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, April 26th and 27th, 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 Yaupon Pier or out on private charters for practicing Saturday's lessons and some on-the-job experience. 

Pictures from 2007 !!!!

What Happens at WAIT?????

Day One

Saturday, April 26th

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, April  27th

Option One:
Pier Fishing at Ocean Crest Pier.
We will meet at 9am at the entrance at Ocean Crest 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 backwater fishing.  You will fish for species such as; flounder, trout, 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, 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.

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

To Register:
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