Lady Angler Tournament News!

All-female Tournament Action Heats up from Coast to Coast

All-female fishing tournaments are on the rise and the action is heating up. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned lady angler, freshwater or saltwater enthusiast, there are tournaments and opportunities to compete all over the country.

GULF COAST: The world’s largest one-day saltwater women angler’s tournament, 14th Annual Babes on the Bay, had another record turn-out last month in Rockport Fulton, Texas. According to Tournament Director, Karol Scardino, “We were bigger than ever this year. We had 420 teams and 1478 women fishing.” The payout was enormous, with proceeds going to the Coastal Conservation Association. Coastal Angler Magazine’s tournament team, Coastal Angler Babes, fished the tournament and was a title sponsor. According to Texas co-publisher, Capt. Chip Harmon, “In spite of the rough weather conditions (40+ mph winds), everybody had a great time. The economic impact of the tournament for the Rockport area is estimated at over $1 million.” I guess everything IS bigger in Texas!

Also in Fulton Texas, look for the CBGA’s Saltwater Sweeties Ladies Amateur Fishing Tournament slated for July 12-13, 2013. For more information, contact Shauna Tabor: saltwatersweetiestourn@yahoo.com

If you are looking to fish for reds, sea trout, flounder, and large mouth bass, then consider the IWFA Louisiana Slam Tournament June 9-12 in Venice, The cost is $1350 and includes three full days guided fishing, two anglers per boat, kickoff dinner and awards dinner, and guide tips.

EAST COAST: The Florida Keys is home to numerous all-female fishing tournaments and this time of year it’s pretty easy to find a tournament with a Lady Angler Division from Key Largo to Key West. Lady anglers seeking fun need look no further than the inaugural Ladies Dolphin Tournament set for June 7-8 (mm 92) or the Key West’s Ladies Dolphin Championship on June 29.

If flats fishing is your fortẻ, there is still plenty of time to register for the Kathy Holeman IWFA Light Tackle Tournament in Islamorada, FL. It’s scheduled for this fall (October 21-23, 2013). Visit iwfa.org for more tournament dates.
In Stuart, Florida, the 42st Annual Stuart Sailfish Club Small Boat Tournament is combined with the 28th Annual Ladies Tournament June 14 & 15. For more information call 772.286.9373.

The 25th Anniversary Ladies Inshore/Offshore Fishing Tournament is August 1st and 3rd
in Madeira Beach, FL. Fish for grouper, snapper, amberjack, sea trout, redfish (photo release), flounder, Spanish mackerel & sheepshead.

In Jupiter, FL, Bluewater Babes Fish for a Cure will take place October 4-5. This festive mix of fishing, boat decorating, costume contests, and an awards party raises money for local cancer patients who are in financial need.

If you are looking to fish a tournament further north along the eastern seaboard, then check out the 16th Annual Keli Wagner Big Rock Lady Angler Event at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City, North Carolina.

Virginia Beach is home to perhaps one of the most colorful annual events, Wine Women and Fishing Aug. 17 &18. WWF has raised more than $215,000 for breast cancer research. If you want to fish, but don’t have a team or a boat, please contact Linda Church, WWF Committee Chair at 757.288,4842 or lchurchlady1@aol.com.

SOUTHEAST: If freshwater fishing is your passion, check out the Lady Bass Angler Association Pro Fishing Tournament Trail, set for Dayton, TN July 26 and 27.

WEST COAST: Looking for tournaments on the West Coast? Your best bet is to contact the United Anglers of Southern California for a comprehensive list of events and to hook up with a tremendous network of anglers.

GREAT LAKES: The Great Lakes Sportfishing Council website has complete tournament listings for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, New York, and Ontario.

NORTHEAST: The northeast hosts a plethora of flyfishing and offshore fishing events. For information on your state’s events, contact your area’s Coastal Angler Magazine co-publisher. (See directory.)

So, instead of doing the same old girls ‘night out’, plan a girls ‘day out’ on the water. Enter a tournament and get fishy. Fishing with your besties is a great way to build camaraderie and hone your skills. Even if you don’t win, chances are, your entry will benefit a charitable cause.

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