Florida Keys Fishing Tournament Highlights for Summer and Fall 2024

July 4-6: Billy Knowles Memorial Poor Boys Tarpon Fly Tournament in Islamorada. Anglers compete for the most tarpon releases over 4 feet. The event happens at Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar. Visit poorboys.info or email poorboystournment@gmail.com for details.

July 12-13: Key West Association of Realtors Charity Fishing Tournament in Key West. Fish for the biggest dolphin fish with prizes for the largest tuna and wahoo. Proceeds go to KWAR CARES. Visit kwarfishing.com.

July 14-17: Del Brown Invitational Permit Tournament at Sugarloaf Key. Fly fish on the flats, honoring Del Brown. Open to pros and guides. Visit delbrown.com or call 305-360-6969.

July 17-20: Key West Marlin Tournament. Fish waters once favored by Ernest Hemingway for a chance at $50,000. Includes nightly dinners and a silent auction. Part of Hemingway Days festival. Limited to 75 entries. Visit keywestmarlin.com.

Aug. 12: Bartenders Dolphin Tournament in Layton. Open to bartenders and restaurant employees. Events at Florida Boy restaurant. Email ditournaments@aol.com for info.

Sept. 20-22: Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Fishing Championship in Islamorada. Target fish in Everglades National Park and catch seven species for top awards. Visit hermanlucernememorial.com or email wesley@lockeandkeyproductions.com.

Oct. 4-6: Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge in Key Largo. Fish for trophies in trout, snook, and redfish categories. Auction and dinner open to the public. Proceeds support scholarships. Visit keylargorotary.org.

Oct. 14-16: Islamorada Fall All-Tackle Bonefish and Permit Championship. Compete for the longest bonefish and permit. Visit islamoradafallalltackle@gmail.com.

Oct. 16-17: Casting for Cats Backcountry Tournament in Islamorada. Co-ed and women's divisions for bonefish, permit, and more. Benefits feral cat control. Call Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood at 305-664-2012.

Oct. 18-20: “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” Florida Keys Saltwater Seminar and Fishing Fever Inshore/Offshore Tournament. A weekend seminar and optional charter fishing for women. Visit ladiesletsgofishing.com or email fish@ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Nov. 1-2: Fall Backcountry Fly Championship in Islamorada. Compete for the most inches of snook and redfish. Visit BFCtournament.com.

Nov. 7-9: Cheeca Lodge & Spa All-American Backcountry Tournament in Islamorada. All-release event for snook, redfish, bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Benefits Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Visit cheeca.com/allamerican.

Nov. 14-16: Sugarloaf Showdown in Sugarloaf Key. Target bonefish, permit, and barracuda. Supports Florida Keys Guides Trust Foundation. Visit sugarloafshowdown.com.

Dec. 6-8: Islamorada Sailfish Tournament. The first leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship with a junior division. Visit islamoradasailfishtournament.com or email ditournaments@aol.com.

Dec. 13-15: Islamorada Junior Sailfish Tournament. Celebrating its 60th year for anglers 16 and under. Contact fishnbully@msn.com or call 305-240-9337.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking to get your feet wet, there's something for everyone in the Florida Keys this summer and fall!