During the first weekend of June, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries hosted a Women’s Fishing Workshop at the Grand Isle Fisheries Research Lab where 15 women perfected their angling skills under the supervision and assistance of LDWF staff and Aquatic Volunteer Instructors (VIPs).
The ladies began their weekend by learning how to set up their rods and reels and fishing along the shore Friday night. Saturday, LDWF staff and volunteers led inshore and offshore fishing trips providing a hands-on opportunity for the participants to utilize the skills previously learned. Despite strong winds and less than perfect wave conditions, the ladies were able to spend a full day on the water fishing for red snapper, speckled trout, and redfish. During this weekend workshop, the ladies also practiced fish cleaning, cast netting, trailering, and received a tour of the research facilities at the lab.
The Women’s Fishing Workshop consists of a one-day workshop at Cabela’s where angling techniques are taught to 30 women, 18 and older, who may lack either the opportunity or confidence to perform these skills. Every participant leaves the workshop as a more knowledgeable, independent angler. The women are then entered into a drawing to attend a fishing trip at the Grand Isle Fisheries Research Lab.
The next workshop is scheduled for Spring 2019. For more information on this program visit http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishingworkshops.
This workshop is made possible by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation, Cabela’s, and the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana.