Hemingway Days Heat Up with Key West Marlin Tournament

By the Numbers:

• Event Dates: July 17-20, 2024
• Location: Stock Island Marina Village, Key West, FL
• Cash Prizes: $50,000 up for grabs
• Register: Limited to 75 boats at KeyWestMarlin.com

The Scoop:

Buckle up, anglers! The Key West Marlin Tournament is making waves again, riding the crest of the Annual Hemingway Days Celebration. From July 17-20, Stock Island Marina Village will be buzzing with fishing fanatics chasing marlin and other big catches, all while eyeing a slice of the $50,000 prize pie.

Tim Greene, the tournament’s long-time chair, paints a vivid picture: “This is where legends are made. Whether it’s the adrenaline of a marlin breaching or the nightly cocktail-fueled fish tales, it’s a week of unforgettable moments and camaraderie.”

Fishing Frenzy:

• Billfish Battle: Three days of intense fishing for blue marlin, white marlin, and spearfish.
• Prize Breakdown: $40,000 in the billfish category with $25,000 for the top team.
• Catch and Release: Except for potential record-breaking blue marlin over 600 pounds.
• Fun Fish Division: Teams can score extra points and $10,000 more by targeting tuna, dolphin fish, wahoo, and sailfish.

Onshore Activities:

Not just about the fish, the event also reels in plenty of onshore excitement. Think nightly parties, delicious dinners, and an awards banquet that’s the perfect backdrop for swapping stories of the one that got away.

Extend Your Stay:

Why not stretch your trip? The Hemingway Days Festival runs alongside the tournament, offering a literary and cultural dive into Key West’s rich history. Stick around a bit longer for the mini lobster season on July 24-25, where you can dive in for some fresh spiny lobsters before the commercial season kicks off.

Ready to cast your line into the adventure? Make sure to snag one of the limited spots by registering at KeyWestMarlin.com. It’s an angler’s dream come true, wrapped in the sunny, festive vibes of Key West.