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 2024 Florida Keys Fishing Tournaments Calendar

Florida Keys fishing tournaments are a huge part of the 'Florida climate' as this clickable monthly fishing calendar below shows.



Long popular, these fishing events provide a chance for some friendly Florida Keys fishing competition to see who's going to go home with the next big saltwater trophy.

These exhilarating tournament fishing contests attract entrants the same way sailfish are drawn to ballyhoo.

You can fish singly, in groups, or even team up with Key West fishing guides for the very popular Cuda Bowl held each year.

So whether your idea of fun is going to Key West fly fishing for permit, Islamorada deep sea fishing for sailfish, Key Largo back country fishing, or Marathon tarpon fishing, there's a fish tournament for you.

For your convenience, I've broken the tournaments down by month, and there are also direct month links at the top of this page so you can jump down to the month you're interested in. I've also included at the end of each month a comment about various fishing gear you'll need. Whether you're wanting to replace what you've got, or add to your arsenal, these Amazon links can be helpful in your search for the exact fishing tackle needed.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases such as these items.

Since fishing in Florida Keys is always good, there's typically a fishing tournament going on some where in the Florida Keys. This also means that some fishing tournaments will occur during the rainy season.

Key West Charter Fishing Boats Heading out for a Tournament


Key West Charter Boats Heading Out to a Florida Keys Fishing Tournament
Florida State Archives, Florida Memory, Dale M. McDonald Collection


The rainy season happens to coincide with Florida Keys hurricane season, which technically lasts from June 1 - November 30. This means enrollment could be down for a particular Florida Keys fishing event or an event could be cancelled or delayed completely.

To provide you with the most current information on Florida Keys fishing tournaments, we've spoken to a number of Tournament Directors. However, even the best plans can go awry when mother nature decides to have her way.

Since no one can predict the weather, or the outcome of unforeseen events, you may want to check with the contacts listed to confirm the status and accuracy of any fishing tournament.

Since mother nature does what mother nature wants to, if a tournament gets cancelled but you're still on vacation and want to do some serious fishing, you'll want to check out these different Florida Keys fishing charters.

The highlighted box below breaks down the fishing charters coordinated by region through FishingBooker, an affiliate of mine. Once on the page for that area you can begin to fine tune your search.

The best part of FishingBooker is that you can narrow the fishing charter companies down by:
1. Type of fish they catch
2. Where they go - deep sea, reef/wreck, inshore, flats, backcountry
3. Type of tackle you prefer to use
4. Check rates and availability

So you know, as an affiliate of FishingBooker, if you click a link to a charter, book it and go on it, I stand to earn a small commission. The item does not cost you any more. This is called being an "affiliate."

What could be better than coming to the Florida Keys for a fishing tournament and then top it off with a few more days of fun, specifically targeting the fish and areas YOU WANT TO FISH!



As A FishingBooker Affiliate I Can Earn Small
Booking Commissions At No Extra Cost To You

Florida Keys Fishing Charters By Area

Select Types Of Fish To Target
Pick Where You Want To Go
Select Choice Of Tackle
Get Rates!









2024 FLORIDA KEYS FISHING TOURNAMENTS

January, 2024

January 1 to July 31 in Key West
Key West Fishing Tournament

This ongoing, months long annual tournament, features anglers targeting more than 40 species of fish with an emphasis on catch and release.

Includes divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). Participating anglers also receive certificates marking their catches and then qualify for a variety of prizes.

contact: Doris Harris 305-923-5934
email: director@keywestfishingtournament.com
info: Key West Fishing Tournament

January 3 to January 5 in Islamorada
Islamorada SailFly Tournament

Florida Keys fishing tournaments are always fun but this is considered one of the most challenging and thrilling fishing events of the season.

contact: Randy Towe 305-394-2667
email: islamoradasailfly@yahoo.com

January 6 to January 7 at Whale Harbor, Islamorada
Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament

The purpose of this Florida Keys fishing tournament is to have fun while raising money to benefit Florida Keys initiatives including scholarships and domestic violence. Named in honor of avid angler and resident Holly Given, anglers will compete for top male, female and junior awards plus competitions for top offshore, bay boat and fun fish categories.

contact: Annie Hagen 305-304-1762
info: http://www.fishforholly.com/tournament

January 11 to January 14 at Oceans Edge Marina
Kingfish Mayhem in Key West and Lower Keys

This Florida Keys fishing event is the first in a five-leg Kingfish Mayhem Pro Series. This exciting four species fishing event has added a exhilarating twist by including tuna, mahi mahi and wahoo as part of the targeted large gamefish species.

Cash prizes are also awarded to the top anglers.

email: info@meatmayhemtournaments.com
info: Kingfish Mayhem Tournament Info

January 16 to January 17 in Islamorada
Islamorada Fishing Club (IFC) Sailfish Tournament

This year this Florida Keys fishing tournament is the second leg of the 3 prong Florida Keys Gold Cup Series and offers a potential $30,000 winner-take-all cash prize. A maximum of 30 boats are eligible to participate to make sure you enroll early.

contact: Diane Harbaugh 305-522-4868
email: ditournaments@aol.com
info: IFC Captain's Cup Sailfish Tournament

January 19 to January 21 at Harbor Events, Cheeca Lodge
Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament

Of all the Florida Keys fishing tournaments this is one of the long standing traditions. The Presidential is the third and final leg of the three-tournament Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship and the winning team receives the coveted Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Tournament tropy. To quality for the Presidential, at least one angler from each team much fish in all three events.

contact: Bill Coteron 305-587-0574
email: bcoteron@cheeca.com

January 23 to January 124 in Islamorada
Al Flutie Over the Hill Rip-Off Sailfish Tournament

This long standing Florida Keys fishing tournaments event is known to many anglers as "almost too much fun for old guys to handle." Age restriction is set at 50 or older.

Locally called the Flutie, the tournament is the donor of more than $400,000 to local and national charities. Proceeds to benefit "Catch The Cure" for Cystic Fibrosis and Monroe Association's ReMARCable Citizens, a life service program for the county's intellectually disabled residents.

contact: Diane Harbaugh 305-522-4868
info: redbone.org

January 28 to January 29 in Islamorada
Islamorada Bartender's Sailfish Open

Operating out of the Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar, this popular Florida Keys fishing tournament is not just fun but has a flavor all it's own. In some ways, it's sort of like the TV show 'Cheers' and the ongoing competition they had with their rival Boston bar.

This boat tournament involves actively employed bartenders. A local favorite, this hilarious, fun and competitive event offers trophy awards and bragging rights to winning bars.

contact: Dianne Harbaugh 305-852-2102; 305-522-4868
email: ditournaments@aol.com

This time of year you'll be catching some of the greatest fighting fish offshore. Make sure you've updated your fishing arsenal with quality, heavy duty offshore fishing reels.



February, 2024

January 1 to July 31 in Key West
Key West Fishing Tournament

This ongoing, months long annual tournament, features anglers targeting more than 40 species of fish with an emphasis on catch and release.

Includes divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). Participating anglers also receive certificates marking their catches and then qualify for a variety of prizes.

contact: Doris Harris 305-923-5934
email: director@keywestfishingtournament.com

February 2 to February 3 in Islamorada at Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar
34th Annual Swamp Guides Ball Fishing Tournament

This all-release event for bonefish, redfish and snook takes place in the shallow waters of the Florida Keys and the saltwater fringes of the Everglades.

Entry forms and info: www.fkfga.org

February 2 to February 4 in Islamorada
Islamorada Women's Sailfish Tournament

In this popular light tackle fishing event, the Grand Champion team (boat), plus first and second runner up teams receive prizes. Prizes are also awarded to captain and mate, high point angler, outstanding catch, largest tuna, dolphin (mahi mahi aka dorado), kingfish, most tagged sailfish and for plain old bad luck.

Proceeds benefit charities in the Florida Keys.

contact: Tammie Gurgiolo 305-240-9337
email: fishnbully@msn.com

February 6 to February 7 in Islamorada
(Held first Wednesday of every February)
Poor Girls Sailfish Tournament

Held at Whale Harbor, kick off is Tuesday with fishing Wednesday for this large regional charity competition that typically draws more than 200 anglers.

The fishing challenge offers ten trophies, including first, second, and third place teams. Prizes are also given for Grand champion and runner-up grand champion anglers, and the largest dolphin, kingfish and tuna.

Entry fee is per angler, and includes the kick-off party and awards banquet. Not For Profit, 100% charity.

contact: Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood 305-664-2012
info: Poor Girls Sailfish Tournament

February 8 to February 10 in Key West and Lower Keys
Cuda Bowl

Bring it on to this barracuda challenge where anglers and guides will fish the shallow flats for this great fighter. Fishing is scheduled for a maximum of 8 hour each day with a mandator rule requiring all participants to bring catch forms and photos to headquarters no later than 5:30 pm.

Headquartered at Hurricane Hole Marina, on Stock Island, prizes are given to top angler and guide in light tackle spin and fly divisions. Entry fee

contact: Justin or Loren Rea 305-360-6969
email: info@cudabowl.com OR lorenrea@icloud.com

Whether you're fishing offshore or the backcountry you'll need a good pair of polarized sunglasses to see below the water's surface. Amber, brown, or smoke lenses are the best for helping you see the saltwater fish species you're targeting.



March, 2024

January 1 to July 31 in Key West
Key West Fishing Tournament

This ongoing, months long annual tournament, features anglers targeting more than 40 species of fish with an emphasis on catch and release.

Includes divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). Participating anglers also receive certificates marking their catches and then qualify for a variety of prizes.

contact: Doris Harris 305-923-5934
email: director@keywestfishingtournament.com

March 1 to March 2 in Islamorada
Backcountry Fly Championship Series

This exciting Florida Keys fishing tournament competes fly anglers against feisty snook and redfish. The intent: catch the most inches of fish with one inch equaling one point. Grand champion and runner-up receive awards and the field is limited to 30 boats.

An update to what's typically happened in past tournaments, is that anglers and guides can now to trailer to any destination from Key West to Flamingo.

info: BFCtournament.com

March 5 to March 9 in Key Largo
Jimmy Johnson's National Championship Fishing: Quest for the Ring

The largest purse in Florida fishing history is at this exciting and large Florida Keys Celebrity Fishing Tournament. Hosted by Jimmy Johnson this tournament benefits a number of worthwhile charities.

The fight is on for big money and other awards as teams vie for top position in an area that stretches a 100 miles of water from Key Largo to Palm Beach. Categories include catch and release, and weight plus the overall winning boat recieves a custom Jimmy Johnson NBC Championship ring.

Boat entry fees start at $5,000.

contact: 305-255-3500
email: info@jjfishweek.com

March 11 to March 14 in Key West and Lower Keys
March Merkin Permit Tournament

Catching permit on a fly can be hard, but this charity has added a new angle to the fun. This flats-and-fly-only tournament is not only catch and release, anglers earn extra points for tagging their caught fish.

Held at the Key West Harbour Yacht Club on Stock Island.

More information and registration at: marchmerkin.com
email: info@LKGA.org

Check your tackle box to make sure you've included the latest, productive saltwater fishing lures.

Fly fishing is also a lot of fun in the Florida Keys, so whether you're in a tournament, or out on the flats for a day of fun, have a good assortment of saltwater flies in your tackle box.



April, 2024

January 1 to July 31 in Key West
Key West Fishing Tournament

This ongoing, months long annual tournament, features anglers targeting more than 40 species of fish with an emphasis on catch and release.

Includes divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). Participating anglers also receive certificates marking their catches and then qualify for a variety of prizes.

contact: Doris Harris 305-923-5934
email: director@keywestfishingtournament.com

April 11 - 13, 2024
Key West Sailfish Tournament

This new Key West Sailfish tournament will feature world-class teams seeking to secure their key position at the top of the leaderboard for their chance at winning the prize money.

Contact: Bryce Barr @ 305-304-2314

April 18 - 20 in Marathon
Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament

This worthwhile non-profit tournament is designed to raise money for local charities while showcasing the incredible fishing Marathon, FL has to offer.

Walkup registration is from 10 - 6, Thursday, April 18, with the Kick-off Event from 4 - 6 at Fairfield Inn. The fishing action takes place 8 - 4, April 19 and 8 - 3 on Saturday, April 20. Banquet follows from 6:30 - 9:00 at Aquarium Encounters.

contact: 305-783-8313
email: katie@marathonsailfish.com
info: https://marathonsailfish.com/about/#tournament

April 21 to April 24 in Islamorada FL
Herman Lucerne Memorial Tarpon Cup at Islander Resort

Named after the man known affectionately as "Mr. Everglades," anglers are challenged with targeting multiple species in the hard-to-reach yet fruitful fishing areas of the Everglades that Lucerne favored. Team limits are set at 20.

Kick off is April 21 with fishing on the 22 - 24.

contact: Wesley Locke 786-281-8770
email: wesley@lockeandkeyproductions.com
info: https://www.hermanlucernememorial.com/tarpon-cup-registration/

April 27 to May 1 in Marathon
Tarponian Tournament

When the tarpon run, spring is here. Dynamic, and fun, this three evening tournament requires that teams fish with a different captain each evening.

This Florida Keys fishing tournaments teams also rotate among the three major bridge channels in Marathon FL, so any potential "hot spots" are shared among all anglers.

contact: David Breznicky (primary contact) 215-542-1492 OR
Donna Vankirk (secondary contact) 305-393-0699
email: dbreznicky@breznickyassociates.com

Year round, sun in the Florida Keys can be intense, especially on the water. Before heading out, make sure you're fully protected. Fishing hats, masks, and SPF fishing clothes not only keep the sun off you, they also help keep you cooler.



May, 2024

January 1 to July 31 in Key West
Key West Fishing Tournament

This ongoing, months long annual tournament, features anglers targeting more than 40 species of fish with an emphasis on catch and release.

Includes divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). Participating anglers also receive certificates marking their catches and then qualify for a variety of prizes.

contact: Doris Harris 305-923-5934
email: director@keywestfishingtournament.com

April 27 to May 1 in Marathon
Tarponian Tournament

When the tarpon run, spring is here. Dynamic, and fun, this three evening tournament requires that teams fish with a different captain each evening.

This Florida Keys fishing tournaments teams also rotate among the three major bridge channels in Marathon FL, so any potential "hot spots" are shared among all anglers.

contact: David Breznicky (primary contact) 215-542-1492 OR
Donna Vankirk (secondary contact) 305-393-0699
email: dbreznicky@breznickyassociates.com

May 3 to May 5 in Islamorada
Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo - Tavernier Creek Marina

Please note: dolphin is Mahi Mahi aka dorado, not the mammal
This Florida Keys fishing tournaments focus honors the memory of Nick Sheahan, a Florida Keys student. Over $408,000 to date has been generated to provide community scholarships for Coral Shores High School graduates.

This Florida fishing event includes separate entry fees for adults and children. Cash prizes are awarded plus there's a $25,000 prize for anyone who brings in the largest bull beating the State dolphin record.

contact: 305-393-3709
email: info@nicksheahan.com

May 3 to May 5 in Marathon FL
Marathon Offshore Bull and Cow Dolphin Tournament

Please note: dolphin is Mahi Mahi aka dorado, not the mammal
This boat team event is broken down into seven different divisions and anglers vie for top dollar prizes.

This Florida Keys fishing tournaments teams can have up to six registered anglers with a field of 60 - 69 boats. With up to $25,000 in cash and prizes, contestants will be awarded for the largest bull and cow combined, plus cash prizes are also given for wahoo, tuna, tripletail, grouper and snapper division winners.

contact: 305-289-0199
registration: https://marathonoffshoretournament.com/registration-form/

May 5 to May 9 in Marathon
Faro Blanco Invitational Tarpon Tournament

This Florida Keys fishing tournaments format is extremely popular. For over 30 years this fun and entertaining three day tournament has been benefiting the Ronald McDonald Summer Camp program for disabled children.

Captains are drawn during the kickoff event, and anglers fish with a different captain each day.

contact: Donna Vankirk 305-393-0699
email: captdonna1@aol.com

May 11 to May 12 in Marathon
Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament

This popular annual event features several cash prizes awarded to anglers for this one-day tournament. A combined total of $8,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded for the heaviest fish and to anglers who finish second through fifth place. Event benefits Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys.

contact: Chris at 305-743-9828
email: execdirector@habitatmiddlekeys.org

May 17 to May 19 in Islamorada
Ladies Let's Go Fishing Screamin' Reels Tournament

Hosted by Ladies, Let's Go Fishing you'll want to participate in the fishing fun and win prizes at this favorite, easy going, non intimidating fishing competition. From your boat or charter boats you'll fish Islamorada, FL Keys offshore or inshore.

Planned events include educational fishing presentation, rules and get together on Friday with the fishing competition Saturday and Sunday.

Species are legal inshore and offshore fish and remember this is prime time for fishing mahi (dolphin).

Advance registration required.

contact: Betty Bauman 954-475-9068
email: fish@ladiesletsgofishing.com or info@ladiesletsgofishing.com
info: Ladies Let's Go Fishing!

May 19 to May 22 in Islamorada
Golden Fly Invitational Tarpon Tournament at Lorelei

This event is currently full for 2024.
Test your casting skills against the mighty tarpon at this event. Special flies, and a tournament-furnished tippet not greater than 16-pound test add to the excitement of this popular event.

Weight and length restrictions apply for points. Eligible tarpon must measure at least 48 inches in length to earn release points. The tarpon also must weigh at least 70 pounds for weight points.

contact: Shandra Rummel
email: allaboutthebites@gmail.com
info: Golden Fly Tournament

May 31 to June 2 in Key Largo
Tenth Annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament at Skippers Dockside Restaurant

With $60,000 in prize money, this Florida Keys fishing tournament allows each team to weigh in 2 fish per day with the total weight of the largest 3 fish determining the winner. This Florida Keys fishing tournament has a payout of over $60,000 in cash prizes.

contact: Dianne Harbaugh 305-522-4868
email: ditournaments@aol.com
info: Dolphin Tournament Info

May is a good offshore fishing month. Lots of pelagic species to target, so if you haven't already upgraded your deep sea fishing rod make sure you do.



June, 2024

January 1 to July 31 in Key West
Key West Fishing Tournament

This ongoing, months long annual tournament, features anglers targeting more than 40 species of fish with an emphasis on catch and release.

Includes divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). Participating anglers also receive certificates marking their catches and then qualify for a variety of prizes.

contact: Doris Harris 305-923-5934
email: director@keywestfishingtournament.com

May 31 to June 2 in Key Largo
Tenth Annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament at Skippers Dockside Restaurant

With $60,000 in prize money, this Florida Keys fishing tournament allows each team to weigh in 2 fish per day with the total weight of the largest 3 fish determining the winner. This Florida Keys fishing tournament has a payout of over $60,000 in cash prizes.

contact: Dianne Harbaugh 305-522-4868
email: ditournaments@aol.com
info: Dolphin Tournament Info

June 3 to June 7 in Islamorada
Don Hawley Invitational Tarpon Tournament

Using fly tackle with a 12 pound or 16 pound tippet, a maximum of 25 of the world's top fly rod fishermen test their skill and mettle in this grueling 5 day challenge.

Named in honor of the late fly fisherman and conservationist Don Hawley, the tournament benefits the Guides Trust Foundation. The foundation assists professional fishing guides and supports backcountry fishery conservation programs.

email: Gtrustfoundation@gmail.com
info: Guides Trust Foundation Tournaments

June 7 to June 8 in Tavernier
Ladies Dolphin Tournament

The Florida Keys Elks Lodge is sponsoring this fishing tournament event as teams of female anglers fight to gain the highest combined weight of 3 dolphin fish. First - third place contestants receive cash and prices.

contact: Dianne Harbaugh 305-522-4868
email: ditournaments@aol.com
info: http://floridakeyselks1872.com/

June 7 to June 9, Big Pine Key
Original Big Pine & Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament

Please note: dolphin is Mahi Mahi aka dorado, not the mammal
This Florida Keys fishing tournament's strategy focuses on catching the heaviest dolphin (mahi mahi aka dorada).

More than $35,000 in cash and prizes with a special cash prize of $20,000 awarded to the heaviest dolphin over 50 lbs (limited to the first 300 entrants).

contact: Susan K. Miller 305-872-2411
email: executivedirector@lowerkeyschamber.com

June 11 to June 13 in Islamorada
Ladies Tarpon Fly Tournament

This annual event is a 3 day all fly fishing tarpon tournament for prizes.

contact: Shandra Rummel
email: allaboutthebites@gmail.com

June 17 to June 21 at Lorelei Restaurant and Marina in Islamorada,
61st Annual Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament

Starting it's sixth decade, this prestigious 4 day event allows a maximum of 25 fly rod anglers to test their skill against the mighty tarpon. Ted Williams, baseball icon and avid fly fisherman is one of this Florida Keys fishing tournaments founders.

Experienced tournament anglers and novices are welcome to compete. Tournament proceeds the Keys Guides Trust Foundation.
tournament application: https://www.goldcuptt.com/application/

June 20 to June 23 in Monroe County water
REEF Florida Keys Lionfish Derby

email: Lionfish@MyFWC.com.

June 20 to June 23 in Islamorada
University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Dolphin Tournament

This popular fishing event raises funds for important charities such as The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys, the Coastal Conservation Society, and the UMSHoF&M.

Hosting the event, this 501c3 non-profit organizaiton honors student-athletes that have brought acclaim to University of Miami.

contact: Dianne Harbaugh 305-522-4868
email: ditournaments@aol.com

June 26 to June 27 Islamorada
IFC Captains Cup Dolphin Tournament

Teams of 4 compete for prizes as they test their skills to bring in the heaviest combined weight of 3 fish species. Top prize can be as high as $25,000.

Species are legal inshore and offshore fish and remember this is prime time for fishing mahi (dolphin).

contact: Diane Harbaugh 305-522-4868
info: http://www.theislamoradafishingclub.com/

June 28 to June 30 at Stock Island
Florida Keys PBA Charity Dolphin Tournament
Ocean's Edge Marina and Resort

This new Florida Keys fishing tournament is organized by S. Florida PBA members. Anglers are invited to enjoy a weekend of sportfishing to help benefit the Autism Society of the Keys and The Love Fund, Inc.

June 23 is the Captains Meeting followed by 2 days of fishing. June 25 the Awards dinner will be held.

Based on number of entrants, prizes will be awarded to:
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th place, Top PBA Member, Top Female, Top Junior and Biggest Tuna.

contact: Frank Betz
email: Keyspbadolphintournament@gmail.com
info and online registration: https://keysdolphintournament.com/

TBD in Key West
VFW Fishing Tournament

One of the Florida Keys family oriented fishing tournaments, anglers will receive cash prizes for dolphin, wahoo, snapper, grouper and tuna. Additional prizes are awarded for heaviest fish by a lady angler and heaviest fish by a juvenile angler, peewee angler, active duty angler, senior angler, first responder angler, and veteran angler. This popular Florida Keys fishing event paysout over $15,000 in cash and prizes.

email: vfw391110@yahoo.com

June is great for dolphin and tarpon. Heavy fish that are big fighters means you're going to need to be rigged up with strong braided fishing line. If your line breaks, you'll loose that trophy fish, and that can spell disaster for your placement in the tournament.



July, 2024

January 1 to July 31 in Key West
Key West Fishing Tournament

This ongoing, months long annual tournament, features anglers targeting more than 40 species of fish with an emphasis on catch and release.

Includes divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). Participating anglers also receive certificates marking their catches and then qualify for a variety of prizes.

contact: Doris Harris 305-923-5934
email: director@keywestfishingtournament.com

July 14 to July 17 in Key West
Del Brown Permit Tournament

Permit caught on a fly is a real challenge and Del Brown caught and released more than 500 off the Keys. In his honor, anglers, guides and professionals fly-fish on the flats in this skillful competition.

contact: Justin or Loren Rea 305-360-6969
email: lorenrea@icloud.com

July 17 to July 20 in Key West
Stock Island Marina Village Key West Marlin Tournament

This exciting event is held during the Key West annual Hemingway Days. An avid marlin fishermen, Hemingway, Sloppy Joe and others spent countless days marlin fishing the waters off Key West.

In honor of this tradition, current marlin fighters now vie for $50,000 in guaranteed cash prizes. This Key West fishing event awards $25,000 to the first-place team. Teams can enter one fun fish (dolphin, tuna, wahoo or released sailfish) per day to add to their point total.

contact: Tim Greene 305-304-0317
email: tim.greene@keywestmarlin.com
info: keywestmarlin.com

Large fishing lures will catch the eye of any of these huge pelagic species. The old addage, "The bigger the lure, the bigger the fish" is spot on. Therefore, it's a must to include some of the best large saltwater fishing lures when targeting these trophy fish.



August, 2024

Currently there are no tournaments scheduled for the month of August.





September, 2024

September 20 to September 22 at Islander Resort, Islamorada FL
Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Fishing Championship (Typically held the third full weekend of September)

Named after the man known affectionately as "Mr. Everglades," anglers are challenged with targeting multiple species in the hard-to-reach yet fruitful fishing areas of the Everglades that Lucerne favored.

contact: Wesley Locke 941-268-1331
email: wesley@lockeandkeyproductions.com
info: https://www.hermanlucernememorial.com/tournament-info/#tournament_info

TBD in Key West
Robert James Sales S.L.A.M. Celebrity Tournament

The Trilogy consists of three Florida Keys fishing tournaments in the annual Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series. In the first leg, anglers target tarpon, permit and bonefish to achieve the coveted "flats grand slam." Proceeds are raised to help the fight against cystic fibrosis.

email: info@redbone.org
info: https://redbone.org/

TBD in Key Largo
Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge

Redfish, snook, and trout are the focus of this popular annual fishing event.

Proceeds provide local vocational scholarships to help enable Upper Keys children who are from financially challenged environments.

info: Rotary Club Contact Link

Backcountry fishing provides an opportunity to target some of the craftiest fish in the Florida Keys. Permit and bonefish are not only notoriously smart, they're good fighters. Whether you've decided to up the ante by fishing with a fly or a lure, make sure you've got a fine selection of bonefish, permit fishing lures with you.



October, 2024

October 19 to October 20 in Islamorada
(Held every 3rd weekend of every October)
Casting for Cats Women's Backcountry Tournament

In this fundraiser to help control the Upper Key's feral cat population, female anglers earn points for catching bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and redfish using bait, artificial lures or fly tackle.

Points also are awarded in the "junk fish" category: ladyfish, sharks, jacks and spotted sea trout (speckled trout). This tournament is a Not for Profit - 100% charity.

contact: Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood 305-664-2012
email: sharellen@netzero.com

TBD in Islamorada
"Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!" Annual Keys Fishing University for Women

Aimed at helping women fishing enthusiasts learn and/or polish their angling skills during an award-winning weekend seminar.

So far, more than 8,000 female graduates have immersed themselves in this fun, lighthearted but skill-heavy curriculum which teaches and hones their fishing skills for offshore, bottom, inshore and fly fishing.

contact: Betty Bauman 954-475-9068
email: fish@ladiesletsgofishing.com

October is when the weather starts to change, yet the sun's intensity can leave it's mark on you. Whether fishing the backcountry or offshore, protective clothing for women and men is essential.



November, 2024

November 1 to November 2 in Islamorada
Fall Backcountry Fly Championship Series

Serious fly fishermen compete to catch the longest snook and redfish. Each inch equals a point, with awards being given to this fishing series top winner.

Anglers and guides can also trailer to any destination from Key West to Flamingo.

info: BFC Tournament Info

November 7 to November 9 in Islamorada, FL
Cheeca Lodge & Spa All-American Backcountry Tournament
(Always held Veterans Days weekend)
Don't miss out on 2 days of all release fishing at this popular world-class backcountry fishing tournament with a professional guide on your own boat or charter.

Awards for Fly, General Tackle (Spin/Conventional, live bait allowed) and Artificial divisions for snook, redfish, bonefish, tarpon and permit.

Entry fee of $1,500 per angler includes gift bags plus 2 social functions/meals/drinks, breakfasts and lunches for up to 4 people.

Friday is registration followed by fishing Saturday and Sunday. Event concludes with dinner later Sunday.

War heroes will also compete in honor of Veterans Day. Proceeds benefit the Guides Trust Foundation to help Florida Keys guides in need.

contact: Bill Coteron 305-664-4651
email: bcoteron@cheeca.com
info: www.cheeca.com/all-american

TBD in Islamorada
Islamorada Sailfish Tournament

The first leg of the triple-crown Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship series is the only challenge in the series to offer a junior division for anglers age 16 and younger. Unlimited anglers are allowed per vessel.

contact: Dianne Harbaugh 305-522-4868
email: ditournaments@aol.com

TBD in Islamorada
Robert James Sales Redbone Celebrity Tournament

The final leg of the Redbone trilogy, celebrities join other anglers to catch bonefish and redfish.

Proceeds go towards cystic fibrosis research.

email: info@redbone.org

November tournaments target a broad spectrum of Florida Keys fish. You'll need a tackle box with the capacity to handle the variety of lures, flies, hooks, and other fishing gear you're going to need.



December, 2024

December 20 to December 22 Islamorada
Islamorada Junior Sailfish Tournament

Traditionally held the third weekend of December, kickoff is on the Friday with fishing Saturday and Sunday. This is one of the Florida Keys fishing tournaments that's designed to teach teens fishing skills they can apply in competition. In this competition, 6 anglers per boat are allowed, and proceeds help Toys for Tots of Monroe County.

contact: Tammie Gurgiolo 305-240-9337
email: fishnbully@msn.com

December is sailfish month! Hard hitting, great fighters, these are the fish that everyone wants to catch. Having the best sailfish lures will be your key to enjoying the fight of a lifetime.




Florida Keys fishing tournaments round out the year by having something for everyone. Take time out and enroll in one of these top FLorida fishing competitions. You'll help a local charity, have the time of your life, and maybe even come home with that big IGFA record breaking prize you've always dreamed about!





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