The 21st annual Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament, the final leg of the three-tournament Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship series, is set for Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 20-22, 2011. The challenge is a qualifying tournament in the World Billfish Series.
The kickoff is set for Thursday, Jan. 20, at the newly redesigned, eco-friendly Cheeca Lodge, mile marker 81.8 oceanside in Islamorada.
Two days of light-tackle sailfishing get under way Friday, Jan. 21, and conclude Saturday. Anglers are to use 12-pound test line to wrestle the high-flying sailfish. Only circle hooks can be used.
The gala awards banquet is set for Saturday evening under the presidential tent at Cheeca Lodge.
As in past years, the entry fee is $695 for the first angler per boat. Additional anglers’ entry fee is $745 apiece. After Jan. 14 fees increase by $50.
Social tickets purchased in advance are $85 per person per event.
Raffle and specialty drink sales are to benefit the Islamorada Fishing and Conservation Trust Inc.
Registrations will be accepted online, through the mail and at the kick-off party.
For more information, call tournament director Liz Hill at 305-451-5094, e-mail [email protected] or visit the cheeca website/fishing-and-recreation to download a registration form.
Cheeca Lodge is offering specially discounts rooms for tournament anglers. For reservations, visit www.cheeca.com or call 800-327-2888 and ask for the group rate.
To find out about other area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at 305-664-4503 or 800-322-5397.By: Andy Newman/Carol Shaughnessy
