Cheeca Lodge All American Backcountry Tournament Set for Nov. 16-18

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — War heroes and world-class anglers are to unite for trophies and prizes in the sport fishing capital of the world during the sixth annual Cheeca Lodge All American Backcountry Tournament. The event is scheduled Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 16-18, in Islamorada.

In recognition of Veteran’s Day, the annual challenge honors a participating team of two veteran soldiers to unwind and join anglers from across the country in pursuing some of the world’s most elusive game fish. 

Up to 25 boat teams can compete to catch and release five tournament species: snook, redfish, permit, bonefish and tarpon.

A welcome reception and beachside banquet, rules meeting and auction kick off the weekend Thursday, Nov. 16, at Cheeca Lodge, the tournament's social event headquarters located at mile marker 82 oceanside.

Fishing is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, based from nearby World Wide Sportsman. The prestigious fishing event culminates Saturday, Nov. 18, with a cocktail reception, early dinner and presentation of awards.

Awards are to be given to the individual grand champion and runner-up, grand champion team, runner-up grand champion team and champions in the fly, artificial and general tackle divisions. 

Entry fee is $1,500 per angler and includes admission to both evening social events for the angler and a guest, as well as the angler's guide and a guest. The fee includes a dockside continental breakfast each morning at World Wide Sportsman, boxed lunches for anglers and guides and a gift bag per person. Guide fees are additional.

Proceeds benefit the Guides Trust Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to assisting Florida Keys fishing guides in need and helping them meet their financial obligations in times of crisis or injury, as well as providing scholarship awards to local students.

Tournament and registration information: cheeca.com/all-american

Islamorada visitor information: fla-keys.com/islamorada or 800-FAB-KEYS

Florida Keys fishing information: fla-keys.com/fishing

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