The demanding Islamorada All-Tackle Spring Bonefish Tournament is set to kick off Tuesday, March 25, with an anglers meeting and cocktails beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Islamorada Fishing Club, mile marker (MM) 82 bayside in Islamorada. Dinner is to follow at 7:15 p.m.
The tournament's fishing days are Wednesday through Friday, March 26-28. The challenge is limited to 25 invited anglers, with a maximum of two anglers plus guide per boat.
The All-Tackle grand champion's award awaits the angler who accumulates the most points by combining releases with weight fish caught using any of four classes of tackle.
The general division is essentially a bait class, with no restrictions on rod, reel or bait except for a prohibition against power reels. The plug-casting division is for conventional rods and reels and bait-casting gear. A spin-casting division serves anglers who favor spinning rods and reels. The fly-casting division limits anglers to single-action reels and eight- or 10-pound tippet. Scenting and tipping of flies or artificial lures are prohibited.
All non-fly tackle classes are to be limited to 10- or 12-pound line. The official line must be obtained and spooled at World Wide Sportsman, MM 81.6 bayside in Islamorada. Ten spools are to be furnished at no cost to registered anglers, with additional line available for purchase.
The angler who catches the tournament's largest permit is to receive the Jim Brewer Trophy.
Breakfast is to be served at the Islamorada Fishing Club each morning of fishing beginning at 6 a.m. Hors d'oeuvres are to be served 3:30-5 p.m. each fishing day. The awards banquet is set for 7 p.m. Friday, March 28, at the club.
For more information on invitations and entry fees, call (305) 852-1694.
