Tournament Shootouts

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A record catch always brings out a crowd.

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

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Fishing in Key Largo.

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

Bring home a trophy – and maybe a wad of cash – in Florida’s huge array of piscatorial competitions.

Close your eyes and think of your favorite game fish, then match it with whatever style you most enjoy – spin, plug, fly or deep-sea tackle. I guarantee there's at least one tournament (and more likely dozens) in Florida that matches exactly what you desire. Nowhere else in the world can you find tournaments from bonefish to bass to blue marlin and nearly everything in between.

Tournaments are about much more than who wins or loses. Most offer kickoff parties, auctions and banquets, all providing a camaraderie of good spirit and fun. Even better, many tournaments earmark proceeds to charities.

The following events illustrate the wide appeal and varied formats available.

Light-Tackle Invitational Sailfish Tournament

What began in 1955 as a simple club event held each December has grown into one of the most prestigious big-boat tournaments in the nation. It's limited to 40 boats or 120 anglers, all bound to an all-release conservation ethic.

The venerable Stuart Sailfish Club is one of the oldest in the nation, having started in 1941 to promote conservation of game fish and to encourage visitors to fish in Martin County waters. Call 772-286-9373 or check their website at www.stuartsailfishclub.com.


Destin Fishing Rodeo

Slap on your spurs and take part during this month-long tourney. Prize categories include amberjack, yellowfin and blackfin tuna, sailfish, marlin, king mackerel, wahoo, grouper, red snapper and seemingly endless prizes – all adding up to lots of happy winners.

Destin, which is halfway between Panama City and Pensacola, features city-sponsored festivals, parties and updates on daily and overall winners. Best of all, entry is free if you fish aboard a boat registered in the tournament. There is a $25 fee to fish from a pier, bridge, jetty or surf. And when not competing, who wouldn't enjoy beaches so powdery that it crunches between your toes? To saddle up in the Rodeo, call 850-837-6734 or visit www.destinfishingrodeo.org.

If those events don't ignite your competitive spirit, go the Events portion of this Web site and search under Fishing Events. A listing of the more interesting fresh- and saltwater tournaments will be available.
Whatever events you choose, the fact remains that whether you're after serious competition or light-hearted family events, Florida has them all.