Anglers of all ages and abilities can target more than 40 species of fish in the Key West Fishing Tournament, a free-entry multidivision challenge that takes place Dec. 1, 2020, to July 31, 2021.
Now in its 55th year, the tournament features divisions for men, women, junior anglers ages 10 to 15 and Pee Wees under 10 years old — making it ideal for families that want to share the angling experience.
Participants can fish from a boat, bridge or land. At any time during the eight-month timespan they can enter their catches at an official tournament weigh station or online at enter.keywestfishingtournament.com. Weigh stations can be found at several locations in the Lower Keys and Key West.
Celebrating the diverse variety of fish found in Florida Keys waters, the tournament provides recognition and trophies to anglers posting the heaviest catch of each of 33 species. Six different line classes and three artificial casting categories further heighten the competition.
Other awards recognize the most releases of barracuda, blue marlin, bonefish, dolphin, permit, sailfish and tarpon. The Key West Fishing Tournament strongly encourages the release of game fish and will not recognize any killed sailfish, marlin, spearfish, tarpon, redfish, warsaw grouper or shark for award purposes.
All participants receive certificates noting their catches and qualify for a variety of awards including coveted “Master Angler” titles.
Event information: keywestfishingtournament.com or 305-923-5934
Source: Key West Fishing Tournament Kicks Off Dec. 1 with Free Entry for Anglers | Florida Keys Newsroom