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ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys - The Islamorada Chamber of Commerce's 12th annual Islamorada Goes Backcountry Fishing Tournament is set for Wednesday, Feb. 11. The event is particularly welcoming to first-time anglers, offering them a chance to fish for seven hours with a professional guide at a discounted rate, while also enjoying social events, food and prizes - thanks to the generosity of the guides and owners of area businesses and services.
Donated prizes include rods and reels, art, dinners to local restaurants, gift certificates, clothing, bottles of wine and more.
Hosted at Papa Joe's Landmark Restaurant and Marina, mile marker 80 bayside, registration and kickoff are set to take place Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 6:30 p.m., with ditty bag pick up and hors doeuvres. The field is limited to 20 boats.
Fishing is slated for 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, preceded by a continental breakfast and followed by a sumptuous dinner and awards. Prizes are to be awarded to the first- and second-place teams in the male and female divisions. Additional prizes go to top anglers and runners-up, and to the angler with the most heart-rending hard luck story.
Organizer Bill Broach started the tournament when he learned that some area hoteliers and business owners had never fished in the backcountry before.
"It's the number-one thing visitors come here to do, so we wanted them to be able to talk about fishing and their firsthand experience," said Broach.
Entry fee is $275 including the guide's fees and taxes.
For event information and to find out about area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-322-5397 or 305-664-4503, or explore this Web site. |
