A HOT START TO '23: THE NPAA AND WOMEN’S ANGLING MEET UP

GOT THE POST HOLIDAY BLUES- THEN FORT MYERS FL IS THE PLACE TO BE! Are you familiar with the NPAA? The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to sportfishing, and composed of tournament anglers, professional guides, angler educators and sportfishing/marine industry professionals who are passionate about the sport. The NPAA is holding their 2023 Annual Conference in Fort Myers FL January 6-8. After being “Covidized” for a couple years, there is a lot of excitement about this year’s event and its great slate of speakers addressing topics critical to the recreational fishing industry and the goal to control their own destiny. (Registration NPAA Conference – NPAA)

One of the drivers behind this goal is keynote speaker, legendary pro bass angler Gerald Swindle-member, social media icon and no-nonsense motivational speaker that knows this industry inside and out. Swindle says he’ll be illustrating how he has taken control of his destiny and is helping the NPAA do the same. His hope is that he can inspire others to take control of their destiny, too. In his seminar he will discuss how you can develop a mindset that won’t take no for an answer, how to push through the tough times, and how to break the chains currently holding you back. “If you want to be a winner in the recreational fishing industry, at any level or any job for that matter, you have to develop that hard as steel attitude– and know that your heart is always in the right place at the same time” said Swindle.

As part of the exploration of destiny, The Woman Angler & Adventurer- Angie Scott- podcaster, Lady Bass Angler Association Pro, and strong advocate for all-things advancing women in the outdoors- will host an NPAA sponsored Women Angler Networking Session Friday @11:00 AM.

If that’s not enough excitement, there will be a Women's Fishing Meet Up. Our good friend Angie and outdoor writer and fishing guide Debbie Hanson have organized this Meet Up event on Sunday, January 8th, immediately following the NPAA conference in Fort Myers. Not only will this be a great way to meet and connect with other women, but participants are also be supporting the Southwest Florida fishing community which was ravaged by Hurricane Ian. Guided Kayak Fishing Trip Registration

This is a Kayak Fishing event, so If you have your own kayak, bring it. If not, you can rent one or join us on a 5-hour guided kayak charter that includes kayaks, paddles, PFDs and all the gear needed for a great fishing experience. That cost of $135 per person plus tax. You must purchase your own FL saltwater fishing license if you don’t already have one. 5 Hr Kayak Fishing Charter

Afterward, we’ll all be heading to a local Pine Island restaurant for lunch for fellowship, networking, and to share a few fish tales. If interested, message Angie on FB messenger for registration info. Registration to the NPAA Conference is not required for the Woman’s event. The Guided Kayak Fishing trip on Sunday, January 8th starts at 7:30 am SHARP). For additional questions or for those who prefer to book directly with Gulf Coast Kayak, feel free to call: 239-283-1125. The Start/Meeting location is set for Sirenia Vista Park but we may move it down the road to Matlacha Park or Gulf Coast Kayak . All 3 locations are within minutes of each other. This will be settled days in advance and you will receive word of the final launch locale