Nearly 50 million people in the US fish every year, and women account for only 33% of those numbers. Out numbering golf nearly 2 to 1, the sport of fishing contributes nearly $108 billion in the US economy.  Why don’t more women fish? Maybe because tackle shops, “..don’t cater to women”, “husband has no patience”, “..guys won’t take me fishing” etc. 

The Oak Island Parks and Recreation Department has developed the Women Anglers in Training Program, or WAIT for short, a two day fishing seminar, May 1st & 2nd, just for the ladies. Experience the excitement of learning fishing skills in a stress free all women’s environment. Imagine not having you husband or boyfriend loosing patience, because you don’t know the difference between a leader and a lure!

The WAIT is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, at Oak Island.  Saturday will be a day of hands-on classroom instruction at the Oak Island Recreation Department and Sunday will be a fishing excursion to Ocean Crest Pier or out on private charters for practicing Saturday's lessons and some on-the-job experience. 

Pictures from Previous WAIT Weekends!!!!

What Happens at WAIT?????

Day One

Saturday, May 1st

All classes will be held at the Oak Island Recreation Center and will be a “classroom” type setting. The day begins at 9am and will conclude about 4pm.  Lunch will be provided.
All Participants:
· Introduction to knots, tackle, rigging, and fishing terms.
· Flounder Fishing
· Bottom Fishing
· Drum Fishing
· Surf Fishing
· All about cast nets and much, much more!!!
Advanced Classroom:
· Nearshore trolling
· Using live bait
· Hands on knots/ tying rigs
· Hands on baiting a treble hook, circle hook, etc
· Chumming techniques
· ….and much more!!

Day Two

Sunday, May 2nd

Option One:
Pier Fishing at Oak Island Pier.
We will meet at 9am at the entrance at Oak Island Pier. Rods/reels and bait, and instruction will be provided. Ocean Crest Pier offers a relaxed setting, with a super bait/tackle shop. Bag lunches will be provided at this site.

Option Two:
Backwater Fishing with a local fisherman
This year we have arranged for local captains and Oak Island Fishing club members to take you near-shore or backwater fishing.  You will fish for species such as; flounder, trout, black bass, spanish, and drum. Boats are 17ft.-26ft. and will carry 2-4 persons. You will be fishing in areas such as the intra-coastal waterway, near-shore ocean, canals, and wetland areas. You will experience first hand rigging, using live baits, casting, catching, etc.   Bag lunches will be provided on the boat.

Registration:

There are two WAIT options:

Option One—$49.00
Day of instruction and day of fun at Yaupon Pier.

Option Two—$119.00
Day of instruction and fishing trip with local fisherman.Spaces extremely limited!

Both options include lunch both days, participant goodie bag, and drawing for many door prizes.

Deep Sea Fishing - We have one captain (Captain Mike) that is willing to take three more ladies out to the Tower, which is in about 150 feet of water. Lots of big and plentaful fish!! He also has a head (bathroom)!! If you would like to go, it will cost an additional $40. Please call Rebecca if you are interested.

Captain Mike

To Register:

Registration Form
Registration will take place through Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department at:
www.oakislandnc.com/recreation
Or
910-278-5518/278-4747
Or
At Oak Island Parks & Recreation
3101 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island, NC