graduates, the organizers have created a national membership association. To continue the networking, they are developing a local chapter program. In one year, seven chapters formed in Florida and the numbers continue to increase. The program has sent the fishing industry on its ear.

The American Sport Fishing Association flew Bauman to Washington, DC to honor her with their prestigious, national “Woman of the Year” award, presented before congressional members. The marine media was quick to cover the story, followed by national media such as NBC’s Nightly News with Tom Brokaw and CBS’s Early Show with Bryant Gumbel, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and more. Corporations such as Mercury Outboards, Bass Pro Shops, Ranger, Boat/U.S. Marine Insurance, Gulfstream Int’l Airlines, Lowrance, Marine Industries Association of South Florida, IGFA, The South Florida Sport Fishing Magazine and more partnered with the cause. The seminar registration, including use of equipment, on-site meals, t-shirt and goody bag, typically costs $105. The fishing excursion is additional. What’s next? Future plans call for events held in other parts of the nation, including Denver, Alaska, Costa Rica and more. Bauman surmises, “Our only limitations are budget and staff. Once we have the funding, we will be able to continue expansion to other states and countries.”

According to Bauman, the most important development has been the increase of acceptance by women to try the sport. “Women will try fishing, once we have opened the door,” she explained, “Once they learn they can fish, they will.”

Women can register by contacting
(954) 475-9068 or fax (954) 474-7299
Toll Free: 1-888-321-LLGF (5543)
email: billfishbetty@hotmail.com
www.ladiesletsgofishing.com