Hiaasen tournament
Prolific writer Carl Hiaasen of Vero Beach, FL was once again victorious in the 35th Annual Islamorada Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament. This win marks the 6th time Hiaasen has won the event, an all-time record among angling competitors. He was guided by Islamorada bonefish master Capt. Tim Klein. Klein has now been Guide to the Grand Champion a record eight times, six with Hiaasen, and over three decades.
This team demolished the 2011 competition by amassing three weight fish of 8 pounds 12 ounces, 10 pounds 2 ounces and 12 pounds 13 ounces along with 10 releases. Finishing Second with 9 releases was last year’s winner from Islamorada, Paul Nute poled by Capt. Bou Bosso. Best New Angler was awarded to Roger Fernandez of Pinecrest guided by Capt. Mike Hutchinsson. The Best Other Fish was a permit captured by Greg Smith fishing with Capt. Scott Collins.
Hiaasen and Klein virtually swept the trophy ceremony by taking home the Charles F. Helmly Award for Largest Bonefish with the plump, downtown 12 pound 13 ouncer. They also added Most Releases with 10 speedy silver bullets.
The 16 boat field caught and released an impressive 55 bonefish. For information on next year’s Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish tournament, contact Charlotte Ambrogio at csasun@aol.com.
