The nonprofit Ladies, Let's Go Fishing Foundation will host their Keys University and Fishing Fever Tournament, Oct. 16-18, 2026. This event features hands-on instruction, networking, optional fishing charters and fun tournament competition in the Sport Fishing Capital of the World.
Held at the Tavernier Elks Lodge, the weekend includes:
- Friday: Fishing and an evening networking social and fundraiser (6:30–8:30 pm)
- Saturday: Educational sessions (9 am-4 pm) with topics such as offshore, inshore and bottom fishing, tackle, conservation, and fishing basics. Hands-on skill stations include knot tying, casting, dehooking, bait rigging, spin casting and more
- Sunday: Fishing and Fishing Fever awards
Instructors include noted captains and fishing educators such as Captains Lee Lavery, Jeanne Towne, Rob Modys, Betty Bauman, FWC and others.
On Friday and Sunday, optional inshore or offshore charter fishing trips are offered, or participants can fish from their own boats for the friendly LLGF Fishing Fever Tournament with prizes for top catches. No experience or equipment is needed—everything is provided.
In 2025, participants hooked 150 fish including mahi, redfish, tarpon and more.
Registration, including instruction, equipment usage, lunch, welcome social and gifts, is $125 Early, $145 Regular and $180 VIP Package with premium gifts and discounts. Women with teen discount is available. Charter boat fishing is additional. The host hotel is Sunset Inn, Islamorada. Event venue is Tavernier Elks Lodge, 92600 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070 (MM 92 Bayside)
Sponsors and supporters include Mercury, Magic Tilt trailers, Power-Pole, Penn and Fish Florida. Largest Annual Sponsors are Lowrance, ICOM, Bob's Machine Shop, AFTCO, Smith Optics, Frogg Toggs, Hubbards Marina, Seaguar, Flying Fisherman, Pelagic Gear, Engel, Yeti, Vudu, CCA Florida Star and Star Brite. Local sponsors are Sunset Inn and Monroe County Tourist Development Council. The full list is on the website.
Additional upcoming LLGF events, with optional or included fishing are:
Sept. 12, 2026 Freshwater Bass Seminar South Florida Dania Beach, FL
Nov. 21-22, 2026 St. Augustine Surf Fishing Academy Guy Harvey Resort
Feb. 5-7, 2027 Islamorada Women's Sailfish Tournament Islamorada, FL
To register or learn more visitwww.ladiesletsgofishing.com or Facebook: facebook.com/ladiesletsgofishing
About "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!"
The Ladies, Let's Go Fishing Foundation (LLGF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to introducing women and families to fishing while promoting conservation and responsible angling. Dubbed the "No-Yelling School of Fishing," LLGF offers hands-on training, immersive seminars, and fishing trips across Florida and internationally. Founded in 1997 by Betty Bauman, the organization has educated over 9,000 graduates and gained national recognition in outlets such as NBC Nightly News, CBS, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal. Information is at https://ladiesletsgofishing.com