Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic Set for Dec. 9-11

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — A weekend of sailfishing honors one of the Florida Keys’ late great captains at Islamorada’s Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic, set for Friday through Sunday, Dec. 9-11.

Gurgiolo, one of the pioneers of contemporary offshore light tackle and live ballyhoo fishing techniques, fished for 50 years while operating the Gonfishin’ charter boats. The well-liked skipper retired in 1995 and died in 1999, but his legacy continues.

The 12th annual event, part of the Redbone at Large tournament series, kicks off with registration at 6 p.m. Friday at the Post Card Inn Resort & Marina at Holiday Isle, the newly re-named and recently renovated Holiday Isle, located at mile marker (MM) 84 oceanside. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres follow, with a rules meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Fishing on Saturday is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by a 5-7 p.m. standings party at Wahoo’s Bar and Grill at Whale Harbor Marina, MM 83.5 oceanside.

Fishing resumes at 8:30 a.m. Sunday and runs until 3:30 p.m. Dinner and awards are scheduled from 6:30 to 10 p.m. in the Horizon Room at Post Card Inn Resort & Marina at Holiday Isle.

Boat teams compete for the most release points in the all-release tournament. First- through third-place awards, as well as high-point angler awards, are to be given.

Tournament entry fee is $525 for the first angler aboard a vessel and $475 for each additional angler on that vessel, up to four per boat.