Women anglers from Florida and other states gathered in the Florida Keys for the Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing (LLGF) Screamin’ Reels Tournament, held May 15-17 in Tavernier. Hosted by the nonprofit Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Foundation, the event combined fishing, camaraderie and friendly competition for women ranging from ages 25 to 89.
The weekend kicked off with a welcome party at the Tavernier Elks Club before anglers headed offshore aboard private and charter boats for two days of tournament fishing. Calm seas on Saturday gave way to 3- to 5-foot seas on Sunday, adding to the adventure as participants targeted mahi, wahoo, tuna, yellowtail snapper and more.
The tournament delivered memorable firsts for many participants, including first mahi, wahoo and tuna catches, along with barracuda releases. At age 89, Nancy Lawrence of Palm Beach impressed anglers by catching fish both days. Lawrence previously attended two Alaska trips and a Costa Rica adventure hosted by LLGF.
“This tournament is unlike any other,” said Betty Bauman, LLGF founder. “Screamin’ Reels welcomes both casual and experienced anglers to compete in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere where nearly every legal offshore or inshore species counts. It’s inspiring to see women from their 20s to 89 years old fishing together and sharing the excitement.”
Learn more at www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
First-place offshore: Robin Krueger: 17.25-pound wahoo on Poppa Wahoo Too.
Second-place offshore: Canan Myers: 4.9-pound mahi on Sea Horse.
Third-place offshore: Lisa Brewer: 4.3-pound mahi on Sea Horse.
First-place private boat: Kat Farese: 8-pound mahi on Marlin Darlin.
