Women take the lead in inshore saltwater fishing at the Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing (LLGF) Gulf Coast University, coming up March 21-22, 2026. And if you can’t wait for March, check their calendar for January and February events.
Ready to dive into fishing, but not sure where to start? The “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” University returns to the Gulf Coast for another round at Bass Pro Shops in Fort Myers. Saturday, March 21, kicks off with a full-day seminar; no gear, no experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to learn. It’s hosted by the Ladies Let’s Go Fishing Foundation, a nonprofit that’s all about teaching fishing in a friendly, stress-free way.
The day starts at 9:30 am and runs until 4 pm. Expect a real mix of activities: Captain Barry Nicholls “Cuda” leads sessions on inshore and backcountry fishing, gear basics, and conservation. After lunch, roll up your sleeves for hands-on skill stations—think releasing fish, dehooking, knot tying, lure tricks, and casting with fly, spin, or nets. Local guides stick around to offer tips and answer questions.
Sunday is for those eager to put skills into practice. Sign up for an optional inshore charter and fish the flats for redfish, snook, trout, and more.
You’ll find Bass Pro Shops at Gulf Coast Town Center, 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33913. Registration starts at $99, or $55 each if you bring a teen. That covers instruction, equipment use, hands-on training, some fun giveaways, and a shot at raffle prizes. Sunday’s fishing trip is extra, and spots are limited, so don’t wait. Sign up and get all the details at www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.
Looking ahead, here’s what’s on the 2026 LLGF calendar:
Jan. 30–Feb. 1: Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament, Islamorada, FL
Feb. 21: Hubbard’s Offshore Fishing
March 21–22: South Gulf Coast Saltwater Weekend Inshore Seminar and Fishing, Fort Myers, FL
April 17–19: South Florida Offshore Seminar and Fishing, Fort Lauderdale, FL
April 25: Naples, FL Bottom Fishing
May 15–17: Keys Fishing Screamin’ Reels Learning on the Water, Tavernier, FL Keys
June 17–22: Isla Mujeres, Mexico fishing
Sept. 12: Freshwater Bass Seminar and Fishing, 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
Find details for all upcoming events at www.ladiesletsgofishing.com, call (954) 475-9068, email fish@ladiesletsgofishing.com, or check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/ladiesletsgofishing.
About Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!
The Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Foundation (LLGF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) on a mission to get women and families out on the water and teach them about fishing and conservation. Known as the “No-Yelling School of Fishing,” LLGF offers hands-on clinics and fishing trips throughout Florida and beyond. Founded in 1997 by Betty Bauman, the group has taught over 9,000 people and been featured by NBC, CBS, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal.
This is a welcoming weekend for women and families to learn, practice, and try inshore charter fishing, no intimidation, just fun.
