Women anglers from across Florida and beyond gathered in the Florida Keys for the Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing (LLGF) Screamin’ Reels Tournament, held May 15-17 in Tavernier, FL. Hosted by the nonprofit Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Foundation, the event combined fishing, camaraderie and friendly competition in a fun, supportive environment for women raging from ages 25 to 89. While an inshore division was available, participants fished offshore.
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 3-5 foot seas on Sunday, adding to the adventure as participants targeted mahi, wahoo, tuna, yellowtail snapper and more.
Winners:
First Place Offshore: Robin Krueger, Parkland, FL – 17.25 lb. wahoo on Poppa Wahoo Too.
Second Place Offshore: Canan Myers, Deshler, OH – 4.9 lb. mahi on Sea Horse
Third Place Offshore: Lisa Brewer, Sarasota, FL – 4.3 lb. mahi on Sea Horse
First Place Private Boat: Kat Farese, Dania Beach, FL – 8 lb. mahi on Marlin Darlin
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, FL impressed anglers by catching fish both days. Lawrence previously attended two Alaska trips and a Costa Rica adventure hosted by LLGF.
“The most amazing experience!’ said Monica Sprague, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. “All you have to do is show up and go fishing – LLGF does all the work!”
Winners received Penn fishing combos, art prints, apparel and other prizes during Sunday’s awards ceremony.
“This tournament is unlike any other,” said Betty Bauman, Founder of LLGF. “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.”
Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing sponsors and partners whose support makes these programs possible include: Major partners Mercury, Magic Tilt trailers, Power-Pole, Penn, Lowrance and Fish Florida. Largest Annual Sponsors are ICOM, CCA Florida STAR, Bob’s Machine Shop, AFTCO, Smith Optics, Frogg Toggs, Hubbards Marina, Star Brite, Egret Baits, Danco, Preferred Marine Sales Group and Big Rock Sports Conservation Foundation. Local supporters were Sunset Inn and Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Other contributors are listed on the website.
LLGF will return to the Keys Oct. 16-18 with a full day seminar, fishing and prizes, followed by the Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament in 2027. Participants should register in advance for all events online at www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
Upcoming LLGF events, with optional or included fishing are:
June 17-22 Isla Mujeres, Mexico fishing
Sept. 12 Freshwater Bass Seminar South Florida Dania Beach, FL
Oct. 16-18 Keys Saltwater Weekend Seminar and fishing Islamorada, FL Keys
Nov. 21-22 St. Augustine Surf Fishing Academy Guy Harvey Resort
Feb. 5-7, 2027 Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament.
Contact: Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing, phone 954-475-9068, email: fish@ladiesletsgofishing.com, website: www.ladiesletsgofishing.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/ladiesletsgofishing
