Author Hiaasen Wins Islamorada Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — For the sixth time, prolific Miami Herald editorial columnist and book author Carl Hiaasen was named grand champion angler at the Islamorada Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament that ended Sept. 16.

Hiaasen, from Vero Beach, Fla., was guided by bonefish master Captain Tim Klein of Islamorada. Hiaasen handily scored 10 silver bullet releases along with three weight fish, including a plump 12.13-pounder that landed him the tournament’s largest bonefish award.

Miamian Paul Nute, poled by Captain Bou Bosso of Jupiter, Fla., was the tournament’s runner-up grand champion with nine releases. Nute landed last year’s grand champion award as a tournament newcomer.

First-time tournament competitor Roger Fernandez of Pinecrest, Fla., earned the event’s new angler award for his single successful release. He fished with Captain Mike Hutchinson of Homestead, Fla.

The 35th annual tournament drew a 16-boat field whose anglers released 55 bonefish including three weight fish.