Women of all angling abilities are invited to acquire or fine-tune fishing skills at the award winning "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!" seminar!  Hosted by Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and presented by Mercury Outboards, the program offers a full weekend of educational fishing activities on Aug. 22-24 at the Hyatt Sarasota.  The Hyatt just completed a $20 million renovation of their guest rooms, conference center and food and beverage facilities.

The seminar will kick off with a welcome reception at the Hyatt on Friday evening, Aug. 22, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.  The classroom portion starts at 7:30 am on Saturday, Aug. 23, where fishing techniques will be taught at beginner and intermediate/advanced levels. Fishing topics are: Rod and Reel Basics, Inshore, Offshore, Bottom and Fly Fishing, with instructors including Capt. Dave Zalewski and more. After lunch, the women will participate in several "hands-on" fishing stations, such as conservation techniques, spin casting, net casting, landing and releasing, knot tying, gaffing grapefruits, boat handling, trailer backing and reeling against pressure, until 4:30 pm. On Sunday, Aug. 24, a fishing trip is offered, concluding with a fillet class.

Featured on national network television and more, the series is held in conjunction with the FWC through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, with major partners such as Mercury Outboards, Bass Pro Shops, Ranger, BoatU.S. ANGLER Insurance, Gulfstream Int'l Airlines, Shimano and Ocean LED. There will be opportunities for local businesses and area anglers to take an active role in the seminar.

Seminar registration, which must be made in advance, is $145 per person including instruction, use of equipment, hands-on training, Welcome Reception, meals, T-shirts, goody bags and more. The five-hour Fishing Adventure, with tackle and bait provided, is additional. 

A limited number of scholarships for seminar registration and party boat fishing are available for women in a low income bracket. Those interested can email a short paragraph about their situation, why they want to take the course and contact information, with "scholarship" in the subject line. Requests will only be accepted via email and must be submitted no later than two weeks in advance of the seminar. This is provided by the Florida Foundation for Responsible Angling.

The beautiful Hyatt Sarasota is located at 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236. In addition to the Sarasota seminar, the 2008 schedule includes a seminar at Pirates Cove, Stuart, FL on May 16-18; Holiday Isle in Islamorada, FL September 19-21 and a ladies-only trip to Alaska on August 27-30. For more go to www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.