Up to $25,000 in cash awards is to be available in the one-day all-release tournament.
Teams are awarded points based on the type of sharks caught and released. Qualifying species include mako, tiger, hammerhead, bull, black tip/spinner and lemon. The use of non-offset circle hooks is mandatory.
The winning team with the most points could receive a grand prize of up to $15,000. Cash prizes are to be awarded to second- and third-place teams as well.
Kickoff includes a mandatory captains meeting and party at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 9, at Fat Buoyz Pub & Grill at the 7 Mile Marina, mile marker 47.5 bayside.
Fishing is to run from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, April 10.
A 6:30 p.m. awards banquet is to feature live music and raffle prizes.
Entry fee is $550 per boat if received by April 1 and $600 per boat thereafter. The fee covers the captain and first two anglers, and includes three tickets for the captains meeting kick-off party and awards banquet as well as a tournament shirt for each captain and angler. Additional tickets can be purchased at the events.
Each additional angler’s entry fee is $100.
Teams can register until the evening of the captains meeting without a late penalty.
For more information, contact Captain Dan Rudacille at 305-395-0546 or visit www.7MileMarina.net and download a registration form.
To find out about area accommodations, call the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce at 305-743-5417 or 800-262-7284, e-mail visitus@floridakeysmarathon.com or visit the official Florida Keys & Key West website at www.fla-keys.com.
YUM Soft Plastics announces the introduction of F2, independently tested to be 30 percent more effective than the leading attractant. Six bait styles are infused with this powerful scent, and unlike other attractant-injected baits, YUM F2 retains its suppleness and “swimability.” They also don’t dry into hard, wrinkled and useless shrivels when left out of the package.
Attract. Enrage. Engage. F2, or Ferocity Squared, is a highly concentrated formula clinically tested by the Mississippi State University under the strictest scientific conditions. The result is documented proof that bass prefer YUM F2 by 30 percent. Additional advantages include its ability to be infused in traditional soft plastics in any shape, long-lasting effectiveness and continuous dispersal of scent.
YUM F2 is initially available in four new bait styles and two existing YUM baits. The new baits include the Wooly Bullee, a flippin’ style bait; the Mighty Bug, a six-legged creature bait in three sizes; the Sallee-mander, a 6-inch swimming lizard; and the Shakealicious Worm, a 6-inch shaky head worm with an undulating skirt at the head. YUM Dingers and Money Craws also have been infused with F2.
YUM F2 just took over the top spot in bass attractants. It’s documented. It’s been proven in the strictest clinical scientific testing. Bass prefer F2. It’s the most-effective attractant on the market. Look for F2 taking over your local tackle shop or at www.lurenet.com.
ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Every inch counts during the second annual Backcountry Fly Championship set for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26-27.
Tournament anglers are to compete to catch the most inches of snook and redfish on fly in a competition where one inch equals one point. Rules mandate that only two catches of each species over the two days of fishing can be counted toward an angler’s total inches.
Boats are allowed to leave the dock at 7 a.m. and lines-out is to be called at 3 p.m. both days. Dockside activities are scheduled at the Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, mile marker (MM) 81.9 bayside.
Awards are to be given for grand champion, runner-up to grand champion, and largest snook, redfish and tarpon. An evening awards dinner is scheduled at Uncle’s Restaurant, MM 80.9 oceanside, following Saturday’s fishing.
For registration details, contact Charlotte Ambrogio at 305-942-0428 or e-mail csasun@aol.com.
To find out about area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at 305-664-4503 or 800- 322-5397, or visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — The Poor Girls Billfish Tournament, a large regional charity competition, is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 16-17, at Holiday Isle, mile marker 84 oceanside in Islamorada.
With a decades-long history of being a low-entry-fee tournament, each year the event garners more than 200 female anglers.
The tournament offers 10 trophies, including those for first-, second- and third-place teams, grand champion and runner-up grand champion anglers, and the largest dolphin, kingfish and tuna.
The kick-off party and captains meeting are set for Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 5:30 p.m.
Fishing is to begin at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, with lines-out set for 3 p.m.
All entrants are to be back at the dock by 5 p.m.
An awards banquet is scheduled at 6 p.m.
Proceeds support the Matecumbe Historical Trust, Humane Society and Casting for Cats.
Entry fee is $95 per angler, including the kick-off party and awards banquet. Additional social tickets are available for $15 each.
For registration and more information, call Sharon Ellenwood at 305-664-2012 or 305-393-6174, or e-mail at sharellen@netzero.net.
To find out about area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at 305-664-4503 or (800) 322-5397, or visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at