Anglers to Target Barracuda in Cuda Bowl Feb. 3-4

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Anglers are to target barracuda on the flats in the 2012 Cuda Bowl, set for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3-4. Scheduled just before football’s Super Bowl, the all-release tournament is designed for anglers fishing in poleable depths of water with artificial flies and lures.

Prizes ranging from fine sculptures to cash await the anglers who catch the largest total inches of barracuda in the fly and spin divisions. Each angler can count three fish per day toward the total.

The guides to the winning anglers are to receive awards as well. While the tournament’s primary species is barracuda, additional awards are to be presented for top catches of tarpon and permit.

The Cuda Bowl is to begin with a final registration, kick-off event and captains meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, at The Angling Company, 333 Simonton St. in Key West’s historic Old Town.

Fishing is scheduled Friday and Saturday, and anglers must appear by 5:30 p.m. each day for check-in at Hurricane Hole Marina, 5130 Overseas Highway at mile marker 4.5 oceanside.

A social gathering follows Friday’s fishing, and an awards ceremony at Hurricane Hole is to follow the close of fishing Saturday.

Tournament rules allow guides to fish as anglers. The entry fee is $200 for one angler on a boat and $250 for two.

Tournament information: www.cudabowl.com
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Florida Keys fishing information: www.fla-keys.com/fishing
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