ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Backcountry guides trade their push poles for fishing poles, joining fellow angling competitors at the annual Swamp Guides Ball backcountry fishing tournament set for Friday and Saturday, Jan. 29-30. The action is headquartered at the Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar, mile marker 82 in Islamorada.>>

The all-release tournament, open to all anglers, targets bonefish, redfish and snook. Anglers are not required to hire a professional guide to compete.            >>

Event proceeds benefit the nonprofit 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. 29, 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, the silent auction, features fishing and boating gear, artwork and guided fishing trips. The auction is open to anglers and non-anglers 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 30. 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 contestants’ “ball” at 6:30 p.m.>>

Entry fee is $200 per two-angler team. For registration and information, call Terry or Rusty Albury at 305-664-5142 or e-mail talbury@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. >>