Islamorada Fishing Clubs’ 2011 January Sailfish tournament

[Fishing Report]

Islamorada Fishing Clubs’ 2011 January Sailfish tournament

Once again, on January 27th the Islamorada Fishing Clubs’ January Sailfish Tournament determined the Florida Keys Captain’s Cup winner. Under fair seas and in cool weather the field of 22 boats joined the hunt with winds coming out of the North and running between 10 and 15 knots. “We had great attendance this year. There were 76 hook ups and 55 sailfish releases in this one day event” said tournament director Dianne Harbaugh. “The awards were awesome and very different this year. Pasta Pantaleo created individual burgee release flags mounted and framed. This made each hand painted award uniquely different and was a big hit!”

The winners of this years’ Islamorada Fishing Clubs January Sailfish Tournament sponsored by TIB Bank went to Bill Keller of Islamorada and Mike Hartley of Key Largo on board the Contagious with 7 releases. Champion Captain, sponsored by Caribee Boats went to Captain Brian Cone. Champion Mate sponsored by Yamaha Outboard was presented to Shannon Attales.

Second Place Anglers, sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Cutler Bay went to Fenton Langston of Ocean Reef Key Largo and Jimmy Hendrix of Tavernier, Fl on the boat Relentless with 4 releases. Second place Captain, sponsored by Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty was Captain Paul Ross and Mates Jimmy David and Scott Stoky.

Third place Anglers, sponsored by Regan insurance went to Erik Akins of Naples, Fl and Matt McLean of Naples, Fl on board the Last Dance with 4 releases. Third Place Captain and Mate sponsored by Ivory International went to Captain Robert Collins and Mates Richard Black and Mark Gilman.

“This was a world class event with loyal and determined anglers. These folks are competitive and want the honor and recognition involved with this tournament, not to mention the check for $25,000.00” said tournament director Dianne Harbaugh.

The Kalex/Fighting Lady team would take top honors in the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship with a total of 23 Sailfish releases.



1st l-r Mike Hartlet, Capt Brian Cone, Bill Keller, Tournament director Diane Harbaugh, Shannon Attales, Mimi Young of TIB



2nd place l-r Jimmy Hendrix, Fenton Langston,Erich Overhard of Ocean Sotheby,s Realty, Diane Harbaugh , Capt Paul Rossi



3rd place 1-r Robert Collins, Richard Black, Matt McLean, Eric Akins, Tournament director Diane Harbaugh, Mark Gilman