Keys Spring Invitational Bonefish Fly Tournament
Dates: Apr 14, 2010 to Apr 16, 2010
Location: Islamorada, FL
Contact: Bert Scherb
(888)-922-9920
The 30th Annual Keys Spring Invitational Bonefish Fly Tournament was a classic case of anglers outdoors, dealing with nature as it comes. Fishing Wednesday, April 14th, Thursday and Friday, these 21 hardy sportsmen and their hard-poling guides braved high winds, low light and heavy chop to pursue their passion of catching bonefish on fly.
The winners were Mitch Howell of Plantation, Florida, and his guide Capt. Dave Denkert of 
Tavernier. They managed to weigh and release 11 lb., 3 oz. and 9 lb., 15 oz., bonefish plus releasing two smaller bonefish scoring a total of 2,131 points. The runners-up were Ned Johnson of Charleston, SC and Capt. Tim Klein of Tavernier with 9 lb., 9 oz and 9 lb., 1 oz. fish, releasing four smaller bonefish for a total of 1,792 points.
Richard Oliver of Kennebunkport, Maine with Capt. Tad Burke of Tavernier weighed and released a monster bonefish, 13 lb, 14 oz., the third largest bonefish in The Tournament’s 30 year history. It was, of course, 2010’s Largest Bonefish and scored 1,432 points, itself sufficient to win Third Place.
The Most Releases trophy was won by Raz Reid of Hilton Head, S.C. and Capt. Bob Branham of Plantation, Florida with a total of 8 releases, very close to ½ of the total three-day Tournament catch of 18 bonefish.
After braving the elements for three days, smiles adorned the faces of anglers and guides as they entered the Islamorada Fishing Club for the Awards Banquet . . . they had survived the equivalent of “bonefish boot camp” . . . and actually enjoyed the challenge.
