Florida Keys Fishing Tournaments

2026 Tournament Highlights

Jan. 6-8: Islamorada SailFly Tournament. Islamorada. Teams gather for the 25th anniversary of this challenging and exciting competition to fly fish for Atlantic sailfish. Captains slow-troll with live baits with no hooks to raise and tease the sailfish, so fly anglers can cast to the fish. Visit islamoradasailfly.com or call Capt. Randy Towe at 305-394-2667.

Jan. 9-10: Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Created to raise money for Keys scholarships and domestic violence initiatives, this memorial tournament honors the late Holly Given, a Keys resident and avid angler. Participants gather at the Islander Resort to compete for overall angler and top male, female and junior angler awards as well top boat and fun fish prizes. Visit fishforholly.com.

Jan. 20-21: Islamorada Fishing Club Captain’s Cup Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Presented by the Islamorada Fishing Club, the event is the second leg of the three-pronged Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship trifecta, attracting teams of elite sport fishermen. A total winner-take-all cash payout for a full field at the IFC Sailfish Tournament could reach $25,000. 

Jan. 23-25: Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. One of the most prestigious offshore tournaments in the Florida Keys, the Presidential serves as the final leg of the three-pronged Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. Awards will be presented for winners of the Presidential tournament and the Gold Cup Series. 

Jan. 30–31: Swamp Guides Ball. Islamorada. In this annual all-release competition organized by the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association, anglers target bonefish, redfish and snook. The tournament benefits the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Foundation and the Guides Trust Foundation — organizations that provide funds to people in the local fishing industry in times of need. 

Jan. 30-31: King Master Key West. Key West. This highly competitive tournament targets king mackerel and wahoo in the waters around Key West for cash prizes. 

Jan. 30–Feb 1: Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. This light-tackle challenge celebrates its 40th year along with its new affiliation with the Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing organization. Instruction on how to sailfish will be provided to those who request it via an online meeting. Awards await the first, second and third place teams plus awards for high point angler, captain and mate on the first-place team. Other awards are to be given for the top mahi-mahi, tuna and kingfish. Anglers may register to fish from their own boats or sign up for individual or shared charters.

Feb. 1-2: Islamorada Bartenders Sailfish Open. Islamorada. Headquartered at the Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, this fun fishing event is open to actively employed Keys bartenders and restaurant employees. Trophies are awarded to individual anglers as well as the bar a team represents, with the perpetual trophy and year-long bragging rights going to the winners. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at 305-522-4868.

Feb. 3-4: Poor Girls Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Women anglers vie for trophies awarded to the first-, second- and third-place teams, grand champion and runner-up grand champion anglers, as well as for the largest dolphin fish, kingfish and tuna. Kick-off and awards events are held at the Islander Resort. The competition benefits the Upper Keys Veterinary Hospital’s Spay and Neuter Fund and the Shriners Children’s Hospital. 

Feb. 5-7: Cuda Bowl. Key West and the Lower Keys. Shallow-water flats anglers and guides are invited to hook up and fight their barracuda rivals. The event is headquartered at South of the Seven Restaurant on Sugarloaf Key. Prizes are awarded in spin and fly divisions. Top-scoring female and junior anglers are also recognized. 

Feb. 10-11: Al Flutie Over the Hill Rip-Off Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Known as the "Flutie," this all-release sailfish tournament welcomes anglers age 50 and over to compete for awards given to the top three teams and high-point male and female anglers. Tournament events are headquartered at Ocean View Inn and Sports Pub, mile marker 84.5 bayside. Contact Diane Harbaugh at 305-522-4868.

Feb. 13-14: Free Keys Kids Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Open to kids under age 16, the tournament takes place every winter during peak sailfish season with no entry fee thanks to the support of local sponsors and the Islamorada fishing community. All boats and teams must pre-register. The most sailfish releases wins, with awards given to top anglers and teams. 

Feb. 22: Lower Keys Rotary Kids Fishing Tournament. Big Pine Keys. This fun fishing tournament is open to kids age 5 to 12 with free rods, bait, snacks and fishing help provided by community volunteers. lowerkeysrotary.org.

Feb. 27–28: Backcountry Fly Championship Series. Islamorada. Tournament anglers compete to catch the most inches of snook and redfish on fly in a challenge where one-inch equals one point. Awards are to be given to the grand champion and runner-up, and to the anglers who catch the largest snook and redfish. The field is limited to 30 boats.

March 3-7: Jimmy Johnson's ‘Quest for the Ring’ Championship Fishing Week. Key Largo. Hosted by Jimmy Johnson, two-time Super Bowl winning coach and former head coach at the University of Miami, the prestigious event includes the two-day Billfish Competition with a guaranteed total purse of at least $1 million and the Superbowl-style championship ring. A separate sportfish tournament and the annual Celebrity Pro-Am round out the tournament week. 

March 9-12: March Merkin Invitational Permit Tournament. Key West and the Lower Keys. This charity flats-and-fly-only tournament challenges anglers to catch and release silvery permit to vie for elite titles. The event is held at Oceans Edge Resort & Marina on Stock Island. Visit marchmerkin.com.

March 26-28: Key West Sailfish Tournament. Key West. The Key West Sailfish Tournament brings bring world-class teams together for a two-day shootout-style battle for the top of the leaderboard and prize money. 

April 30-May 1: Jeff Leonia Reel and Steel Classic. Islamorada. The tournament is held each year on opening day for hogfish and grouper in memory of Captain Jeff Leonia. Prizes are awarded for the heaviest grouper and/or hogfish caught according to FWC/Atlantic harvest rules while scuba diving, free diving or fishing with a rod and reel. 

April 2-4: Spanish Fly Shark Tournament. Key West. Targeting multiple species of sharks, this third annual catch-and-release tournament is focused on increasing knowledge about sharks in the Florida Keys. With both inshore and offshore divisions, the challenge is to be televised by Outdoor America.

April 16-18: Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament. Marathon. A boat tournament with a release format, the challenge benefits Mission Fishin’, a South Florida nonprofit that helps fund on-the-water adventures for foster children, youngsters with special needs and their families — as well as local charitable organizations including Marathon Special Olympics. Prizes are to be awarded to the top three boat teams and top male, female and junior anglers among others.

April 23-26: REEF Florida Keys Lionfish Derby. Key Largo. This spearfishing competition targets the harmful, invasive lionfish as a way to help native fish survive on Keys reefs. Tournament events conclude with an awards ceremony and Lionfish Festival at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center. reef.org/derby.

April 25-27: Cudjoe Gardens Dolphin & Tail Classic. Cudjoe Key. Teams fish in search of the heaviest combined weight of one dolphin (mahi-mahi) and one yellowtail snapper for cash prizes and awards. 

April 25-29: Tarponian Tournament. Marathon. Rules of this high-energy three-evening tournament mandate that each team fishes with a different captain for each outing. Teams also rotate among the three major bridge channels in Marathon, so any potential “hot spots” are shared among all anglers. Email dbreznicky@breznickyassociates.com or call 267-210-1952. 

May 1-3: 20th Annual Tom Thumb Marathon Bull and Cow Dolphin Tournament. Marathon. Guaranteed $20,000 in cash and prizes awaits the top anglers who catch the largest bull and cow dolphin fish combined, while other prizes are awarded to anglers catching the largest dolphin, wahoo, tuna and tripletail.

May 1-3: Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo. Islamorada. Honoring the memory of Nick Sheahan, a Florida Keys student, this tournament benefits a namesake community scholarship fund that has distributed over $516,000 to date. Hosted at Tavernier Creek Marina, the event features cash prizes and the award of $25,000 to the angler with a dolphin fish that beats the state record of 81 pounds.

May 2-7: 39th Annual Bob Traa Invitational Tarpon Tournament. Marathon. This team event honoring founder Bob Traa allows two to four anglers per team/boat, who fish three nights with three different captains at three different bridges: Bahia Honda, Long Key and the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge. Proceeds from the charity tournament benefit Ronald McDonald House. Contact Donna Vankirk at 305-393-0699.

May 15-17: ‘Ladies Let’s Go Fishing’ Screamin’ Reels Tournament. Islamorada. Intended for novice anglers, this weekend is about learning and a nonintimidating, fun competition with the “Ladies Let’s Go Fishing” university organizers. The casual tournament offers prizes for the heaviest offshore fish and longest inshore fish plus drawings for prizes for those who caught fish. Participants can fish from their own boat or choose a fishing charter.

May 18-20: Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament. Islamorada. Top fly anglers and world-class guides test their skills in this three-day, invitation only fly-fishing tournament. Winners receive custom art and sculpture from notable wildlife artists as well as the latest gear and apparel from the premier fly-fishing brands in the industry. Visit goldenfly.org 

May 29–31: Skippers Dolphin Tournament. Key Largo. Headquartered at Skippers Dockside Restaurant behind Key Largo’s Holiday Inn, this tournament pays cash prizes of over $60,000, including a first-place prize of $20,000, as well as prizes for the top six teams and top lady and junior anglers. 

June 1-5: Don Hawley Tarpon Fly Tournament. Islamorada. This prestigious catch-and-release invitational tarpon fly tournament attracts some of the best and most passionate fly anglers from around the world to endure a five-day test of patience and finesse in search of the silver king.

June 5-7: 33rd Annual Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Dolphin Tournament. Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys. Anglers contend for over cash prizes and awards in this popular annual tournament, with $10,000 awarded to the first-place boat.

June 9-11: Ladies Tarpon Fly Tournament. Islamorada. Hosted by Florida Keys Outfitters, this all-release, fly-fishing invitational tournament for women is held each June during the height of the famed tarpon migration. Started in 1977, the tournament represents a rich history of women who love the sport of saltwater fly fishing. 

June 12-13: Ladies Dolphin Tournament. Tavernier. Hosted by the Florida Keys Elks Lodge, this event welcomes female angler teams to compete for the highest aggregate weight of three dolphin fish. Cash and prizes are awarded to first- through third-place finishers and for the largest dolphin caught.

June 15-19: 63rd Annual Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament. Islamorada. This annual challenge appeals to experienced anglers who apply to compete in what is locally called the “Wimbledon of tarpon fishing.” Headquartered at the Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar, the all-release event is limited to 25 anglers by invitation only. Proceeds benefit the Guides Trust Foundation of the Florida Keys. 

June 19-20: Father’s Day Dolphin Derby: Marathon. This popular dolphin tournament pays out cash and prizes to the top four adults with the heaviest fish.

June 19-21: VFW Fishing Tournament. Key West. A family fun tournament, this event awards over $15,000 in total cash and prizes including $5,000 for the heaviest dolphin fish. All proceeds benefit disabled and needy veterans in the Florida Keys’ Monroe County. Email vfw391110@yahoo.com.

June 24-25: IFC Captain’s Cup Dolphin Tournament. Islamorada. Teams of up to four anglers compete for top prizes, and the total combined weight of three dolphin fish determines the winning team in this Islamorada Fishing Club tournament. If up to 25 boats register, first-prize cash winnings can reach $25,000. 

June 25-27: University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Celebrity Fishing Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers mingle with sports celebrities in this annual charity tournament that targets dolphin fish and raises funds for the UM Sports Hall of Fame & Museum and other charities. 

June 26-28: Florida Keys PBA Dolphin Tournament. Stock Island. Hosted by volunteers on behalf of the Florida Keys Police Benevolent Association, the tournament targets dolphin fish. Cash prizes await the first- through fourth-place anglers and the top junior, female and PBA member anglers. Proceeds primarily benefit the Autism Society of the Keys and the Love Fund Inc. 

July 4-6: Billy Knowles Memorial Poor Boys Tarpon Fly Tournament. Islamorada. This tarpon-on-fly tournament is open to all anglers. The team with the most releases of tarpon measuring 4 feet or longer wins. Tournament events are held at the Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar in Islamorada. 

July 7-10: Del Brown Invitational Permit Tournament. Sugarloaf Key. Anglers fly fish on the flats in a challenge that honors the late angling pioneer Del Brown, who caught and released more than 500 permit off the Keys. Professionals and guides are allowed to compete as anglers.

July 22-25: Key West Marlin Tournament. Key West. Anglers can ply the waters once fished by legendary writer Ernest Hemingway while vying for $50,000 in cash prizes in the marlin division and more in the fun fish division. Teams earn points for blue marlin, white marlin, spearfish and “fun fish” species. For anglers of every skill level, the contest coincides with Key West’s annual Hemingway Days festival that celebrates the literary giant’s adventurous spirit. The tournament is limited to 75 boats. 

Aug. 18: Bartenders Dolphin Tournament. Layton. This one-day tournament targets dolphin fish and is open to bartenders and restaurant employees. Kick-off and weigh-in events are to be held at the Florida Boy restaurant at mile marker 68 in Layton. 

Sept. 17-19: Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Fishing Championship. Islamorada. Named after the man known affectionately as “Mr. Everglades,” the event is headquartered at the Islander Resort. Anglers target fish only in the boundaries of Everglades National Park — fishing areas that Lucerne favored — and are challenged to catch at least one tarpon, redfish, snook, sea trout, snapper, bonefish and black drum or bass with the goal being to catch all seven species. Awards are given in 22 individual categories.

Sept. 25-27: Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge. Key Largo. The annual tournament put on by the Rotary Club of Key Largo offers anglers the opportunity to win coveted trophies for trout, snook and redfish. Fishing is allowed around the clock from Friday night through Sunday afternoon. A popular weekend auction showcase and Sunday evening dinner are open to the public. Proceeds support vocational and educational scholarships for financially challenged Upper Keys students. 

Sept. 29-Oct. 2: IGFA Permit Invitational. Lower Keys. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Permit Invitational is a premier fly fishing tournament held annually with the goal of creating a competitive atmosphere to celebrate a world-class inshore game fish, the sport of fly fishing, and to promote the ethics and programs of the IGFA. Tournament activities are based at Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina on Stock Island, adjacent to Key West. 

Oct. TBA: Marathon Offshore Swords and Stripes Tournament. Marathon. Anglers target big fish for cash and prizes. Categories include swordfish and wahoo, swordfish only and wahoo only.

Oct. 2-3: Fall Backcountry Fly Championship. Islamorada. Tournament anglers compete to catch the most inches of snook and redfish on fly in a challenge where one inch equals one point. Awards are to be given to the grand champion, the anglers who catch the largest snook and redfish, and the “King of the Backcountry” series grand champion among others. 

Oct. 17-19: “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” Florida Keys Saltwater Seminar and Fishing Fever Inshore/Offshore Tournament. Islamorada. Female fishing fans can learn or polish angling skills during the award-winning weekend seminar with two days of optional charter fishing and the Fishing Fever Fun Tournament. More than 9,000 female graduates have immersed themselves in the lighthearted yet skill-heavy curriculum to learn and hone abilities in offshore, bottom, inshore and fly fishing. 

Oct. 16-17: Casting for Cats Backcountry Tournament. Islamorada. This formerly all-female tournament now has a co-ed division and a women’s division. Anglers earn points for catching bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and redfish using bait, artificial lures or fly tackle. Points are also awarded for ladyfish, sharks, jacks and spotted sea trout. The event is a major fundraiser to help control the feral cat population in the Upper Keys. 

Nov. TBA: Marathon Fire Rescue Wahoo Tournament. Marathon. Teams of anglers battle it out in search of the biggest wahoo with proceeds benefiting Marathon Fire Rescue. 

Nov. 12-14: Cheeca Lodge & Spa All-American Backcountry Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers compete for prizes and trophies in this annual all-release event targeting snook, redfish, bonefish, tarpon and permit. The tournament was inspired by George H. W. Bush, the 41st U.S. president, and honors war heroes in an esteemed competition held over Veterans Day weekend. Proceeds benefit the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.

Nov. 12-14: Sugarloaf Showdown. Sugarloaf Key. Angling teams can vie for victory by targeting bonefish, permit and barracuda during the annual Sugarloaf Showdown in support of the Florida Keys Guides Trust Foundation. The catch-and-release challenge is presented by the Lower Keys Guides Association.

Dec. 5-6: Islamorada Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. The first leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship trifecta is the only tournament in the series to offer a junior division for anglers age 16 and younger. Unlimited anglers are allowed per boat. 

Dec. 11-13: Islamorada Junior Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. The Florida Keys’ oldest sailfish tournament for kids 16 and under celebrates its 62nd year in 2026.