Islamorada Invitational Sailfly
Dates: Jan 7, 2009 to Jan 8, 2009
Contact: Sandy Moret
(305) 664-5423
Seventeen teams of expert salt water fly rod anglers were brought together from the U.S. and Canada on January 7 and 8th during The Ninth Annual Islamorada Sailfly Championship for two days of intense flyfishing for Atlantic Sailfish in the Florida Keys. Eight hook ups were reported and three fish were caught during a lull of what has otherwise been a red hot sailfish season. None the less, the spirit, camaraderie and enthusiasm of the anglers, captains and mates continue to make this a sought after and coveted title.
Bob Lodge of Tavernier and Al McLeod of Islamorada won Grand Champion honors fishing Captain Charlie Scoble aboard the Yo Ho Ho. The team scored a 10 point quick release on Wednesday. With only one hour until lines out they landed and removed the fly from a fish at 3:03 pm on Thursday for a 150 points and a come from behind win. Over the nine years of the tournaments existence, Captain Scoble has developed an astonishing record having won the tournament three times and placed second twice.
Tournament Director Sandy Moret said, “Atlantic Sailfish are rarely fished for with fly rod in the US. Our event attracts some very devoted and hard core fly fishers with a tremendous amount of talent. In its first year, 14 teams competed catching no fish and a 14 way tie for first place was declared. The event has gained in popularity ever since. I believe this may be the most difficult fishing tournament in the Florida Keys. Because of the blue water/backcountry cross over mix of anglers captains, we are a Qualifying Event for the 2010 Florida Keys Outfitters/IGFA Inshore World Championship.”
The event is sponsored by Florida Keys Outfitters, Rich Products Corporation, The Green Turtle Inn, Craig Reagor of Riverwood Art Farms, Kaiyo’s, Columbia Sportswear, and Pasta Pantaleo of the Keys to Life Gallery.
