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22nd Annual Swamp Guides ‘Ball’ Pushes Off Jan. 27-28

 

22nd Annual Swamp Guides ‘Ball’ Pushes Off Jan. 27-28

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Backcountry guides are to trade their push poles for fishing poles when they join fellow angling competitors at the annual Swamp Guides Ball backcountry fishing tournament. The challenge is set for Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27-28, at the Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar, mile marker 82 in Islamorada.
The all-release tournament is open to all anglers and targets bonefish, redfish and snook. Anglers are not required to hire a professional guide to compete.
Event proceeds benefit the nonprofit Guides Trust Foundation, formerly known as the Don Hawley Foundation, which raises money to assist fishing guides who can’t work because of serious injury or illness.
Registration and a kick-off party with a silent auction are set for Friday, Jan. 27, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Lorelei beach. A rules meeting begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Friday evening’s highlight is a silent auction featuring fishing and boating gear, artwork and guided fishing trips. The auction is open to anglers and landlubbers alike, whether they fish the tournament or not. The auction closes at 7 p.m.
Fishing is to begin at 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan 28. Lines-out is to be called at 3 p.m. and final check-in with the scorekeeper is set for 5 p.m.
Cocktails and a fundraising raffle are to begin Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Lorelei beach, to be followed by the awards “ball” at 6:30 p.m.
Entry fee is $200 per two-angler team and includes social tickets, T-shirts and goodie bags.

Event registration: Terry Albury at 305-664-5142 or talbury@aol.com
Posted by Reel Mell-O Charters at 1/4/2012 4:16 PM | Add Comment

Up to $30,000 Cash Awaits Winner of IFC Sailfish Tournament

 


ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — The winner of the Islamorada Fishing Club’s 2012 Sailfish Tournament, set for Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 25-26, could take home as much as $30,000 cash.

A $25,000 winner-take-all first-place prize is guaranteed if a minimum of 18 boats register for the tournament. After 25 boats are registered, an additional $1,000 is to be added to the prize money for each boat, up to a limit of 30 boats. So the total cash payout could reach $30,000.
The tournament kickoff is set for Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the club, located at mile marker 82 bayside. Registration and cocktails are set for 6-7 p.m., followed by a rules meeting and buffet.
Fishing takes place Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All boats must return to the dock by 5:30 p.m.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are to be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and awards.
The tournament is the final leg of the three-tournament Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship, which also includes the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament and the Jan. 20-22 Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament.
Gold Cup Championship awards are to be presented at the club Thursday, Jan. 26, following the Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament.
Entry fee for the sailfish challenge is $2,500 per boat for a two-angler team. Additional social tickets can be purchased at the club.
Posted by Reel Mell-O Charters at 1/4/2012 4:15 PM | Add Comment

22nd Annual Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament Set for Jan. 20-22

 

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — The 22nd annual Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament, the second leg of the three-tournament Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship series, is to take place Friday through Sunday, Jan. 20-22. The event is a qualifying tournament in the World Billfish Series.
The kickoff is set for Friday, Jan. 20, at Cheeca Lodge, mile marker 82 oceanside in Islamorada.
Two days of light-tackle sailfishing get under way Saturday, Jan. 21, and conclude Sunday. The gala awards banquet is set for Sunday evening in the luxurious Bougainvillea Ballroom.
Anglers are to use 12-pound line to wrestle the high-flying sailfish. Only circle hooks can be used.
As in past years, entry fee is $695 for the first angler per boat. Additional anglers’ entry fee is $645. After Jan. 13, angler fees increase by $50. Fees include gift bags with goodies from Vineyard Vines and more, dinner and drink tickets. Additional social tickets purchased in advance are $85 per person per event.
Registration can be completed online, through the mail or at the kick-off party.
Cheeca Lodge is offering a 20 percent discount on all premier and luxury rooms for tournament anglers. For reservations, visit www.cheeca.com or call 800-327-2888 and ask for the group rate.
The Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship’s first leg, the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, ended Dec. 4 after heavy-hitting action and hundreds of released sails. The series’ final leg is Jan. 26 at the IFC Sailfish Tournament, when the Gold Cup Championship awards are to be presented for high-point earners who fished all three events.
Posted by Reel Mell-O Charters at 12/21/2011 8:22 AM | Add Comment

Nautical Wares to Star at Big Pine Key’s Jan. 21-22 Maritime Mart

BIG PINE KEY, Florida Keys — Boaters, anglers, divers and others who enjoy the Florida Keys marine environment can find goods and supplies for their seafaring pursuits at the Big Pine & Lower Keys Nautical Flea Market set for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21-22.
The eighth annual maritime showcase is to be open both days from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, mile marker 31 oceanside on Big Pine Key.
Visitors to the open-air emporium can browse and purchase merchandise including boats and motors, dive and snorkel items, fishing gear and other nautical wares. In addition, they can purchase food and beverages from on-site vendors.
The family-friendly event also includes live music by local and regional musicians and bands. Multiple raffle giveaways are scheduled as well.
Proceeds from the nautical market benefit the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce. Admission and parking are free.
Event information: www.lowerkeyschamber.com or 1-800-872-3722
Posted by Reel Mell-O Charters at 12/9/2011 7:08 PM | Add Comment

Key Largo Sailfish Challenge Set For Jan. 6-8

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Heralding the height of the Florida Keys sailfish season, the 16thannual Key Largo Sailfish Challenge is set for Friday through Sunday, Jan. 6-8.
Characterized by friendly but serious competition, professionalism and camaraderie among anglers who put their 20-pound line skills to task, the event is to be headquartered at Sundowners on the Bay, located at mile marker 103.9 bayside in Key Largo.
Cash prizes and trophies await the tournament’s first-, second- and third-place teams.
The annual boat tournament’s action begins with a 6 p.m. registration Friday at Sundowner’s with cocktails and a kick-off party to follow.
Fishing begins Saturday, Jan. 7, with lines in the water at 8 a.m. Lines-out is to be called at 4 p.m. Sunday’s fishing runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cocktails and a buffet are set for 6:30 p.m., with the awards ceremony to follow at 7:30 p.m.
Auctions and raffles are to highlight the weekend event, whose proceeds benefit the Coral Shores High School band program.
Up to four anglers per boat can register. Entry fee for the first angler per boat is $525, the second and third pay $475 each, and there is no charge for the fourth.

Tournament registration: Tammie Gurgiolo at 305-240-9337 or fishnbully@msn.com
Posted by Reel Mell-O Charters at 12/9/2011 7:07 PM | Add Comment

Key West Harbour King Mackerel Tournament Set for Jan. 20-22

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Big king mackerel migrate to the waters around Key West each winter, prompting a similar migration of anglers to target the species in the annual Key West Harbour King Mackerel Tournament. The 2012 event is set for Friday through Sunday, Jan. 20-22.
The angler who weighs in the heaviest mackerel, also known as kingfish, is to take home a $10,000 prize. Second- and third-place finishers receive $4,000 and $3,000, respectively, and cash prizes are to be presented through 10th place. Award amounts are based on having a field of 100 boats.
Cash awards also await the top anglers fishing on boats that measure 23 feet or shorter, while cash and prizes are to be presented to top female, junior and senior anglers.
The tournament is headquartered at Key West Harbour Yacht Club, 6000 Peninsular Ave. on Stock Island.
Events kick off Friday, Jan. 20, with a 3-7 p.m. registration at the yacht club. A mandatory captains meeting follows at 7 p.m.
Fishing begins at 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, running through 4 p.m. Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. All boats must return to Key West Harbour for the daily weigh-in.
Awards are to be presented Sunday approximately one hour after the last fish is weighed.
Event information: www.fishska.com, Murray Marine at 305-296-0364 or Southern Kingfish Association at 904-819-0360
Posted by Reel Mell-O Charters at 12/9/2011 7:06 PM | Add Comment

Sailfish Competition’s Gold Cup Series Kicks Off Dec. 1-4

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — The 48th annual Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, one of the oldest tournaments in the Keys, is set for Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 1-4.

The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is the first leg of the renowned triple-crown Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship series that also includes the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament, set for Jan. 20-22, 2012, and the Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament, Jan. 25-26, 2012.
Islamorada Sailfish Tournament rules place a strong emphasis on conservation and sportsmanship, and it is the only event in the series to offer a junior division for anglers age 16 and younger.
The all-release boat event opens with pre-registration at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in the main dining room at Whale Harbor Inn, mile marker 83.5 oceanside in Islamorada. A kick-off banquet featuring an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet with stone crabs follows, as does a rules meeting.
Fishing is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3, and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.
The weigh-in for fun fish closes Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to watch the weigh-in all three days.
A standings party with cocktails and free hors d’oeuvres is set for 6 p.m. Friday at Wahoo’s Bar and Grill at Whale Harbor. A gala awards banquet is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday at Braza Leña Brazilian Steakhouse, with the awards presentation and raffle drawing at 8 p.m.
Entry fees received before Nov. 10 are $600 for the first angler fishing aboard a vessel and $500 for each additional angler. Entries received after Nov. 10 are $700 and $550, respectively. The junior angler entry fee is $200 regardless of entry date. An unlimited number of anglers is allowed per vessel.
Specially priced lodging rates are available.
The Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship is limited to 30 boat teams of elite sport fishermen. The deadline to register is Dec. 1, 2011, and the entry fee is $1,000 for four anglers. At least one angler must be entered and paid for all three series events.


Tournament information: www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com/, 305-852-2102 or ditournaments@aol.com
Posted by Reel Mell-O Charters at 11/20/2011 9:43 AM | Add Comment

Pigeon Key Flagler Centennial Fishing Tournament Set For Nov. 25-26

Pigeon Key Flagler Centennial Fishing Tournament Set For Nov. 25-26

MARATHON, Florida Keys – A weekend of fun is planned for both anglers and non-anglers during the Pigeon Key Flagler Centennial Fishing Tournament, set for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25-26, in waters surrounding the Florida Keys’ famous Seven Mile Bridge in the Middle Keys.
The tournament is one of several events surrounding the upcoming 100th anniversary of the completion of Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad, being celebrated throughout the Keys now through Jan. 22, 2012.
In the early 1900s five-acre Pigeon Key served as a base camp for workers during construction of the original Seven Mile Bridge, the centerpiece of the Over-Sea Railroad.
The tournament targets snapper, grouper, mackerel, cobia and amberjack species. Fishing days are Friday, Nov. 25, from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 26, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Daily weigh-ins are to be held at the Pigeon Key dock.
A post-tournament party with food, drinks and more fun is planned for 6 p.m. Saturday at Castaway Restaurant, 1406 Oceanview Ave. off U.S. Highway 1 at mile marker 47.5.
Cash prizes include awards for first- through third-place finishers of $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000, respectively. Other prizes include charterboat trips and overnight stays at the Pigeon Key guesthouse.
If they choose, anglers can donate their fresh daily catch to a local organization such as a shelter or nonprofit group. Tournament organizers and volunteers can help make recommendations and facilitate the donation.
Weekend-long "non-fishing" events are to include historic tours of tiny Pigeon Key and its grounds and buildings, as well as educational workshops. Live music, food and drinks are to round out the fun.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Pigeon Key houses a museum chronicling the construction of the Over-Sea Railroad. Many of the original railroad buildings from 1909 still stand.
Admission fee to the island is waived during the days of the fishing tournament, though a $5-$10 per person donation to the Pigeon Key Foundation is suggested.
The tournament entry fee is $160 per angler, and a minimum of two anglers per boat is required. If anglers register on or before Nov. 11, they can save $10 per person. An unlimited number of anglers can participate.
Posted by Reel Mell-O Charters at 10/29/2011 7:06 PM | Add Comment

10th Annual Casting For Cats Ladies Fishing Tournament Set for Oct. 14-15

 

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Organizers of the Casting for Cats Ladies All-Tackle Backcountry Tournament are to celebrate a decade of fundraising to help control Upper Keys feral cat populations with the 2012 event Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14-15.

The all-release tournament based at the Islander Resort, mile marker (MM) 82.1 oceanside, targets some of Keys anglers’ favorite inshore fish species: bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and redfish.

A kick-off party is set for 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at the Islander, followed by a 7 p.m. rules meeting. A silent auction and “Litter Box Dig” for prizes are to take place from 6-9 p.m.

Fishing begins Saturday, Oct. 15, with breakfast from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Boats can leave the docks at Worldwide Sportsman, MM 81.5 bayside, at 7:15 a.m. Lines-in is set for 7:30 a.m. and lines-out at 3 p.m.

Female anglers earn points for catching each species using bait, artificial lures or fly tackle. A new Hell’s Bay boat awaits the angler who catches all five tournament-specific species and a sixth species from the “junk-fish” category (such as trout, ladyfish, shark or jacks).

Though a prize is awarded the overall grand champion, the real catch is the Cat-Fish trophy, a handmade sculpture of (what else?) a cat and a fish for the lady who scores the largest catfish.

The awards banquet begins Saturday at the Islander with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner and presentations starting at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday’s silent auction closes at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from the tournament and auction underwrite the spaying or neutering and medical needs of injured feral cats in the Keys.

Entry fee is $125 per angler. Additional social tickets are $20 and $30 for Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Tournament information: www.castingforcats.org, 305-664-2012 or 305-393-6174
Posted by Reel Mell-O Charters at 10/6/2011 9:59 AM | Add Comment

‘Mad Dog’ Mandich Fishing Classic Set for Oct. 7-8

‘Mad Dog’ Mandich Fishing Classic Set for Oct. 7-8


ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — The Publix Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic returns for its fourth year Oct. 7-8, honoring the late Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich, a passionate angler and former Miami Dolphins star football player.

A top boat prize of $5,000 cash is to be awarded for the highest cumulative weight of the tournament's target species. The second-place team receives $1,000, while other prizes include $500 apiece awarded to the anglers who catch the heaviest dolphin, kingfish, tuna and wahoo.

The tournament’s scheduled kick-off party is set for 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at Ziggie & Mad Dog's Restaurant, mile marker (MM) 83 bayside. Attractions include a silent auction fundraiser, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Anglers can register until 8 p.m. Captains should be present for the tournament rules meeting at 7 p.m.

The following day boats are free to depart at 7 a.m. Fishing is to continue until 3:30 p.m.

All fish must be weighed in between 4 and 6 p.m. at the weigh station at Chesapeake Beach Resort, MM 83.5 oceanside. Cocktails are to be served.

A dinner buffet and live music are to start at 6:30 p.m. under a party tent, with awards scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the beach at Chesapeake Beach Resort.

Registration is $450 per boat for four anglers, and early entry is $400 if received by Sept. 29. The tournament is open to the public.

A portion of tournament proceeds benefits the Florida Keys’ Mariners Hospital.


For entry information, visit www.maddogclassic.com/fl-keys

Posted by Reel Mell-O Charters at 9/27/2011 2:08 PM | Add Comment
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