March Merkin Permit Tournament to Draw Fly Anglers to Lower Keys

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Permit is the target species for fly anglers on the flats during the 2017 March Merkin Permit Tournament scheduled Monday through Thursday, March 13-16.

The angler who catches and releases the most inches of permit earns the title of tournament grand champion. The tournament also is to recognize the grand champion guide, first and second runners-up and guides, and angler and guide who score the longest single permit.

Participants can hone their skills and increase their awareness of Keys waters during a practice fishing day Monday, March 13.

The tournament is to begin Monday evening with a 6 p.m. kick-off reception and buffet dinner at Key West Harbour Yacht Club, 6000 Peninsular Ave. on Stock Island, where activities are headquartered. The event is to include a rules discussion, the start of a silent auction and instructions on how to measure, tag and photograph fish.

Lines are to be in the water from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, March 14-16. Boats must return to the dock by 6 p.m. each day.

To count for points, fish must be boated, measured, tagged and photographed on the measuring device provided and released alive. Anglers and guides must provide their own digital camera.

Social events featuring appetizers and a cash bar are scheduled after fishing each day. Awards are to be presented after Thursday's fishing.

The entry fee is $1,000 per angler. Licensed guides can fish as anglers in the permit challenge.

The tournament benefits the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and the Lower Keys Guides Association.

Tournament information and registration: marchmerkin.com

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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