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Fourth Annual Islamorada Dolphin Tournament to Draw Anglers June 1-3

Reel Mell-O Charters — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:53:27 GMT

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — The Islamorada Dolphin Tournament is simply about catching fish. Set for Friday through Sunday, June 1-3, the boat tournament offers loads of flexible fishing fun.

A guaranteed minimum of $10,000 in prize money is to be divvied up between the top boat team with the largest three dolphin weighed, as well as anglers whose fish qualify for first through third place.

An unlimited number of anglers per boat can participate in the challenge, and all anglers per boat do not have to fish the same day. Some can fish on day one, others on day two. Only two fish can be weighed per day, but it takes the three biggest fish to win.

Prizes also are to be awarded for the largest dolphin, largest blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, bonita, wahoo and kingfish.

Kickoff and final angler registration are scheduled for 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 1, at tournament headquarters at the Whale Harbor Restaurant and Marina, mile marker 83.5 oceanside. Fishing days are Saturday and Sunday, and an awards ceremony follows the 5 p.m. weigh-in Sunday.

The entry fee is $150 per angler or $650 per boat with an unlimited number of anglers. After May 21, entry fees increase to $175 per angler and $700 per boat with unlimited anglers.

Tournament information: 305-852-2102 or ditournaments@aol.com

Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby to Entice Anglers June 22-24

Reel Mell-O Charters — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:52:47 GMT

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Anglers targeting dolphin fish can compete for more than $25,000 in guaranteed cash, prizes and fine marine artwork during the annual Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby. The tournament is scheduled Friday through Sunday, June 22-24, to coincide with the height of the Florida Keys dolphin fishing season.

Events are headquartered at Oceanside Marina, 5950 Peninsula Ave.

The boat team with the largest aggregate weight in dolphin during the derby’s two fishing days will take home a grand prize of $4,000 cash. The second-place team will earn $2,000, while $1,000 awaits the third-place finishers.

Individuals in the tournament’s divisions for male, female and junior participants can compete for artwork, prizes and cash totaling more than $18,000. The angler who catches the single largest dolphin is to receive a cash prize of $1,500.

Team and individual winners receive framed fine art by leading American marine painters. Featured artists are Don Ray, Carey Chen, K.C. Scott and Jason Mathias.

The tournament kicks off with a final registration, reception and captains meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, June 22, at Oceanside Marina.

Fishing is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with weigh-ins at Oceanside until 5:30 p.m. each day. Each participating angler is allowed to enter one qualifying fish on each fishing day.

A tournament dinner is set for Saturday night at the marina. Sunday’s post-fishing schedule includes a cocktail reception, dinner and awards ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel, 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

Entry fees are $150 per adult angler and $75 per junior angler under age 14. Proceeds benefit Gator Club scholarship funds for local students attending the University of Florida.

Tournament information and registration: http://keywest.gatorclub.com/Event.htm or 305-304-7674

Burdine’s Waterfront Dolphin & Blackfin Tuna Tournament Set for June 22-24 in Marathon

Reel Mell-O Charters — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:52:04 GMT

MARATHON, Florida Keys — Anglers targeting fine-tasting fish and on-the-water action know to steer toward the Dolphin & Blackfin Tuna Fun Fishing Tournament set for Friday through Sunday, June 22-24.

The event’s 12th year kicks off Friday, June 22, with a 5 p.m. captains meeting at Burdine’s Waterfront restaurant at the oceanside end of 15th Street in Marathon. Participants in the family-friendly angling challenge can enjoy a high-energy happy hour overlooking picturesque Boot Key Harbor with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a raffle for prizes.

Anglers fish Saturday and Sunday with prizes of $700, $350 and $200awaiting individual adult anglers who catch the tournament’s three heaviest dolphin. The top three anglers in the junior division are to be awarded $300, $200 and $100.

Cash prizes of $750 each are to be presented to the anglers catching the heaviest blackfin tuna and wahoo.

The awards banquet is set for 6 p.m. Sunday at Burdine’s.

Entry fees remain at an affordable $100 per adult and $50 per junior angler.

Tournament information: Brenda Duff at 305-743-5317 or burdineswaterfront@gmail.com

May Features Two of Marathon’s Oldest Tarpon Tournaments

Reel Mell-O Charters — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:53:56 GMT

MARATHON, Florida Keys — Historically, participants in Middle Keys tarpon tournaments get the best bites during evenings of fishing either at or near any of three landmarks — Seven Mile, Bahia Honda and Long Key Viaduct bridges — as tarpon run close to those Keys spans between April and July.

Headquartered at a new common venue, the 7 Mile Marina and Salty’s Waterfront Grill at mile marker 47.5 bayside, two long-running Keys tournaments provide passionate tarpon anglers back-to-back weekend challenges in May, allowing ample opportunities to confront the explosive silver king.

The all-release Marathon International Tarpon Tournament’s 46th year is to kick off with a late signup, captains meeting and lunch at 12 p.m. Thursday, May 3. Fishing is scheduled for Thursday and Friday evenings, with lines-in at 4:30 p.m. and lines-out set at 8:30 p.m. both nights. Saturday’s fishing is scheduled 4-8 p.m.

The 36thannual title of “fairest one of all” is up for grabs at the two-night Ladies Tarpon Tournament slated for the following weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 12-13. Late registration and captains meeting is set for noon Saturday, May 12. Lines-in begins at 4:30 p.m. and fishing continues until lines-out at 8:30 p.m. both evenings.

During each catch-and-release tournament, individual anglers and two-angler teams compete for trophies awarded for first through third place as well as first- and second-place captains.

This year the tournaments have adopted a circle-hook-only policy as part of an overall conservation effort to protect and enhance fish stocks, for decades a fishing ethic of the Keys where catch-and-release fishing was pioneered.

Entry fee for each tournament is $295 and includes the angler and captain. Dock parties, prizes, raffle drawings, live music and awards banquets are being planned for both weekend events, to be held at Salty’s Waterfront Grill following each tournament’s final night of fishing.

Proceeds from both tournaments benefit the Marathon Youth Club.

To register for either tournament: 305-289-1542 or tarpontournaments@yahoo.com

Popular Coconuts Dolphin Tournament Set for May 17-20 in Key Largo

Reel Mell-O Charters — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:53:16 GMT

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — One of South Florida’s largest fishing tournaments, the annual Coconuts Dolphin Tournament, is set for Thursday through Sunday, May 17-20, in Key Largo. The event typically attracts more than 400 strategy-minded anglers looking to capture up to $50,000 in cash and prizes.

A grand prize of $10,000 cash is to go to the angler who brings the heaviest dolphin to the weigh station. If that fish exceeds 63.9 pounds — the current tournament record — the angler wins a two-year lease on a silver 2012 Honda Ridgeline RT pickup truck valued at more than $10,000 in addition to other prizes.

Registration is set for Thursday, May 17, at Coconuts Restaurant, near mile marker 100 oceanside in Key Largo.

A mini warm-up tournament, exclusive of the weekend’s two-day tournament, is set for Friday, May 18, with $2,000 in cash and prizes for first- through third-place anglers.

Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20, anglers compete for the $10,000 grand prize or one of the other cash prizes awarded to first- through sixth-place finishers. Cash prizes also are awarded in divisions for female, senior (age 60 and over) and junior (age 17 and under) anglers.

A standings party with live entertainment and prizes is to follow the first day’s tournament fishing. A barbecue dinner with an awards ceremony is to take place Sunday at Coconuts after the weigh-in concludes at 5 p.m.

Early entry fee is $150 per adult angler if received by April 28, and includes a T-shirt, gift bag, complimentary drink tickets and admission to the awards ceremony and barbecue. After April 28 the entry fee is $170 per adult angler. The entry fee is $50 for junior anglers and social-only tickets.

Event website: www.coconutsrestaurant.com/tournament12.html

More Than $35,000 at Stake in June 8-10 Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament

Reel Mell-O Charters — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:16:13 GMT

BIG PINE, Florida Keys — Anglers targeting dolphin fish also can “catch” cash and prizes totaling more than $35,000 in the 19th annual Big Pine & Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament.

The long-running tournament’s action is set for Friday through Sunday, June 8-10. Events are to be headquartered at Boondocks Grille, Draft House & Miniature Golf at mile marker 27 bayside on Ramrod Key.

Any tournament angler who catches a dolphin weighing more than 50 pounds is to earn a cool $20,000.

In the open division, a guaranteed first prize of $7,500 cash awaits the angler who catches the tournament’s largest dolphin. Second- and third-place winners and the top female angler are to receive cash awards as well. Entrants who catch the largest wahoo and tuna can expect prizes

Awards in the tournament’s youth division, created for anglers age 15 and under, are to include rods and reels and trophies through third place.

Presented by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, the tournament is set to kick off at 5 p.m. Friday, June 8, with a registration party featuring hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at Boondocks. A mandatory captains meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m.

Anglers can begin their pursuit of dolphin at 8 a.m. the next two days. Scheduled weigh-in times are 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 9, and 3-5 p.m. Sunday, June 10.

The tournament dinner and awards ceremony follow the close of Sunday’s fishing.

Entry fees are $150 per angler in the open division and $50 per angler in the youth division. Proceeds from the event benefit the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce.

Event information and registration: www.lowerkeyschamber.com

Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament to Benefit Habitat for Humanity May 11-12

Reel Mell-O Charters — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:15:28 GMT

MARATHON, Florida Keys — Avid family anglers can treat mom to a fun fishing competition while contributing to a Middle Keys charity during the sixth annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament set for May 11-12.

A captains meeting and dinner are to be held at 6 p.m. Friday, May 11, at Salty’s Waterfront Grill, located at 7 Mile Marina, mile marker 47.5 gulfside in Marathon.

Saturday, May 12, lines-in is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. and lines-out at 3:30 p.m. A weigh-in is to follow from 3 to 5 p.m. at 7 Mile Marina, 1090 Overseas Highway. The tournament awards banquet and ceremony is set for 7 p.m. at Castaways Restaurant.

Cash prizes of up to $15,000 are to be awarded, including a top prize of $5,000 cash to the angler who catches the heaviest fish and other prizes for second through fifth place. Raffles and giveaways also are highlights of the tournament that raises funds for Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys.

Registration is open through May 11 at the captains meeting.

The fee of $200 per angler includes entry, one meal ticket for both evening dinner events, a tournament shirt and goodie bag. Interested anglers who register online can save $15 off the entry fee.

According to tournament organizers, more than $41,000 was raised for Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys during the 2011 event.

Tournament information: www.mothersdaydolphintournament.com or email ExecDirector@HabitatMiddleKeys.org

Tarponian Invitational Migrates to Marathon April 29 - May 2

Reel Mell-O Charters — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:14:39 GMT

MARATHON, Florida Keys — For enthusiastic tarpon anglers, “hot spots” have nothing to do with WiFi Internet speeds. Instead, they are active fishing areas shared among participants in Marathon’s Tarponian Invitational tournament set for Sunday through Wednesday, April 29 through May 2.

Rules of this high-energy tournament mandate that teams fish with a different captain each day, and they also rotate among the three major bridge channels in the Middle Keys — the Seven Mile Bridge, Long Key and Bahia Honda bridges — so the field of competing anglers is level, with no one advantage.

Tournament participants are to gather Saturday, April 28, for the event’s 7-9 p.m. kick-off party at Annette’s Lobster and Steakhouse, mile marker 48 bayside in Marathon. A meet-the-captains banquet is set for noon Sunday, April 29, also at Annette’s.

Three days of fishing are to get under way Sunday with lines in the water at 5 p.m. Lines-out is to be called at 9 p.m.

Monday’s fishing is scheduled 7-11 a.m., while Tuesday is a free no-fish day. The third and final fishing day is Wednesday, May 2, from 4:30-8:30 p.m., followed by an awards banquet set for 9 p.m. at Annette’s.

The entry fee is $900 per angler. Twenty-four teams have already signed up and up to three anglers per team can register.

Tournament information: David Breznicky at 267-210-1952 or dbreznicky@breznickyassociates.com

Jim Bokor Islamorada All-Tackle Spring Bonefish Tournament Set for April 10-13

Reel Mell-O Charters — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:46:31 GMT

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — The angler who accumulates the most points for releases and weight fish is to take top honors in the demanding Jim Bokor All-Tackle Spring Bonefish Tournament, set to kick off Tuesday, April 10.

Bokor is known locally as “the winningest flats angler of Islamorada.” The tournament was named after him in 2010 to honor his longstanding support of Keys fishing.

An anglers meeting and cocktails begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Islamorada Fishing Club, mile marker (MM) 82 bayside in Islamorada. Dinner is to follow at 7:15 p.m.

Fishing days are Wednesday through Friday, April 11-13. The challenge is limited to 25 invited anglers, with a maximum of two anglers plus guide allowed per boat.

Anglers can fish in the tournament’s general division — essentially a bait class with no restrictions on rod, reel or bait — as well as plug-casting, spin-casting and fly-casting divisions. All non-fly tackle classes are to be limited to 10- or 12-pound line. The official line must be obtained and spooled at World Wide Sportsman, MM 81.6 bayside.

The Lorelei is to serve breakfast at 6 a.m. each morning. Hors d’oeuvres are to be provided between 3:30 and 5 p.m. each fishing day at the Islamorada Fishing Club, and the awards banquet is set for 7 p.m. Friday, April 13.

Tournament information: Betsy Bullard at 305-587-1460 or fishnfever@bellsouth.net

Key West Fishing Tournament Kickoff Set For March 16-18

Reel Mell-O Charters — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:59:19 GMT

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Fifteen target species and $5,000 in cash prizes are key figures in the Key West Fishing Tournament’s Kickoff 2012. The angling action is scheduled Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18, with introductory events Friday, March 16.

Participants are to vie for cash awards for catching the heaviest dolphin, kingfish, cobia, blackfin tuna, mackerel, mutton snapper, wahoo, mangrove snapper and grunt. In addition, cash awaits boat teams that score the most releases of tarpon, permit, bonefish, barracuda, marlin and sailfish.

Awards also are presented each year in the junior division for anglers under age 15.

The final registration and captains meeting are scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, March 16, at the Doubletree Grand Key Resort, 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd.

On the following two days, anglers can fish from lines-in at 8:30 a.m. to lines-out at 3 p.m.

An awards dinner is to conclude the tournament Sunday at the Doubletree Grand Key.

The entry fee for the kick-off tournament is $200 per boat, with a maximum of six anglers allowed to fish per boat.

Entries in the kickoff also are eligible for the 47th annual Key West Fishing Tournament, which runs through Nov. 30, 2012, and is open to the general public.

Participants can target more than 30 species of fish, with divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 14) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). Visiting and resident anglers can enter their catches free at tournament weigh stations.

The Key West Fishing Tournament strongly encourages the release of all game fish and will not recognize killed sailfish, marlin, spearfish, tarpon or sharks for award purposes.

All participating anglers receive certificates noting their catches and qualify for prizes.

Event information and registration: www.keywestfishingtournament.com or 305-295-6601

http://www.keylargofishingvacation.com/

Marathon’s Leon Shell Memorial Tournament to Offer $25,000 Purse

Reel Mell-O Charters — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:57:56 GMT

MARATHON, Florida Keys — A Marathon mainstay andlocals’ favorite, the Leon Shell Memorial Sailfish Tournament is set for Friday through Sunday, March 2-4, at Key Colony Beach, Fla.

Named for the late Captain Leon Shell, best known as the inventor of the artificial “Leon Lure,” the 14th annual event offers two days of sailfishing and a cash purse of up to $25,000.

The winning boat team with the largest number of sailfish releases is to receive a grand prize of $20,000 cash, provided 20 boats register. First and second runner-up teams also take home cash prizes.

Top individual sailfish anglers and anglers who catch the biggest wahoo, dolphin, kingfish and tuna also can take home trophies and cash prizes.

A $1,000 academic scholarship awaits the top angler in the junior division. A $500 scholarship goes to the first runner-up and a $300 scholarship is slated for the second runner-up.

Tournament action kicks off with a 7:30 p.m. captains meeting Friday, March 2, at Sparky’s Landing, tournament headquarters, on Sadowski Causeway near mile marker 53.5 oceanside in Key Colony Beach.

Fishing runs from lines-in at 8 a.m. to lines-out at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3, with a weigh-in until 6 p.m. Sunday’s fishing runs from lines in at 7 a.m. to lines out at 2:30 p.m. Weigh-in goes until 5 p.m., with an awards banquet to follow at Sparky’s Landing.

A raffle and silent auction are to round out the angling weekend.

Entry fees for the boat tournament, due by Feb. 28, are $500 for the first angler and boat captain, and $150 for each additional angler. Each boat is allowed unlimited anglers, but only four lines can be fished at a time. Starting March 1, a $100 late fee applies.

Proceeds benefit Hospice and the Visiting Nurse Association of the Florida Keys, which provide home health and hospice services to the Keys community. Since the event’s inception, more than $150,000 has been donated to Hospice/VNA.

Event information: www.LeonShellTournament.com

http://www.keylargobackcountryfishing.com/

Islamorada Backcountry Fly Championship Set for Feb. 23-25

Reel Mell-O Charters — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:56:11 GMT

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Every inch counts during the fourth annual Backcountry Fly Championship set for Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 23-25. Select spots are available for interested competitors.

Anglers compete to catch the most inches of snook and redfish on fly, with one inch equaling one point. Rules mandate that only two catches of each species over the two fishing days can be counted toward an angler’s total inches.

Registration is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at Uncle’s Restaurant, mile marker (MM) 80.9 oceanside.

Friday and Saturday, boats can leave the dock at the Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, MM 81.9 bayside, at 7 a.m. Lines-out is to be called at 3 p.m. each day, and dockside activities are to be scheduled at Lorelei.

Awards await the tournament’s grand champion and runner-up to the grand champion, as well as the anglers who catch the largest snook, redfish and tarpon. An awards dinner is set for 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lorelei.

Angler entry fee is $500. Pre-registration is highly recommended.

Tournament information and registration: Paul Tejera at 305-393-2156 or Captbackbone@gmail.com

http://www.fishislamoradatarpon.com/

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

Reel Mell-O Charters — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:16:20 GMT

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

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

Reel Mell-O Charters — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:15:23 GMT

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.

Event information: www.theislamoradafishingclub.com

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

Reel Mell-O Charters — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:22:34 GMT

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.

Tournament information: http://www.cheeca.com/fishing-a-recreation/tournaments,

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

Reel Mell-O Charters — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:08:33 GMT

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

Key Largo Sailfish Challenge Set For Jan. 6-8

Reel Mell-O Charters — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:07:51 GMT

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

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

Reel Mell-O Charters — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:06:50 GMT

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

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

Reel Mell-O Charters — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:43:39 GMT

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

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

Reel Mell-O Charters — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:06:41 GMT

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.

Tournament entry form: http://www.pigeonkey.net/events.html