Islamorada Summer Fishing Classic Encourages Anglers of All Ages, Experience Levels

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Islamorada Classic tournaments appeal to anglers of all ages looking to fish for multiple species. The Islamorada Summer Classic offshore team event is set for Friday through Sunday, July 7-9. Staged in both oceanside and gulfside or Florida Bay backcountry waters, the Summer Classic allows up to six anglers per boat including juniors ages 12 and younger and teens ages 13-19.

Participants can be professionally guided or unguided to pursue dolphin, grunt, jacks, sharks, snapper, snook, tarpon, tuna and trout.

Teams are scored on a maximum of 10 releases of each of the eligible species per day. One fish of each eligible weight species may be weighed per team per day and the largest weight fish is to win that species.

Winners in adult, teen and junior divisions are to be awarded for the most releases on a daily and overall basis.

An open-to-the-public captains meeting, kickoff and silent auction to benefit Keys charities is set for Friday, July 7, beachside at World Wide Sportsman at mile marker (MM) 81.5 bayside.

Fishing is scheduled Saturday and Sunday. An awards ceremony follows Sunday's fishing.

Boats may depart between MM 106 and the east (north) end of the Seven Mile Bridge.

Entry fees received by June 24 are $125 per adult, $100 per teen and $25 per junior angler. After June 24, fees rise by $25 per angler.

Each Classic is scored on a weight/release format to promote responsible use of the Florida Keys' resources and to maintain healthy fisheries. Tournament proceeds benefits the Coastal Conservation Association and other youth and fishing programs.

Tournament information and registration: islamoradaclassic.com

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

Keys fishing information: fla-keys.com/fishing

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