Fly Rod & Reel

When The American Museum of Fly Fishing (www.amff.com) decides to honor a national non-profit breast cancer support organization, there’s an obvious question – what’s the connection? The connection is about helping survivors--one woman at a time. It’s about the importance of volunteer service and of the “human conservation” that Casting for Recovery’s mission espouses.

That is why the Board of Trustees at the American Museum of Fly Fishing has announced that Casting for Recovery (CFR) and its volunteers will be the recipient of the 2010 Heritage Award, an award honoring those whose commitment to the sport of fly-fishing sets a standard to which all should aspire.

“Since 1997, the Museum regularly recognizes an individual or organization that, through fly fishing, has made a difference in peoples’ lives, and there could be no better qualified candidate than Casting for Recovery,” said Jim Heckman, President, AMFF Board of Trustees. Supporting breast cancer survivors through a program that combines fly-fishing, counseling, and medical information, Casting for Recovery’s two-and-a-half day retreats are offered at no cost to women at any stage and age of breast cancer treatment and recovery. Since 1996 CFR has served more than 4,000 women with the help of 1,500 volunteers who serve as instructors, counselors, and medical personnel. Fly-fishing may appear to be the topic of the day, but helping survivors is the underlying focus.

On April 29, 2010, Museum trustees, members, and guests will gather with Casting for Recovery staff, trustees, and volunteers at the Yale Club in New York City to celebrate the past fourteen years of a program which provides a “life-changing” experience and offers the opportunity for the many participants – and their families – to learn about the special heritage and giving spirit of a great American sport. “Every day we get notes, emails, and letters from women who tell us that their CFR weekend was life-changing in many ways,” states Lori Simon, CFR Executive Director. “They talk about sharing stories with long-time survivors and ladies still in treatment, being cared for by amazing volunteers, the incredible fun of learning to fly fish and having anxieties and everyday stresses fade away in the roar of the river. Beyond the fun of the fishing itself, the weekend teaches women that they are stronger than they thought.

One recent participant said it best: ‘I will always be grateful to CFR for that weekend and for the lessons learned, not just in fly-fishing but in life.’”

Casting for Recovery will schedule 45 retreats in 30 states in 2010, serving women across the country. Numerous medical and psychosocial professionals and institutions consider Casting for Recovery one of the leading programs providing support for women with breast cancer. Sister organizations operate programs in Canada, the U.K./Ireland, and New Zealand. Their leading national supporter is The Hartford (www.thehartford.com), a Fortune 100 company that is one of the nation’s largest financial services and insurance companies and a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products, and business property and casualty insurance; national supporters include Brookdale Senior Living – West Division (www.brookdaleliving.com), whose mission of enriching the lives of those they serve with compassion, respect, excellence, and integrity is the source of their strong support; and Under Armour® (www.underarmour.com), a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories, whose “Power In Pink” program is an effort to help educate women about the important link between physical activity and winning the battle against breast cancer.

Casting for Recovery is supported by generous donations from many other individuals, foundations, and corporations. Casting for Recovery is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. For more information about the program, please visit www.castingforrecovery.org or call 802.362.9181.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued executive orders to protect Florida’s snook, bonefish and tarpon fisheries from further harm caused by the recent prolonged cold weather in the state, which has caused widespread saltwater fish kills. The FWC has received numerous reports from the public and is taking action to address the conservation needs of affected marine fisheries. The orders also will allow people to legally dispose of dead fish in the water and on the shore. One of the executive orders temporarily extends closed fishing seasons for snook statewide until September. It also establishes temporary statewide closed seasons for bonefish and tarpon until April because of the prolonged natural cold weather event that caused significant, widespread mortality of saltwater fish in Florida. The other order temporarily suspends certain saltwater fishing regulations to allow people to collect and dispose of dead fish killed by the cold weather.

“A proactive, precautionary approach is warranted to preserve our valuable snook, bonefish and tarpon resources, which are among Florida’s premier game fish species,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Extending the snook closed season and temporarily closing bonefish and tarpon fishing will protect surviving snook that spawn in the spring and will give our research scientists time to evaluate the extent of damage that was done to snook, bonefish and tarpon stocks during the unusual cold-weather period we recently experienced in Florida.” Snook season currently is closed in Florida under regular FWC rules, and there are also regular closed snook seasons that occur in the summer.

However, the FWC executive order extends the statewide snook closed seasons continuously through Aug. 31 and provides that no person may harvest or possess snook in state and federal waters off Florida during this period unless the fishery is opened sooner or the closure is extended by subsequent order. The order also establishes a temporary prohibition on the harvest and possession of bonefish and tarpon from state and federal waters off Florida through March 31, unless these fisheries are opened sooner or the closures are extended by subsequent order. The FWC executive order for the snook, bonefish and tarpon closed seasons takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 16.

The other FWC executive order temporarily removes specific harvest regulations for all dead saltwater fish of any species that have died as a result of prolonged exposure to cold weather in Florida waters. It also modifies general methods of taking dead saltwater fish from Florida’s shoreline and from the water to allow the collection of saltwater fish by hand, cast net, dip net or seine. All people taking dead saltwater fish under the provisions of this order may not sell, trade or consume such fish, and the dead fish must immediately be disposed of in compliance with local safety, health and sanitation requirements for such disposal. In addition, all people taking dead fish under the provisions of this order are not required to possess a saltwater fishing license, and all fish taken under the provisions of this executive order shall be those that have died as a result of prolonged exposure to cold weather.

This FWC executive order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 16 and will expire at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 1, unless it is repealed sooner or extended by subsequent order. -30-

Dr. Slick Instruments for Anglers has been transitioned from founder Dr. Kenneth A. High to a group of his employees headed by general manager Steve Fournier. The sale is effective immediately and includes the firm’s headquarters and production building, all products, logos and intellectual property. High, who founded the fly-fishing and fly-tying tool company in 1989, will serve as a product design consultant. Day-to-day operations will continue much as they have for the past 15 years under Fournier’s direction and supervision.

The sale follows High’s retirement from his urological medical practice. Terms and conditions of the sale were not made public. According to Fournier, Dr. Slick produces some 300+ fishing- and fly tying-related products including various models and sizes of scissors, pliers, clamps (hemostats), retractors, nippers, hook files, necklaces, fly floatant, hair stackers, titanium and ceramic fly-tying bobbins, hackle pliers, tweezers, whip finishers and dubbing tools, as well as a growing OEM and custom manufacturing division.

In coming to a mutual agreement on the sale to Fournier and other employees, High noted, “I cannot see any other outfit that would uphold the Dr. Slick tradition of quality and innovation other than the current staff and employees . . . I had the idea, but he built the company and should continue with it.”

Over the next week, looks like at least through the end of the month, Scientific Anglers is testing a new feature to its Web site—providing visitors $15 off any purchase over $75, when you order direct from the Web site. Fly anglers can purchase products directly through fly shops set up with this special buying option. See the 'button' on the bottom left of SA's landing page. CLICK HERE

Whether you're desk bound and dreaming of next year's fishing, or heading to a choice angling destination, catch up on all the latest news at the Orvis Fishing Report. CLICK HERE

Join NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco on December 2 and help her chart NOAA’s future.

Dr. Lubchenco will lead NOAA’s Next Generation Strategic Plan National Stakeholder Forum at the George Washington Marvin Center, Washington, D.C. The public forum will be hosted by NOAA’s Office of Program Planning & Integration and George Washington University’s Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration.

In recent months, NOAA has gathered input into NOAA’s Next Generation Strategic Plan (NGSP) through extensive consultations across the country and the NGSP online survey. Through this process, stakeholders helped form NOAA’s long-term strategy. NOAA now seeks suggestions on specific actions the agency needs to take over the next three to five years that will help to achieve this strategy.

Attendees will include representation from the Department of Commerce and NOAA senior leadership as well as a variety of peak level stakeholders, such as Congressional officials, private industry leaders, non-governmental organizations, and others.

Forum Logistics:
When: Wednesday, December 2
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Washington, D.C. - George Washington University Marvin Center (Cafritz Conference Center - 3rd floor)
Registration: Available on the NGSP Web site http://www.noaa.gov/ngsp

2010 FLORIDA KEYS FISHING TOURNAMENTS

Jan. 7-10: Sailbone Offshore  Backcountry. Islamorada. Three days of fishing in the backcountry and offshore have anglers competing for both sailfish and bonefish. Contact Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood at (305) 664-2012 or (305) 393-6174, or e-mail sharellen@netzero.net.

Jan 10-11: Bartender's Sailfish Open. Islamorada. An all-release sailfish tournament, this challenge offers awards to winning bars and bartenders. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at (305) 852-2102, e-mail ditournaments@aol.com, visit www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com or write to P.O. Box 462, Islamorada FL 33036.

Jan 12-14: Islamorada SailFly Championship. In this all-release boat team tournament with no more than two anglers per boat allowed, captains, mates or anglers can tease, but only the registered anglers can cast, hook and play the fish. Tournament rules will be IGFA format. Contact Denise Scoble or Sandy Moret at (305) 664-5423, e-mail sandy@floridakeysoutfitters.com or write to P.O. Box 603, Islamorada FL 33036.

Jan. 15-17: Key Largo Sailfish Challenge. Key Largo. Anglers battle sailfish during the peak of the season. The tournament also features raffles, drawings and cash prizes. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at (305) 852-9337 or e-mail fishnbully@msn.com.    

Jan. 21-23: Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. In this all-release tournament, anglers fish for the mighty sailfish in waters surrounding the region known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World. The tournament is an official event of the World Billfish Series, Southeast Division. Contact Liz Hill at (305) 451-5094, e-mail presidentialsailfishtournament@cheeca.com, visit www.cheeca.com or write to Cheeca Lodge, P.O. Box 527, Islamorada FL 33036.

Jan. 22-24: Key West Harbour King Mackerel Tournament. Key West. Anglers use fast boats to target the voracious king mackerel, also known as kingfish, for cash prizes. Contact Lee Murray at (305) 296-0364, e-mail lee@murraymarine.com or write to Murray Marine, 5710 U.S. 1, Mile Marker 5, Key West FL 33040.

Jan. 25-26: Captain Al Flutie Over the Hill Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers ages 50 and over are challenged to catch and release the most sailfish. Contact Bill Kelly at (305) 394-5333 or write to 130 Tequesta St., Tavernier, FL 33070; or contact Gary Ellis at (305) 664-2002, e-mail redboneinc@aol.com, visit www.redbone.org or write to P.O. Box 273, Islamorada FL 33036.

Jan. 27-28: Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. The historic fishing club offers a $30,000 winner-take-all cash prize in this sailfish challenge. The tournament is limited to 30 boats. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at (305) 852-2102 or (305) 664-4725, e-mail fishing@theislamoradafishinglclub.com or visit www.theislamoradafishingclub.com.   

Jan. 29-30: Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association Swamp Guides Ball. Islamorada. This all-release event offers fishing for bonefish, redfish and snook in the shallows of the Florida Keys and the saltwater fringes of the Everglades. Contact Captain Rusty and Terry Albury at (305) 664-5142, e-mail talbury@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 303, Islamorada FL 33036.

Feb. 4-6: The Gridiron Greats Billfish Bowl. Key Largo. This all-release sailfish tournament is hosted by NFL legends Jimmy Johnson and Mike Ditka to raise money for the nonprofit group Gridiron Greats. The event will be headquartered at Johnson's Big Chill bar and restaurant in Key Largo. Contact tournament director Tammie Gurgiolo at (866) 203-2720 or visit www.billfishbowl.com.

Feb. 8-10: Sailfish Open at Hawks Cay. Marathon. Eighteen teams of professional anglers and amateur enthusiasts will compete in the catch-and-release tournament in the waters around Marathon. Contact Laura Emmole at (305) 395-3474 or (727) 631-0072, e-mail lemmole@worldsailfish.com or visit www.sailfishproseries.com.

Feb. 12-14: Islamorada Women's Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. This light-tackle challenge has female anglers facing off against the famous tail-dancers for trophies and prizes. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at (305) 852-9337, e-mail fishnbully@msn.com or write to 124 Tavern Drive, Tavernier FL 33070.

Feb. 16-17: Poor Girls Sailfish Tournament. Key Largo and Islamorada. This popular Keys tournament typically draws more than 200 anglers.  Contact Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood at (305) 664-2012 or e-mail sharellen@netzero.net.

Feb. 26-27: Backcountry Fly Championship. Islamorada. This new fly-fishing competition is to target snook and redfish in a region of the Keys that is famous for them. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

March 5-6: Backbone Lures "Fish 'Til You Lose It." Islamorada. Anglers compete to catch the finned denizens of the flats and backcountry, fishing with one lure or one fly until they lose it. Contact Paul Tejera by e-mailing captbackbone@gmail.com or visit www.backbonelures.com.

March 5-7:  Captain Leon Shell Memorial Billfish Tournament. Key Colony Beach. Anglers pursue sailfish in honor of the late lure maker who made the Middle Florida Keys his home. The tournament benefits Hospice of the Florida Keys. Contact Terry Fisher at (305) 289-1310, e-mail kcbmarina@bellsouth.net, visit www.leonshelltournament.com or write to P.O. Box 510910, Key Colony Beach FL 33051-0910.

March 11-14: Florida Keys Survivor. Islamorada. In this backcountry elimination draw tournament, the winner is the sole survivor. Contact Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood at (305) 664-2012 or (305) 393-6174, or e-mail sharellen@netzero.net.

March 12-14: Key West Fishing Tournament Kick-Off. Key West  Lower Keys. Targeting multiple species, this annual challenge starts a season-long tournament that awards certificates for outstanding catches and prizes in a host of categories. Contact Doris Harris at (305) 295-6601, e-mail director@keywestfishingtournament.com, visit www.keywestfishingtournament.com or write to P.O. Box 2154, Key West, FL 33045.

March 13 - Nov. 30: Key West Fishing Tournament, Inc. Key West  Lower Keys. This popular 8.5-month-long competition targets more than 40 species of fish. Contact Doris Harris at (305) 295-6601 or (800) 970-9056, e-mail director@keywestfishingtournament.com, visit www.keywestfishingtournament.com or write to P.O. Box 2154, Key West, FL 33045.

April 7-9: Islamorada All-Tackle Spring Bonefish Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers compete to catch the gray ghost of the flats in the legendary shallows surrounding Islamorada. This all-release tournament features trophies and prizes. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

April 11: 7 Mile Marina Marathon Sharkathon. Marathon. Take a bite out of Marathon as anglers match skills in catching multiple shark species during this one-day, man-versus-shark release tournament. Contact Dan Rudacille (305) 395-0546.

April 13-17: World Sailfish Championship. Key West. With a guaranteed top prize of $100,000, the prestigious sailfish challenge draws top teams and benefits the Don Shula Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, Camp Boggy Creek for youngsters with chronic and life-threatening illnesses, and other national and local charities. Contact Mike Weinhofer (305) 395-3474 or   (727) 631-0072, e-mail lemmole@worldsailfish.com, visit www.worldsailfish.com or write 2120 Range Road, Clearwater FL 33765.

April 16-18: Redbone @ Large Hawks Cay Sunrise/Sunset Tarpon Celebrity Tournament. Marathon. The event is one of approximately 30 Redbone celebrity tournaments that are held each year, with all proceeds benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Contact Gary Ellis at (305) 664-2002, e-mail redboneinc@aol.com, visit www.redbone.org or write to P.O. Box 273, Islamorada FL 33036.

May 2-5: Tarponian Tournament. Marathon. Anglers target tarpon and vie for prizes in this high-energy event. Contact David Breznicky at (215) 542-1492, e-mail dbreznicky@breznickyassociates.com or write to 118 W Butler Ave., Ambler PA 19002.

May 6-8: Marathon International Tarpon Tournament. Marathon. This all-release event is one of the longest-running tournaments targeting the mighty silver king. Contact Donna Vankirk at (305) 289-2248, e-mail marathonbait@gmail.com or write to 3740 Overseas Highway, Marathon FL 33050.

May 7-8: Mother's Day Dolphin Tournament. Marathon. Dolphin fish are the target in this angling challenge to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Contact Michael Kiraly at (305) 676-3019,     e-mail MKiraly@my100bank.com or write to P.O. Box 500067, Marathon FL 33050.

May 14-16: Coconuts Dolphin Tournament. Key Largo. One of the largest-drawing tournaments in South Florida, this challenge named for a Key Largo restaurant pits anglers against dolphin fish. Contact Charles Mountain at (561) 741-1124, e-mail mountain1111@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 2648, Key Largo FL 33037.

May 15-20: Faro Blanco Invitational Tarpon Tournament. Marathon. Anglers tangle with silver kings in an event named for a famous Marathon resort. The tournament is a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House charities' summer camp program. Contact Robert Traa at (609) 645-1840, ext. 115, e-mail Bobtraa@mindspring.com or write 776 West Black Horse Pike, Pleasantville NJ 08232.

May 17-19: Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament. Islamorada. This prestigious fly tournament for large tarpon benefits college scholarships for Keys students. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

May 22-23: 34th Annual Ladies Tarpon Tournament. Marathon. Women compete in this all-release tournament to catch tarpon in one of the longest-running tournaments in the Keys. Contact Donna Vankirk at (305) 289-2248, e-mail marathonbait@gmail.com or write to 3740 Overseas Highway, Marathon FL 33050.   

May 29: Yamaha Dolphin Masters Invitational. Key West. Experienced offshore captains are to lead the chase for the colorful and acrobatic dolphin fish and a $15,000 first prize. Contact John Stuempfig at (305) 304-7674, e-mail wave.whacker@hotmail.com or write to P.O. Box 2418, Key West FL 33045.

June 2-3: Islamorada Fishing Club Captain's Cup Dolphin Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers compete for a winner-take-all $25,000 jackpot for catching dolphin fish. Contact Theresa Reineman at (305) 664-4735, e-mail fishing@theislamoradafishingclub.com, visit www.theislamoradafishingclub.com or write to P.O. Box 22, Islamorada FL 33036.

June 4-6: Islamorada Dolphin Tournament. Islamorada. Hosted by the Islamorada Charterboat Association, this second annual event is headquartered at Whale Harbor Marina, with $15,000 in prize money and an unlimited number of anglers. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at (305) 852-2102 or e-mail ditournaments@aol.com.

June 7-11: Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament. Islamorada. The world's top fly-rod anglers pursue the mighty silver kings in one of the most storied tournaments in the Keys. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

June 11-13: Big Pine  Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament. Big Pine Key. Anglers compete to catch dolphin fish, one of the most popular species in the Keys. The tournament features more than $25,000 in cash and prizes. Contact the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce at (305) 872-2411 or (800) 872-3722, e-mail info@lowerkeyschamber.com, visit www.lowerkeyschamber.com or write to P.O. Box 430511, Big Pine Key FL 33043.

June 15-17: Women's Fly Series - Tarpon. Islamorada. This invitational fly tournament for tarpon, open to men and women, benefits children's charities. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, visit www.womensflyseries.com, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

June 18-19: Island Grill Blue Water Dolphin Tournament. Islamorada. The event incorporates a one-day dolphin tournament, with an optional Father/Son Fun Fish on Father's Day weekend, to benefit Baptist Hospital's Children's Cancer Center. Contact Jack McCormick at (305) 664-8400, e-mail keysislandgrill@bellsouth.net, visit www.keysislandgrill.com or write to 85501 Overseas Highway, Islamorada FL 33036.

June 19-21: Father's Day Dolphin Derby. Marathon. Anglers are to celebrate Father's Day by catching one of the most beautiful, best-tasting and fastest-growing fish in the sea to benefit the Marathon Youth Club. Contact Jack Carlson at (305) 289-0199 or write to 11499 Overseas Highway, Marathon FL 33050

June 21-25: Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament. Islamorada. Fly rodders compete to catch and release giant tarpon. Winners and their guides get their names engraved on the Gold Cup perpetual trophy. Tournament proceeds benefit children's charities in the Keys. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada, FL 33036.

June 25-27: Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby. Key West. Anglers compete to catch dolphin fish, a plentiful summertime treat off the Keys. The derby raises money for college scholarships. Contact John Stuempfig at (305) 304-7674, e-mail wave.whacker@hotmail.com  or write to P.O. Box 2418, Key West FL 33045.

June 25-27: Burdines Waterfront Dolphin  Blackfin Fun Fishing Tournament. Marathon. This event sponsored by a popular local restaurant targets two of the finest-tasting fish in the Keys. Contact Brenda Duff at (305) 743-5317, e-mail burdineswaterfront@gmail.com or write to 1200 Oceanview Ave., Marathon FL 33050.

July 3: Conch Republic Ladies' Dolphin Tournament. Key West. This competition is for women only, although male captains and mates are allowed. Contact John Stuempfig at (305) 304-7674, e-mail wave.whacker@hotmail.com  or write P.O. Box 2418, Key West FL 33045.

July 9-11: Hawks Cay Mahi Fly (Redbone @ Large Series). Marathon. Professionalism, camaraderie and competition characterize this event that benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at (305) 852-9337, e-mail fishnbully@msn.com or write to P.O. Box 432, Islamorada FL 33036.

July 13-15: Florida Keys Outfitters IGFA Inshore World Championship. Islamorada. Contact Denise Scoble or Sandy Moret at (305) 664-5423, email sandy@floridakeysoutfitters.com or write to P.O. Box 603, Islamorada FL 33036

July 21-23: Del Brown Permit Tournament. Key West. Anglers fly-fish on the flats for the powerful, speedy permit. The tournament honors the late angling pioneer Del Brown, who caught and released more than 500 permit off the Keys. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at         (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

July 21-24: Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament. Key West. Anglers pursue the mightiest of the offshore species in the same waters plied by novelist Ernest Hemingway. The catch-and-release tournament, held in conjunction with Key West's annual Hemingway Days celebration, offers more than $50,000 in guaranteed prize money. Contact Scott Greene at (305) 292-2710, visit www.keywestmarlin.com or write to P.O. Box 5590, Key West FL 33045.
 
July 25-26: Islamorada Fishing Club RedGhost Stalk. Islamorada. Anglers compete to catch redfish and bonefish, the gray ghost of the flats. Winners qualify for the IGFA Inshore Championship. The tournament is open to anglers ages 11 to 25. Contact Jim and Sherri Trice at (305) 664-3864, e-mail trice_j@bellsouth.net or write to P.O. Box 22, Islamorada, FL 33036.

Aug. 27-29: Islamorada Swordfish Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers compete to catch swordfish, a species that has recovered to healthy populations off the Keys. This modified release tournament benefits the Billfish Foundation. Contact Captain Richard Peeples at       (305) 282-1006, e-mail Supersti@aol.com or visit www.miamiswordfishtournament.com.

Sept. 10-12: S.L.A.M. (Southernmost Light-Tackle Anglers Masters) Celebrity Tournament. Key West. In the first of the annual fall Redbone Trilogy events that raise money to fight cystic fibrosis, top anglers and celebrities target tarpon, permit and bonefish with light tackle. Contact Gary Ellis at (305) 664-2002, e-mail redboneinc@aol.com, visit www.redbone.org or write to P.O. Box 273, Islamorada FL 33036.

Sept. 15-17: Islamorada Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament. Islamorada. Fly anglers are to pursue Islamorada bonefish, some of the largest and smartest in the world, at this all-release tournament. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036

Sept. 16-19: Marathon International Bonefish Tournament. Marathon. Some of the best bonefish anglers anywhere are to stalk the gray ghost of the flats in an area rich with them. This is an all-release spin or fly event. Contact Nancy Ponzoa at (305) 394-7758 or e-mail keyspeanut@bellsouth.net, call Laural Keating at (305) 743-6654 or write to P.O. Box 500914, Marathon FL 33050.

Sept. 17-19: Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge. Key Largo. Anglers fish for snook and redfish to benefit a statewide scholarship program. Contact Sue Finney at (305) 451-2467, e-mail keyshomesrus@bellsouth.net or write to P.O. Box 252, Key Largo FL 33037.   

Sept. 25-26: Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Tournament. Key Largo. Up to 100 anglers will be competing for snook, tarpon, redfish, sea trout, snapper, bonefish and black drum against the backdrop of Everglades National Park. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at      (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

Oct. 1-3: Mercury Baybone Celebrity Tournament. Key Largo. The second of three tournaments in the annual Redbone Trilogy, the Baybone targets permit and bonefish to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. Contact Gary Ellis at (305) 664-2002, e-mail redboneinc@aol.com, visit www.redbone.org or write to P.O. Box 273, Islamorada FL 33036.

Oct. 6-8: Women's Fall Fly Classic - Multiple Species. Previously called the Women's World Invitational Fly Championship Bonefish Series, the revamped all-release, fly-only tournament is to have anglers fishing for four different species. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, visit www.womensflyseries.com/index.html, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

Oct. 11-15: Bonefishing World Championship / Islamorada All-Tackle Bonefish Tournament. Islamorada. Some of the best bonefish anglers compete to catch and release the gray ghost of the flats. Proceeds are to be donated to local charities. Contact Charlotte Ambrogio at (305) 664-2444, e-mail csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

Oct. 15-16: Casting for Cats. Islamorada. This one-day ladies' all-tackle backcountry tournament raises money for local charities. Contact Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood at (305) 664-2012 or     (305) 393-6174, or e-mail sharellen@netzero.net.

Nov. TBA: Ladies, Let's Go Fishing. Islamorada. Female anglers polish their skills and fish in an event sponsored by the fishing education and advocacy group Ladies, Let's Go Fishing! Contact Betty Bauman at (954) 475-9068, e-mail billfishbetty@hotmail.com, visit www.ladiesletsgofishing.com or write to P.O. Box 550429, Fort Lauderdale FL 33355.

Nov. 5-7: Mercury Redbone Celebrity Tournament. Islamorada. Celebrities and other anglers catch bonefish and redfish to raise money for cystic fibrosis research in the final event of the annual Redbone Trilogy. Contact Gary Ellis at (305) 664-2002, e-mail redboneinc@aol.com, visit www.redbone.org or write to P.O. Box 273, Islamorada, FL 33036.

Nov. 27-28: Islamorada Fishing Club Junior Derby. Islamorada. All species count for points in this competition for young anglers, with the most points awarded for bonefish and permit. Contact Jim and Sherri Trice at (305) 664-3864, e-mail trice_j@bellsouth.net or write to P.O. Box 22, Islamorada FL 33036.

Dec. 2-5: Islamorada Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. This competition is the first leg of the triple-crown Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Series. The tournament is one of the oldest in the Florida Keys. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at (305) 852-2102, e-mail ditournaments@aol.com, visit www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com or write to P.O. Box 462, Islamorada, FL 33036.

Dec. 8-9: Islamorada Fishing Club Captain's Cup Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers compete for a winner-take-all $25,000 jackpot for catching and releasing sailfish. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at (305) 852-2102, e-mail fishing@theislamoradafishingclub, visit www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com or write to P.O. Box 22, Islamorada FL 33036.

Dec. 10-12: Captain Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic. Islamorada. This all-release tournament offers anglers a chance to pursue sailfish in Captain Don's memory. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at (305) 852-9337, e-mail fishnbully@msn.com or write to P.O. Box 432, Islamorada FL 33036.

Dec. 17-19: Islamorada Junior Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Now in its 45th year, the event allows anglers through age 16 to target sailfish. All anglers are to receive trophies. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at (305) 852-9337, e-mail fishnbully@msn.com or write to 124 Tavern Drive, Tavernier FL 33070.