41st Bonefish World Championship Islamorada All Tackle Bonefish Tournament October 10 – 12, 2011

[Fishing Report]

41st Bonefish World Championship Islamorada All Tackle Bonefish Tournament October 10 – 12, 2011

Three days of intense competition for world class anglers in Islamorada last week for the elusive gray ghost ended in a third victory for Mark Cockerham and Captain Mark Gilman. The anglers enjoyed three days of beautiful weather, maybe too nice, to catch and release 57 bonefish. Cockerham & Gilman,both of Islamorada, also caught & released alive the largest bonefish, estimated at 11 pounds, under the new scoring method of measurement. The bonefish tournaments have been weighing the bonefish at the dock for the past 41 years. The new FWC bonefish regulations have forced us to rewrite the scoring. The All Tackle now measures the fish with weight fish being over 24 inches which is estimated to be between 7 to 8 pounds. Past champion Frank Delucas fishing with Captain Mark Krowka earned Runner-up and Most Releases catching 16 bonefish. Carl Hiaasen fishing with Captain Tim Klein, also past champion, was winner of the Fly Division. The High Point New Angler & Guide went to Rob Preihs & Captain Scott Collins. The All-Tackle is considered a legendary classic in the world of flats fishing. Beginning in 1970, the All-Tackle (shortened in the modern era from 5 to 3 days) is well into a 41 year history that has showcased the finest guides to ever push a boat. Events were hosted at Ziggies, Lorelei and the Islamorada Fishing Club. The Grand Champion award was a beautiful original by Miami artist Jorge Martinez. The dates for next year will be October 8 – 10, 2012. Contact Fred Troxel at ftroxel@bellsouth.net for more information.



41st Grand Champion Mark Cockerham



Charlotte Ambrogio, director, Captain Mark Gilman, Katelyn Gilman, Asher Cockerham, Mark Cockerham