22nd Annual Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament Set for Jan. 20-22

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — The 22nd annual Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament, the second leg of the three-tournament Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship series, is to take place Friday through Sunday, Jan. 20-22. The event is a qualifying tournament in the World Billfish Series.

The kickoff is set for Friday, Jan. 20, at Cheeca Lodge, mile marker 82 oceanside in Islamorada.

Two days of light-tackle sailfishing get under way Saturday, Jan. 21, and conclude Sunday. The gala awards banquet is set for Sunday evening in the luxurious Bougainvillea Ballroom.

Anglers are to use 12-pound line to wrestle the high-flying sailfish. Only circle hooks can be used.

As in past years, entry fee is $695 for the first angler per boat. Additional anglers’ entry fee is $645. After Jan. 13, angler fees increase by $50. Fees include gift bags with goodies from Vineyard Vines and more, dinner and drink tickets. Additional social tickets purchased in advance are $85 per person per event.

Registration can be completed online, through the mail or at the kick-off party.

Cheeca Lodge is offering a 20 percent discount on all premier and luxury rooms for tournament anglers. For reservations, visit www.cheeca.com or call 800-327-2888 and ask for the group rate.

The Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship’s first leg, the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, ended Dec. 4 after heavy-hitting action and hundreds of released sails. The series’ final leg is Jan. 26 at the IFC Sailfish Tournament, when the Gold Cup Championship awards are to be presented for high-point earners who fished all three events.

Tournament information: www.cheeca.com/fishing-a-recreation/tournaments, or Liz Hill at 305-451-5094 or lizhillfirst@bellsouth.net
Florida Keys Fishing information: www.fla-keys.com/fishing
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