Sixteen women joined Captain Tanya Dowdy for SCWF’s POWR+ Inshore Fishing Day at Nemours Wildlife Foundation on September 14. After a morning of learning about inshore fishing with artificial baits, participants headed out on the water to put their new knowledge and gear to work.

And everyone caught a fish!

The fish were biting, with flounder making up most of the catch and red drum, spotted seatrout, and black drum joining the mix. By the end of the day, the group had landed all four species for an inshore grand slam!

Throughout the day, Captain Tanya shared tips on choosing the right rod and reel, tying knots, selecting artificial baits, and reading the water. Participants learned to look for structure and moving water, including oyster beds, drop-offs, vegetation, and areas where current moves through the marsh. They also learned how tides and water movement can play an important role in finding fish.

The day was about more than catching fish. POWR+ gives women the opportunity to build confidence, learn new outdoor skills, and connect with other women who share a passion for the outdoors. By the end of the day, every participant had a fish story of her own to take home.

SCWF would like to thank Captain Tanya Dowdy, owner of Reel Chica Charters for sharing her knowledge and making the day such a success. We also appreciate Nemours Wildlife Foundation for hosting us and providing a beautiful setting for the class.

A special thank you to the FishAmerica Foundation, in partnership with Z-Man Fishing Products and Barron’s Outdoors, for their support of this event. Their generosity helped provide participants with the opportunity to learn, get on the water, and experience the excitement of inshore fishing firsthand.

We are also grateful to the companies whose continued support help make this program possible: St. Croix Rods, Seviin Reels, AFTCO, Z-Man Fishing Products, Haddrells Point Tackle, YETI, Bajío Sunglasses, and Rapala USA.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a memorable day on the water!

Fish on!