Join a Blond & Her Boat on a Fishing Trip!

Last year the inaugural Women's Musky Fishing School sponsored by Shimano ended up a resounding success. Eighteen extraordinary women learned how to take their boats out by themselves and hunt for the elusive musky. It was an amazing weekend-full of laughter and camaraderie, and women talking about �ripping crankbaits along a deep breakline." Man, you gotta love that. Many of the gals were already Muskie, Inc. members and most of the rest signed up after the event. The future of the sports of fishing and boating, as well as various conservation organizations, depend on getting new faces involved.

I was so inspired at the outing, I've expanded upon this theme and am now offering a whole series of interesting fishing trips. Though many of the trips focus on all-women's groups, there are also opportunities for couples and mixed groups (both sexes) to attend certain trips. The whole idea is to encourage more female participation in the sport�the offshoot benefit will be more couples and families spending quality time on the water together.

Here's a synopsis of the 2007 itinerary:

*May 18-20:WOW! Women Canoe, Catch Fish, Campfire & Cook-Out. This is a multi-species fishing trip near Eagle River, WI. Get ready to tie into smallmouth bass and scrappy northern pike, fighting them from a canoe is a challenge!

*June 6-9: WOW! Shimano's Intermediate Musky Huntress Trip. For gals who already possess basic boating and musky fishing skills, this trip teaches advanced techniques. Held in Land O Lakes, WI�fishing for tigers at Lac Vieux Desert and other area waters.

*June 13-16: WOW! Shimano's Beginner Musky Huntress: Held in St. Germain, WI, this trip teaches all the basics. An optional hands-on boating clinic will be held on day one at Heckel's Marina in Eagle River.

*July 18-21: WOW! Women Bassin': The Northwoods of Wisconsin offers an incredible bass fishery-both smallies and largemouths-- and this rod bending action is the best way to hook an angler for life. Optional hands-on boating clinic held on day one at Heckel's Marina in Eagle River.

*Aug 15-18th: Couples Chasing Muskies (sponsored by Frabill): Spouses will
be the "net man" for each other, chasing BIG fish around on Minnesota lakes.

*Sept. 28-30: Couples Canoe, Catch Fish, Campfire & Cookout (sponsored by Costa Del Mar) : This is a multi-species trip near Eagle River, WI. Learn to work together to battle tenacious smallmouths or tasty walleyes out of a small craft.

*Oct. 25-27: Trophy Time (sponsored by Rollie & Helen's Musky Shop): Diehard hunting for fall muskies in the Minocqua, WI area. This trip is open to men & women.

Can you tell me one of these doesn't pique your interest? I'm really excited about the year's events. The trips are all inclusive�.you just show up and get ready to fish! We send out a detailed pre-trip gear list, specific directions, and itinerary. At the beginner level trips, gals wishing to learn skills such as launching a boat or running a trolling motor will have the option of attending a hands-on clinic on day one. (Ladies, learn to back up your boat and trailer without your husband yelling at you!) Once there, breakfasts and dinners are taken care of�you'll pack a lunch and we'll enjoy a picnic flotilla on the lake or stop at a nearby restaurant. We have campfires and cookouts planned at most outings, as well as wildlife identification games sprinkled into the mix. It's a complete Northwoods experience�And, daily instructional seminars are offered by myself and co-instructors Tony Grant, Peter Stoltman, Jon Solberg, Karen Di Pietro, Jim Behm, and Pete Schoetz. These guys and gals are all fantastic fishermen and instructors�they'll patiently teach you anything from tying a Palomar knot to working your GPS. I'm already looking at adding on more female instructors on the 2008 itinerary. Hey, this isn't your grandfather's sport anymore!

Guys, are you looking for a unique Valentine's or Anniversary trip? Consider signing up for the �Couples Canoe" together. Gift certificates are available. Ladies, are you looking to enjoy the time of your life? Sign up for one of our all-women's trips�they are a hoot and, you'll learn boating and fishing skills in a comfortable, safe environment.

For complete trip details, pricing, etc. please visit: www.ablondandherboat.com