Upper Keys Community

LADIES HOOK 180 FISH DURING ANNUAL TOURNAMENT

June 19, 2024

a man and a woman holding a fish on a boat — Penny Jacobus took first place with a 48.5-pound amberjack on the Sea Horse.

A total of 180 offshore and inshore fish were hooked by women fishing from private or charter boats during the Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Screamin’ Reels tournament May 17-19 in Islamorada.

Hosted by the nonprofit Ladies Let’s Go Fishing Foundation (LLGF), the tournament kicked off at the Tavernier Elks Club, followed by a friendly fishing competition out of Islamorada. Some ladies caught the first fish of their lives. There were three mother-daughter teams and for one pair the event was a Mother’s Day gift.

Prizes included Penn combos, art prints, shirts and were presented upon the return of boats at Whale Harbor on May 19.

“Screamin’ Reels is a different breed of tournament, where it’s game on for almost every legal offshore or inshore species in the sea,” said LLGF founder Betty Bauman. “It’s perfect for novice or average anglers and those who never caught a fish nor would dream of entering a fishing tournament.”

Featured on national network television and more, the series is supported by major partners including the Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation, Take Me Fishing, Vamos a Pescar, Mercury, Magic Tilt trailers, Shearwater Boats, Power-Pole, Penn, TACO Metals, Lowrance and Fish Florida. Local sponsors were Sunset Inn and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Other supporters and contributors are listed on the LLGF website.

LLGF offers a second Keys event Oct. 18-20 with a full-day fishing seminar, two days of fishing and casual prizes. Participants must register in advance for all events online at www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.

a group of people on a boat holding fish — The team fishing on the Sea Horse show off their catches. Tatiana Andronik, of North Carolina, won first place offshore, while Isabella Chandler, age 13, was the top teen angler. CONTRIBUTED

Winners

First Place Offshore: Tatiana Andronik, Indian Trail, North Carolina with a 4.75-pound mahi on KK IV.

Second Place Offshore: Kyllene Carter, Miami Shores, with a 4.4-pound mahi on Big Dave.

First Place Jack Division: Penny Jacobis, Pinecrest, with a 48.5-pound amberjack on the Sea Horse.

First and Second Place Inshore: Elizabeth Palma, Key Largo with a 26 and 22-inch redfish on Uno Mas.Top Teen: Isabella Chandler, Jacksonville, with a 35.5-pound amberjack on the Sea Horse.