2008 FLORIDA KEYS FISHING TOURNAMENTS

Dec. 1, 2007-Jan. 31, 2008: Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. Islamorada. Anglers pursue sailfish, the most plentiful billfish in the waters off the Keys, in a series of competitions. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at (305) 852-2102, e-mail ditournaments@aol.com, visit www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com or write to P.O. Box 462, Islamorada FL 33036.

Jan. 4-6: Key Largo Sailfish Challenge. Key Largo. Anglers battle sailfish during the peak of the season. The tournament also features raffles, drawings and cash prizes. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at (305) 852-9337, e-mail fishnbully@msn.com or write to 124 Tavern Drive, Tavernier FL 33070.

Jan. 11-13: 23rd Annual Holiday Isle Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. This all-release challenge targets sailfish, the most plentiful billfish species in Keys waters. Contact Ed Kinkelaar at (305) 664-2321, ext. 655, e-mail ekinkelaar@holidayisle.com or write to 84001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada FL 33036.

Jan 13-14: Bartender's Sailfish Open. Islamorada. An all-release sailfish tournament, this challenge offers awards for winning bars and bartenders. Contact Jack McCormick at (305) 664-8400, visit www.keysislandgrill.com or write to 8550 Overseas Highway, Islamorada FL 33036.

Jan. 14-16: Outdoor Channel Offshore Classic. Islamorada. This is an all-release sailfishing tournament for trophies and cash jackpots, and a chance to be seen on one of the Outdoor Channel's featured programs. It is also a fundraiser for Paralyzed Veterans of America. Contact Sue Vermillion at (808) 325-9896, e-mail hdc@aloha.net or write P.O. Box 4129, Kailua-Kona HI 96745.

Jan. 17-19: Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. In this all-release tournament, anglers fish for the mighty sailfish in waters surrounding the island known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World. The tournament is an official event of the World Billfish Series, Southeast Division. Contact Liz Hill at (305) 451-5094, e-mail presidentialsailfishtournament@cheeca.com or write to Cheeca Lodge, P.O. Box 527, Islamorada FL 33036.

Jan. 21-22: Boomer Esiason Foundation Captain Al Flutie Over the Hill Rip-Off. Islamorada. Anglers ages 50 and over are challenged to catch and release the most sailfish. Contact Bill Kelly at (305) 394-5333 or write to 130 Tequesta St., Tavernier FL 33070; or contact Gary Ellis at
(305) 664-2002, e-mail redboneinc@aol.com, visit www.redbone.org or write to P.O. Box 273, Islamorada FL 33036.

January 23-24: Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament The historic fishing club is to offer a $30,000 cash prize to the winning team in this sailfish challenge limited to 30 boats.
Contact: (305) 664-4735 Club house or Dianne Harbaugh 305-852-2102
Email: fishclubclaire@bellsouth.net

Jan. 23-24: Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. The historic fishing club offers a $30,000 cash prize to the winning team in this sailfish challenge. The tournament is limited to 25 boats. Contact Claire Williams at (305) 664-4735, e-mail fishclubclaire@bellsouth.net or visit www.theislamoradafishingclub.com.

Jan. 25-26: Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association Swamp Guides Ball. Islamorada. This all-release event offers fishing for bonefish, redfish and snook in the shallows of the Florida Keys and the saltwater fringes of the Everglades. Contact Terry Albury at (305) 664-5142 or e-mail talbury@aol.com.

Jan. 25-27: Hog's Breath King Mackerel Tournament. Key West. Anglers use fast boats to target the voracious king mackerel, also known as kingfish, for cash prizes. Contact Lee Murray at (305) 797-1117, e-mail lee@murraymarine.com or write to 5710 U.S. 1, Mile Marker 5, Key West FL 33040.

Feb. 8-10: Islamorada Women's Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Female anglers challenge fishing's famous tail-dancers to win trophies and prizes. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at (305) 852-9337, e-mail fishnbully@msn.com or write to 124 Tavern Drive, Tavernier FL 33070.

Feb. 19-20: Poor Girls Sailfish Tournament. Key Largo and Islamorada. This popular Keys tournament typically draws more than 200 anglers. Contact Mark Mills at (305) 852-9085 or visit www.keysislandgrill.com.

Feb. 22-23: Backcountry Fly Championship. Islamorada. This new fly-fishing competition is to target snook and redfish in a region of the Keys that is famous for them. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

Feb. 29-March 1: Backbone Lures "Fish 'Til You Lose It." Islamorada. Anglers compete to catch the finned denizens of the flats and backcountry, fishing with one lure until they lose it. Contact Paul Tejera at (305) 393-2156, e-mail captbackbone@aol.com or write to 150 Tequesta St., Tavernier FL 33070.

Feb. 29-March 2: Captain Leon Shell Memorial Billfish Tournament. Key Colony Beach. Anglers pursue sailfish in honor of the late lure maker who made the Middle Florida Keys his home. The tournament benefits Hospice of the Florida Keys. Contact Chris Johnson at (305) 743-5305, e-mail seasquared@bellsouth.net, visit www.leonshelltournament.com or write to P.O. Box 510910, Key Colony Beach FL 33051-0910.

March 14-16: Key West Fishing Tournament Kick-off. Key West & Lower Keys. Targeting multiple species, this annual challenge starts a season-long tournament that awards certificates for outstanding catches and prizes in a host of categories. Contact Doris Harris at (800) 970-9056 or (305) 295-6601, e-mail director@keywestfishingtournament.com, visit www.keywestfishingtournament.com or write to P.O. Box 2154, Key West FL 33045.

March 15-Nov. 30: Key West Fishing Tournament. Key West. This popular 8.5-month-long competition targets more than 40 species of fish. Contact Doris Harris at (305) 295-6601 or (800) 970-9056, e-mail director@keywestfishingtournament.com or visit www.keywestfishingtournament.com.

March 26-29: Islamorada All-Tackle Spring Bonefish Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers compete to catch the gray ghost of the flats in the legendary shallows surrounding Islamorada. This all-release tournament features trophies and prizes. Contact Jim Bokor at (305) 852-1694, e-mail jabok@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1144, Tavernier FL 33070.

April 15-19: World Sailfish Championship. Key West. With a guaranteed top prize of $100,000, the championship benefits the Don Shula Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, Camp Boggy Creek for youngsters with chronic and life-threatening illnesses, the Guy Harvey Research Institute, the Key West chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Rotary Club of Key West. Contact Laura Emmole at (305) 395-3474 or (866) 482-7529, e-mail lemmole@worldsailfish.com, visit www.worldsailfish.com or write P.O. Box 2477, Key West FL 33045-2477.

April 25-27: Big Boys Off-Shore Charity Fishing Tournament. Key Largo. Anglers pursue dolphin fish, one of the most beautiful and plentiful fish of the offshore waters of the Keys. Contact Kevin Clark at (305) 852-9337, e-mail clark@crittercontrol.com, visit www.bigboysoffshore.com or write to 124 Tavern Drive, Tavernier FL 33070.

May 1-3: 42nd Annual Marathon International Tarpon Tournament. Marathon. This all-release event is one of the longest-running tournaments targeting the mighty silver king. Contact Dave Navarro at (305) 743-6139, e-mail worldclassan@comcast.net or write to 5050 Overseas Highway, Marathon FL 33050.

May 3-4: Marathon Offshore Bull & Cow Dolphin Tournament This is a Boat/Team event. Each team participating must pay an entry fee of $650.00 until April 18, 2008. After April 18, 2008 the entry fee is $850.00. The final deadline for entry by any means is 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2008 EDT at the Captains Meeting. Tournament entry allows up to six anglers to fish in the tournament. All team members must fish from the same boat. For more info call (305) 289-0199.

May 9-10: 32nd Annual Ladies Tarpon Tournament. Marathon. Women compete in this all-release tournament to catch tarpon in one of the longest-running tournaments in the Keys. Contact Dave Navarro at (305) 743-6139, e-mail worldclassan@comcast.net or write to 5050 Overseas Highway, Marathon FL 33050.

May 16-18: Coconuts Dolphin Tournament. Key Largo. One of the largest-drawing tournaments in South Florida, this challenge named for a Key Largo restaurant pits anglers against dolphin fish. Contact Charles Mountain at (561) 741-1124 , e-mail mountainIIII@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 2648, Key Largo FL 33037.

May 17-22: 21st Annual Faro Blanco Invitational Tarpon Tournament. Marathon. Anglers tangle with silver kings in an event named for a famous Marathon resort. The tournament is a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald charities. Contact Robert Traa at (609) 645-1840, ext. 115, e-mail Robert.traa@partners.mcd.com or write 776 West Black Horse Pike, Pleasantville NJ 08232.

May 18-21: 14th Annual Golden Fly Invitational Tarpon Tournament. Islamorada. This prestigious fly tournament for large tarpon benefits college scholarships for Keys students. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

May 31: Yamaha Dolphin Masters Invitational. Key West. Experienced offshore captains are to lead the chase for the colorful and acrobatic dolphin fish and a $15,000 first prize. Contact John Stuempfig at (305) 304-7674, e-mail wave.whacker@hotmail.com or write to 5450 MacDonald Ave., Suite 10, Key West FL 33040.

June 1-6: Don Hawley Invitational Tarpon Tournament. Islamorada. The world's top fly-rod anglers pursue the mighty silver kings in one of the most storied tournaments in the Keys. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

June 4-5: Islamorada Fishing Club Captain's Cup Dolphin Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers compete for a winner-take-all $25,000 jackpot for catching dolphin fish. Contact Claire Williams at (305) 664-4735, visit www.theislamoradafishingclub.com or e-mail fishclubclaire@bellsouth.net.

June 6-8: Florida Keys Community Classic Dolphin Tournament. Marathon. Anglers up and down the Keys are to compete for $60,000 in cash and prizes, and to benefit the Veterans Haven, a shelter on Grassy Key for homeless veterans and veterans in need. Contact Captain Bill Sampsell at (305) 731-9059 or Captain Mary Sampsell at (305) 942-1825.

June 6-8: Big Pine & Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament. Big Pine Key. Anglers compete to catch dolphin fish, one of the most popular species in the Keys. The tournament features more than $25,000 in cash and prizes. Contact the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce at (305) 872-2411 or (800) 872-3722, e-mail lkchamber@aol.com, visit www.lowerkeyschamber.com or write to P.O. Box 430511, Big Pine Key FL 33043.

June 11-13: Ladies Invitational Tarpon Fly Tournament. Islamorada. This invitational fly tournament for tarpon, open to men and women, benefits environmental scholarship funds. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

June 13-15: Father's Day Dolphin Derby. Marathon. Anglers are to celebrate Father's Day by catching one of the most beautiful, best tasting and fastest growing fish in the sea, all to benefit the Marathon Youth Club. Contact Debbie Struyf at (305) 481-8379 or e-mail dstruyf@aol.com (reference "fishing tournament" in the subject line).

June 14-15: Island Grill Blue Water Dolphin Tournament. Islamorada. The event incorporates a one-day dolphin tournament, with an optional Father/Son Fun Fish on Father's Day, to benefit Baptist Hospital's Children's Cancer Center. Contact Jack McCormick at (305) 664-8400, visit www.keysislandgrill.com or write to 8550 Overseas Highway, Islamorada FL 33036.

June 14-15: Southernmost Swordfish Tournament. Key West. This swordfish challenge is part of the annual Key West Fishing Tournament. Contact Doris Harris at (305) 295-6601 or (800) 970-9056, e-mail director@keywestfishingtournament.com or visit www.keywestfishingtournament.com.

June 15-20: Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament. Islamorada. Fly rodders compete to catch and release giant tarpon. Winners and their guides get their names engraved on the Gold Cup perpetual trophy. Tournament proceeds benefit children's charities in the Keys. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1705, Islamorada FL 33036.

June 20-22: Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby. Key West. Anglers compete to catch dolphin fish, a plentiful summertime treat off the Keys. The derby raises money for college scholarships. Contact John Stuempfig at (305) 304-7674, e-mail wave.whacker@hotmail.com or write to P.O. Box 5529, Key West FL 33045.

June 29-July 2: IGFA Inshore World Championship Tournament. Islamorada. Tournament winners from around the world compete for one of the most prized trophies in angling. The tournament features inshore fishing for permit, tarpon, bonefish, redfish and snook. Contact Denise Hartman at (954) 927-2628, e-mail dhartman@igfa.org, visit www.igfa.org or write to 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach FL 33004.

July TBA: Geiger Key Dolphin Daze Tournament. Key West. The tournament targets the dolphin fish and follows a modified release format with four categories: combined weight, bull, cow and junior. Contact Hope Cordery at (305) 296-3553, e-mail geigerkeymarina@aol.com or write to 5 Geiger Road, Key West FL 33040.

July TBA: Holiday Isle/ Caribee Boat Sales Dolphin Tournament. Islamorada. Run-and-gunners are to take on the trollers in the Isle's annual tournament for professional, amateur and junior anglers. This event targets dolphin fish, a plentiful summertime fish off the Keys. Contact Ed Kinkelaar at (305) 664-2321, ext. 655, e-mail ekinkelaar@holidayisle.com or write to 84001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada FL 33036.

July TBA: Dolphin Flashover. Little Torch Key. This hard-fought challenge targeting dolphin fish benefits the Monroe County chapter of the International Association of Firefighters. Contact Andrea Sutherland at (305) 942-7223, e-mail dolphinflashover@hotmail.com or visit www.dolphinflashover.com.

July 5: Conch Republic Ladies' Dolphin Tournament. Key West. This competition is for women only, although male captains and mates are allowed. Contact John Stuempfig at (305) 304-7674, e-mail wave.whacker@hotmail.com or write P.O. Box 2418, Key West FL 33045.

July 15-18: Del Brown Invitational Permit Tournament. Key West. Anglers fly-fish on the flats for the powerful, speedy permit. The tournament honors the late angling pioneer Del Brown, who caught and released more than 500 permit off the Keys. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

July 16-19: Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament. Key West. Anglers pursue the mightiest of the offshore species in the same waters plied by novelist Ernest Hemingway. The catch-and-release tournament is held in conjunction with Key West's annual Hemingway Days celebration, and offers $250,000 in available prize money. Contact Scott Greene at (305) 292-2710, visit www.keywestmarlin.com or write to P.O. Box 5590, Key West FL 33045.

July 27-28: Islamorada Fishing Club RedGhost Stalk. Islamorada. Anglers compete to catch redfish and bonefish, the gray ghost of the flats. Winners qualify for the IGFA Inshore Championship. The tournament is open to anglers ages 11 to 25. Contact Jim and Sherri Trice at (305) 664-3864, e-mail trice_j@bellsouth.net or write to P.O. Box 22, Islamorada FL 33036.

Aug. TBA: Ghost Hunt Tournament. Key Largo. This event benefits the Don Hawley Foundation, which supports the Keys' recreational fishing industry and marine research. Contact Jamie Esterline at (305) 852-6200 or e-mail jesterline@dovecreeklodge.com.

Aug. 15-18: Islamorada Swordfish Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers compete to catch swordfish, a species that has recovered to healthy populations off the Keys. This modified release tournament benefits the International Game Fish Association. Contact Cherise Jennette at (305) 282-1006, e-mail freeways@aol.com or write 205 Cross St., Miami Springs FL 33166.

Sept. 5-7: Mercury S.L.A.M. (Southernmost Light-Tackle Anglers Masters) Celebrity Tournament. Key West. In the first of the annual fall Redbone Trilogy events that raise money to fight cystic fibrosis, top anglers and celebrities target tarpon, permit and bonefish with light tackle. Contact Gary Ellis at (305) 664-2002, e-mail redboneinc@aol.com, visit www.redbone.org, or write to P.O. Box 273, Islamorada FL 33036.

Sept. 16-19: Islamorada Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament. Islamorada. Fly anglers are to pursue Islamorada bonefish, some of the largest and smartest in the world, at this all-release tournament. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444 or e-mail csasun@aol.com.

Sept. 19-21: Ladies, Let's Go Fishing. Islamorada. Female anglers fish in an event sponsored by the fishing education and advocacy group, Ladies, Let's Go Fishing! Contact Betty Bauman at (954) 475-9068, e-mail billfishbetty@hotmail.com or visit www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Sept. 25-28: Marathon International Bonefish Tournament. Marathon. Some of the best bonefish anglers anywhere are to stalk the gray ghost of the flats in an area rich with them. This is an all-release spin or fly event. Contact Lindsay Rabito at (305) 481-4571 or (305) 743-9424, or write P.O. Box 500914, Marathon FL 33050.

Oct. TBA: Casting for Cats Women's Backcountry Tournament. Islamorada.
Ladies cast bait, artificials and flies to compete for nearly 20 trophies. The tournament benefits Caring for Cats, a nonprofit organization that rescues, spays/neuters and cares for feral cats in the Upper Keys. A Gathering of Animals event introduces live wild animals to the kids while the women fish. Contact Sharon Mahoney at (305) 664-2012.

Oct. 3-5: Mercury Baybone Celebrity Tournament. Key Largo. The second of three tournaments composing the annual Redbone Trilogy, the Baybone targets permit and bonefish to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. Contact Gary Ellis at (305) 664-2002, e-mail redboneinc@aol.com, visit www.redbone.org, or write to P.O. Box 273, Islamorada FL 33036.

Oct. 10-12: Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge. Key Largo. Anglers fish for snook and redfish to benefit a statewide scholarship program. Contact Sue Finney at (305) 451-2467, e-mail keyshomesrus@bellsouth.net or write to P.O. Box 252, Key Largo FL 33037.

Oct. 12-17: Mercury Outboards Bonefishing World Championship/Islamorada All-Tackle Bonefish Tournament. Islamorada. Some of the best bonefish anglers compete to catch and release the gray ghost of the flats. Proceeds are to be donated to local charities. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

Nov. 7-9: Mercury/Cheeca Redbone Celebrity Tournament. Islamorada. Celebrities and other anglers catch bonefish and redfish to raise money for cystic fibrosis research in the final event of the annual Redbone Trilogy. Contact Gary Ellis at (305) 664-2002, e-mail redboneinc@aol.com, visit www.redbone.org or write to P.O. Box 273, Islamorada FL 33036.

Nov. 21-22: Islamorada Fishing Club Junior Derby. Islamorada. All species count for points in this competition for young anglers, with the most points awarded for bonefish and permit. Contact Jim and Sherri Trice at (305) 664-3864, e-mail trice_j@bellsouth.net or write to P.O. Box 22, Islamorada FL 33036.

Dec. 4-7: Islamorada Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. This competition is the first leg of the triple crown Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Series. The tournament is one of the oldest in the Florida Keys. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at (305) 852-2102, e-mail ditournaments@aol.com, visit www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com or write to P.O. Box 462, Islamorada FL 33036.

Dec. 12-14: Ninth Annual Captain Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic. Islamorada. This all-release tournament offers anglers a chance to pursue sailfish in honor of Captain Don's memory. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at (305) 852-9337, e-mail fishnbully@msn.com or write to P.O. Box 432, Islamorada FL 33036.

Dec. 10-11: Islamorada Fishing Club Captain's Cup Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers compete for a winner-take-all $25,000 jackpot for catching and releasing sailfish. Contact Claire Williams at (305) 664-4735, visit www.theislamoradafishingclub.com or e-mail fishclubclaire@bellsouth.net.

Dec. 19-21: Islamorada Junior Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Now in its 44th year, the event allows anglers up through age 16 to target sailfish. All anglers are to receive trophies. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at (305) 852-9337, e-mail fishnbully@msn.com or write to P.O. Box 432, Islamorada FL 33036.