Special flies, accurate casts and a bit of luck are the recipe for winning when some of the nation’s top fly anglers set their sights on the prestigious grand champion’s award at the 14th annual Golden Fly Invitational Tarpon Tournament. The tournament is set for Sunday through Wednesday, May 18-21, in Islamorada.
The tournament kicks off with a 5:30 p.m. rules meeting Sunday, May 18, at Marker 88 Restaurant, mile marker (MM) 88 oceanside in Islamorada.
Fishing is set for Monday through Wednesday, May 19-21. Breakfast is to be served from 5 a.m. at the Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar, MM 82 bayside in Islamorada.
Lines in is to be called at 6 a.m. each fishing day, with lines out called at 3 p.m. All boats are to depart from and return to the Lorelei.
Anglers can fish only with fly gear, using a tournament-furnished tippet not greater than 20-pound test.
Tarpon must measure at least 48 inches in length to earn release points. To earn weight points, a tarpon must weigh at least 70 pounds. A chart converting girth in inches to pounds has been established by the tournament organizers to calculate weight points. Measuring straps will be supplied.
Anglers can enter a maximum of five fish for weight points.
All fish must be released alive. A tarpon with a girth exceeding 42 inches can be brought to shore for weighing because it might qualify for a new world record.
The awards banquet is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Outback Steakhouse, MM 80 oceanside.
Entry fee is $1,000 per angler.
