Key West Real Estate: 2016 Florida Keys Fishing Tournament Preview

One thing I absolutely love about living in the Florida Keys is the fishing, especially the tournaments. We live in the fishing tournament capital of world according to some, and I completely agree. There is a special way of life here in the Keys and fishing is one of those things that reflects our character and view on life in general. If you love fishing, this is one of the best places in the world where you can get out with rod and reel year round. If you are looking to move here, you will find a fisherman’s paradise. The official Florida Keys & Key West tourism site has recently released a list showcasing all of the incredible fishing tournaments that you can look forward to in 2016. I have noted some of the tournaments below. Whether you live here, are planning a trip next year or thinking of moving to the Keys, any one of these amazing competitions will be worth checking out.

The new year gets started with a nod to sailfish. There are three tournaments devoted to these powerful, fast fish. January 8-10 is the Key Largo Sailfish Challenge, January 14-16 will be the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament and January 20-21 is the IFC Sailfish Tournament. This is the height of the sailfish season so it makes sense that so many want to get in on the action.

In February, we will be taking on barracuda in the Cuda Bowl from the 4^th- 6^th, immediately followed by the Swamp Guides Ball from the 5^th- 6^th, where the shallows and saltwater fringes of the Everglades are teeming with bonefish, redfish and snook. The month ends with an annual family favorite, the Islamorada Winter Classic from the 26^th- 28^th. There will be nine offshore fish you can catch to compete. There is even a junior release division for kids up to age 10.

One of the year’s biggest fishing tournaments is coming March 9^th- 12^th in Key Largo. Jimmy Johnson’s National Billfish Championship is a competition like no other. Hosted by two tie Super Bowl winning coach Jimmy Johnson, this tournament features not only a football great, but also raises funds for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. In April, we begin the longest fishing tournament with the multi-month completion, the Key West Fishing Tournament. Running from April 1^st through November 30^th, anglers can compete for almost 40 different species of fish within divisions for men, women, juniors and even Pee Wees - kids under age 10. These two major tournaments are a big part life among The Keys.

May and June are all about Tarpon and Dolphin fish. With no less than 7, yes 7 different dolphin fish tournaments, you can fish for these fast fish almost every week for two months! There will be 4 Tarpon tournaments as well. Ranging up and down the Keys, if you can, following this circuit of fishing tournaments would make an incredible road trip.

July brings us the Islamorada Summer Classic from the 8^th – 10^th, another family oriented tournaments much like the Winter Classic. The Hemmingway Days include the Key West Marlin tournament from July 20^th- 23^rd. In honor of Papa Hemmingway, many an angler goes after the fish that he loved best. This ever popular event brings in a huge prize too, $50,000 for the winner. The Fall brings us a season of celebrities with the “Trilogy” tournament. A series of three fishing competitions from September through November with anglers vying for the grand slam of the largest tarpon, permit and bonefish. All three events are raised to fight against cystic fibrosis. The year ends December 1^st- 4^th, as it will begin with the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, the beginning of the triple – crown Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship.