Backwater Fishing School doubles offerings for 2004

PINE ISLAND, Fla. – The Genmar/Evinrude Backwater Fishing School will conclude its first season later this month, and as a result of the school’s success, will double the number of offerings for 2004, the organization reported November 10.

This year there were six courses offered, according to C. Gordon Houser, the school’s director. Courses for 2004 will start in February and there will be 13 sessions ending in November, he added.

“We had a roaring success for the first season,” Houser said. “The classes were well attended for a start-up program and the final courses of the year are full.”

The Genmar boat companies that market saltwater fishing boats, (including Wellcraft, Ranger, Hydra-Sports, Aquasport, Seaswirl and Triumph), along with Bombardier’s Evinrude engines, teamed up together to produce the school, which is held at Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island.

The 2004 school calendar also has room for corporate special events and executive team building, said Houser.

“Building angling skills and learning methods of protecting our ocean’s resources are the primary themes behind the Genmar/Evinrude Backwater Fishing School, which offers an in-depth curriculum on backwater and inshore saltwater sportfishing,” explained Houser.

The four-night, three-day courses have a curriculum that is designed to introduce newcomers or enhance current skills, and the sessions are taught by fishing instructors, as well as licensed charter boat captains and guides, according to the organization.

Basic fly fishing and light-tackle sportfishing skills are taught during the courses, as are basic boat operation, trip preparation, boating safety, and accident prevention. Other subjects include bait rigging, live bait and artificial techniques, fish habits vs. angler habits, electronics, cast netting, knots, light tackle use, as well as environmental and conservation programs.

One of the special events offered this year was an all-women’s (Women Making Waves) school that will be offered again next year, based on the program’s success, the organization reported.

“The Genmar Backwater Fishing School expanded on the truths learned from the Genmar Women Making Waves initiative,” Houser said. “We’ve found that women want to learn how to fish and how to operate a boat. They want to learn these things, but they want to learn them in a non-pressure environment. Thus, they don’t particularly want their husbands or significant others in the same class.”

For more information call (800) 755-1099, ext. 490 or visit the school’s Web site.

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