Lady anglers who fish the challenging Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament enjoy its competition, professionalism and camaraderie, but this year the event has even more meaning as it pairs with the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys. The tournament is to take place Friday through Sunday, Feb. 8-10, to help raise money for cancer research.

Amid a fundraising backdrop of a silent auction and raffle, the tournament kicks off with a 6-8 p.m. registration, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and rules meeting at Marker 88 Restaurant, mile marker (MM) 88 in Islamorada.

Light-tackle fishing Saturday, Feb. 9, is set for 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A 5-7 p.m. standings dock party is planned at Wahoo’s Restaurant at Whale Harbor Marina, MM 83.5 oceanside in Islamorada.

Sunday’s fishing is slated to run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cocktails begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards ceremony at Marker 88.

Awards await the grand champion boat team, captain and mate; first runner-up and second runner-up team, captain and mate, and largest tuna, dolphin and kingfish. Other awards recognize the high-point angler, outstanding catch, most tagged sailfish and hard luck.

Entry fee is $495 for the first angler aboard a vessel and includes an angler gift and two social tickets for each tournament night. Up to four anglers per boat are permitted and entry for each additional angler is $450 including an angler gift and one social ticket for each tournament night.

To register: keysfishingtournaments.com, 305-240-9337 or fishnbully@msn.com
Islamorada visitor information: fla-keys.com/islamorada or 1-800-FAB-KEYS
Florida Keys fishing: fla-keys.com/fishing
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