KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Diabetes research is to benefit when the newly organized Key Largo Fishing Guides Association coordinates its First Ghost Hunt June 21-22. Hosted by Snapper’s Waterfront Saloon & Rawbar, the competition is to set teams of adult and pro anglers as well as individual junior anglers in pursuit of bonefish, with points allocated for each release measuring more than 18 inches in length.Activities begin with a 6:30 p.m. Friday kickoff party and rules meeting at Snapper’s, mile marker 94.5 oceanside in Key Largo. Fishing Saturday is 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Teams are limited to a maximum three registered participants, with each using a maximum 12-pound test line. Anglers are to receive 200 points for each bonefish caught and released on fly, 150 points for each bonefish on artificial plug or spin, and 100 points per bonefish on bait.During a 6 p.m. awards party, the first- through third-place teams in the adult and pro divisions each to be presented $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively. The top junior angler is to be awarded a trophy and rod and reel, and the top guide is to be recognized with a trophy. Award categories also include most tagged bonefish and pro division ”Top Gun.” The pro division consists of individuals or boats with current Florida Saltwater Products licenses or individuals whose primary occupation is commercial fishing.Entry of $100 per adult angler and $50 per junior angler includes tournament social gatherings and benefits the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. A Hollywood, Fla.–based non-profit organization, the institute was created by parents of children with diabetes and raises funds for research to find a cure for the disease.For more information about the Ghost Hunt, call Snapper’s at (305) 852-5956. To find out about area accommodations, call the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce at (800) 822-1088 or (305) 451-1414, or visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
