ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — The Islamorada Fishing Club’s Junior Derby, set for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27-28, encourages kids to get out and fish for nearly 50 species of fish including amberjack, barracuda, cobia, dolphin, hogfish and even lizard fish.

The 2009 IFC Junior Derby events take place at the Islamorada Fishing Club, mile marker 82 bayside in Islamorada.

Putting the focus on fun and sportsmanship, the derby is an all-release tournament. The IFC not only teaches the importance of fish conservation through catch-and-release, but also a sportsman-like ethic to the young anglers. All scoring is based on the honor system.

Grand champion anglers are to be named in three age divisions — super small fry (up to age 6), small fry (ages 7-10) and junior (ages 11-16). Separate grand champions are to be named in guided and unguided divisions within each age group, and many other prizes also await top anglers.

Entrants are allowed to fish from a boat or from land, so kids can try their luck from any of the Keys’ popular fishing bridges or shorelines.

Points are to be awarded for both inshore and offshore species of fish, as well as flats and fly favorites: bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook and redfish. Anglers can enter up to three of a species for points.

Any tackle except power reels can be used. Double points are awarded for fish caught on fly tackle.

A kick-off party and rules meeting is set for 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at the IFC. Fishing is set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28. A banquet and awards presentation is to start at 6 p.m. at the IFC.

Entry fee is $50 per angler, including the social ticket and ditty bag. Additional social tickets are available for $30 each.

For more information, call (305) 664-3864 or e-mail sherri_trice@bellsouth.net.

To find out about area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at (305) 664-4503 or (800) 322-5397, or explore this Web site.