Others award a mixed bag of catches ranging from game fish to groupers to grunts. Many of the tournaments donate at least a portion of their proceeds to a charitable organization. In the following section, we introduce you to a sampling of the most important fishing tournaments held annually in the Keys. This important tournament, held in mid-January, was named the Presidential back when George Bush was president and fished our Islamorada waters. The name still holds, for it's one of the most popular tournaments of the season.
Anglers follow the honor system as to what constitutes a catch.
This is the only billfish tournament in the Keys with an outboard division, which affords any angler with a boat the chance to compete, no charter required. Cash prizes and trophies are awarded the winners. Contact person is Julie Olsen. The number of tarpon caught and released in the two-day tournament determines the winners of a cache of rods and reels, trophies, and an assortment of jewelry. The 2001 tournament marks the event's 25th year.