Anglers will be able to participate in the 61st Islamorada Sailfish Tournament from Thursday through Sunday, December 5-8, as part of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship triple crown series. The Islamorada Charter Boat Association uses the competition as its main source of funding.
The Whale Harbor Restaurant and Marina complex at MM 83.4 oceanside will serve as the hub for social events. On Thursday, December 5 at 6 p.m., there will be a beginning to registration, a rules meeting, cocktails, and a gala banquet.
The hours for all-release fishing are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6-7, Friday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, December 8. After the fishing on Sunday, there will be cocktails, an awards banquet, and raffle prize draws starting at 6 p.m.
Boat teams have greater chances to win prize money in optional categories. Day by Day, Overall Entry, Grand Puba, Go Big, and Fun Fish are some of the categories. According to the tournament’s organizers, additional entrance fees are optional and not necessary to participate.
There are still some spots left, and admission costs $795 for the first angler on a yacht and $675 for each other angler. The entry cost for junior anglers (those under 16) is $350.
Following the Gold Cup Series, there will be two further fishing competitions: the Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament on January 14–15, 2025, and the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament on January 17–19, 2025, which will mark the series’ conclusion and the crowning of an overall Gold Cup champion.
During the 60th Islamorada Sailfish Tournament last year, 76 sailfish were released, and the winners received close to $80,000. In order to win the tournament, Team Trophy Hunter released eleven sailfish.
Register online at islamoradasailfishtournament.com or by calling 305-522-4868 to speak with Dianne Harbaugh.
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