It wasn’t necessary to catch a large fish to win the LLGF Fishing Screamin’ Reels tournament in Islamorada, Florida, organized by Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing. A total of thirty women caught 145 mahi along with 12 other offshore and inshore species. A total of fifty-nine mahi were released.
Halley Lazzo from Tavernier, Florida, secured first place in Offshore fishing on the Big Huie with a 9.7-pound mahi, earning a Penn 30LD conventional rod and reel combo. She lost a 40-pound mahi while trying to gaff it. Marion Iglecia from Fort Myers, Florida, caught a 9.18-pound mahi on Sea Horse, landing the second Offshore spot. Maryanne Vondertann from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, claimed the top fish prize for Saturday with a 14.85-pound blackfin tuna on Caribsea, winning a Penn Battle II combo. However, as she didn’t participate on the second day, her catch was not considered for the two-day awards.
Halley Lazzo from Tavernier, Florida, claimed victory at the LLGF Fishing Screamin’ Reels tournament.
The top junior angler award went to Amy Krueger of Parkland, Florida, for a 4-pound king mackerel caught on Caribsea. Erin Pyper, also a junior angler from Parkland, won first place Inshore for a 26-inch snook release while on Florida Keys Fun Fishing with Captain Andy Downs. All participants received Catch Ticket prizes.
The tournament, held from June 21-21, began at the Tavernier Elks Club on Friday with an offshore fishing and conservation class led by Captain Skip Bradeen. Thirty women journeyed from places as far away as Georgia to compete, including several who had never previously caught an offshore fish.
Fishing took place on Saturday and Sunday for both inshore and offshore species, departing from Islamorada, Florida, using charter boats or personal boats. Since Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing organizes educational fishing events for women, this tournament provided simplified rules for novice anglers and an opportunity to learn fishing skills on the water.
Remaining events for LLGF in 2019, which include optional fishing, are: September 7-8 Tampa Inshore Seminar and October 18-20 Keys Saltwater Weekend Seminar.