Florida Flats Anglers Gear up for Bonefish/Redfish Shootout March 13-15 at Islamorada
OutdoorHub 02.14.13
Anglers can vie for top-honor trophies for catches of bonefish and redfish during the renamed and reformatted Jim Bokor Islamorada All-Tackle Bonefish and Redfish Shootout, set to kick off Tuesday, March 12.
Divisions in the tournament’s new format include bait, artificial and fly. An overall grand champion is to be named for both bonefish and redfish in the three categories, and event organizers say their goal is to appeal to a broader spectrum of anglers with the revamped structure.
Awards also are to be given for total release points for each species and to the high-point angler for each day. To be counted toward bonefish and redfish trophies, each fish caught and released must be at least 18 inches in length.
An anglers meeting and cocktail gathering begins at 6 p.m. at the Islamorada Fishing Club, mile marker (MM) 82 bayside in Islamorada. Dinner is to follow at 7:15 p.m.
Fishing days are Wednesday through Friday, March 13-15.
One line of maximum 10-pound test may be used for all categories of tackle.
Breakfast is to be served daily at 6 a.m. at the Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, MM 82 bayside. Hors d’oeuvres are to be provided between 3:30 and 5 p.m. each fishing day at the Islamorada Fishing Club. In addition, an awards banquet is scheduled Friday at 5 p.m.
Entry fee is $800 per angler, and is limited to one angler per boat with a maximum field of 30 anglers.
The tournament was formerly called the Jim Bokor All-Tackle Spring Bonefish Tournament, named for Bokor in recognition of his unwavering support of Keys fishing and his renowned record as an Islamorada flats angler.
Excess proceeds from the tournament benefit the Don Hawley Foundation, whose efforts assist needy individuals connected with the Florida Keys fishing industry.
