I wonder if it is as simple as doing a ssh over to the system from where you are trying to ftp from (on your first ssh (i.e., telnet) session, IIRC, there is an authentication prompt to (I believe) establish credentials). After ssh/telnet over to Fedora, then try the ftp session again and see if it makes a difference. I recently installed Fedora (coming from AIX/Solaris background and trying to get up to speed on RH) and just checked my ftp function and while I didn't have the same issue as you, I had to start the service (service vsftpd start).

I hope this helps!

- Matt