ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Anglers of all ages and experience levels can register for the multi-species Islamorada Summer Classic set for Friday through Sunday, July 8-10.
Continuing the Islamorada Classic tournament series, the Summer Classic follows a weight-and-release format to promote responsible use of the Florida Keys’ natural resources and maintain healthy fisheries.
Staged both oceanside and in gulfside or Florida Bay backcountry waters, the Summer Classic allows up to six anglers per boat team, professionally guided or unguided, to pursue dolphin, grunts, jacks, sharks, snapper, snook, tarpon, tuna and trout.
Teams are scored on five releases of each of the eligible species per day. One fish of each eligible weight species may be weighed daily per team. The largest weight fish is to win that species.
Winners in adult, teen (age 13-19) and junior (age 12 and under) divisions are to be awarded for the most releases on a daily and overall basis.
A captains meeting and kickoff, open to the public, and a silent auction to benefit Keys charities are set for Friday, July 8, at World Wide Sportsman, mile marker (MM) 81.5 bayside. Fishing is scheduled Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10. An awards ceremony follows Sunday’s fishing.
Boats can depart between MM 106 and the (north) east end of the Seven Mile Bridge.
Entry fees received after June 30 are $150 per adult angler, $125 per teen angler and $50 per junior angler. Until June 30, entrants can save $25 on fees.