ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — The 37th annual Don Hawley Invitational Tarpon Tournament is slated to kick off Sunday, June 5, with 6:30 p.m. cocktails and a pretournament briefing at Ziggie & Mad Dog’s restaurant, mile marker (MM) 83 oceanside in Islamorada.
Fishing for the five-day test of anglers’ will and muscle is to start Monday, June 6, with breakfast served from 5 a.m. at the Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, MM 82 bayside in Islamorada.
Anglers are to fish Monday through Friday using fly tackle and either a 12- or 16-pound tippet. Boats depart from the Lorelei between 5:45 and 6:15 a.m. each fishing day.
Fishing is scheduled to end with lines-out at 3 p.m. each day. A cash bar with hors d’oeuvres is to be open to anglers, guides and their guests at the members-only Islamorada Fishing Club, adjacent to the Lorelei, each day after fishing.
The awards banquet is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 10, at the club.
Named for the late fly fisherman and conservationist Don Hawley, the tournament benefits the Don Hawley Foundation, which provides financial assistance to professional fishing guides during times of need and supports backcountry fishery conservation programs.
Entry fee is $1,250 per angler and space is limited to 25 anglers.
Tournament information: 305-942-0428 or csasun@aol.com. Islamorada visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/islamorada
