Cuda Bowl Anglers to 'Tackle' Barracuda Feb. 3-4 in the Florida Keys

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — While Super Bowl teams prepare for battle in the big game, anglers can battle a different type of "big game" in the Florida Keys. Instead of tackling rivals, competitors using spin and fly tackle are to target barracuda in the 2017 Cuda Bowl, set for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3-4.

The all-release flats tournament got its name because it is scheduled each year on the two days prior to the Super Bowl football championship.

The tournament's kickoff, scheduled at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, features a final registration, captains meeting and gathering at My New Joint above the Square Grouper Bar and Grill, mile marker (MM) 22.5 on Cudjoe Key.

Fishing is scheduled Friday and Saturday and must not exceed eight hours per day. Anglers and guides can leave from and return to the marina of their choice, but by 5:30 p.m. each day they must bring their catch report to the Hurricane Hole Marina, 5130 Overseas Highway at MM 4.5 oceanside.

Tournament rules allow licensed guides to fish as anglers. Only flats skiff-type boats with a poling tower can be used, and boats cannot be longer than 20 feet.

An awards event at Hurricane Hole is to follow Saturday's fishing.

Awards await the anglers who catch the most total inches of barracuda in the fly and spin divisions. Each angler can count three fish per day toward the total.

Additional awards are presented to the top team and top lady angler, as well as for the biggest individual barracuda and the most barracuda released.

The entry fee is $250 for one angler on a boat and an additional $50 for a second, with two anglers permitted per boat. Early registration is suggested to ensure participation.

Tournament information: cudabowl.com

Lower Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com/lowerkeys or 1-800-872-3722

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

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

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In this catch-and-release tournament, licensed guides to fish as anglers.

In this catch-and-release tournament, licensed guides to fish as anglers.

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