Camaraderie, professionalism and competition are what drive lady anglers to the challenging Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament, set for Friday through Sunday, Feb. 6-8.
The weekend’s activities are scheduled to kick off with a 6 p.m. registration, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar on Friday at Marker 88 Restaurant, mile marker 88 bayside in Islamorada. A rules meeting follows at 7:30 p.m.
Lines-in is to be called at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7. The light-tackle tournament’s rules require 12-pound manufacturer’s stated test line on anglers’ reels, and only circle hooks are allowed.
Lines-out is to be called at 4 p.m.
A standings dock party gets started at 5 p.m. at Whale Harbor Bar & Grill, mile marker 83.5 oceanside.
Sunday’s fishing is slated to run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cocktails and dinner are to begin at 6:30 p.m. at Marker 88 Restaurant, followed by the awards ceremony.
Awards are to be presented for the grand champion team (boat), captain and mate; first runner-up and second runner-up team, captain and mate; high-point angler; outstanding catch; largest tuna, dolphin and kingfish; most tagged sailfish and hard luck.
As in past years, activities include a silent auction and raffle, with proceeds helping Voices for Florida Keys Children.
Entry fee is $395 for the first angler and $350 for each additional angler aboard a vessel, up to four anglers per boat.
For more information, call (305) 852-9337.
To find out about area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at (305) 664-4503 or (800) 322-5397, or visit t
