Marathon International Bonefish Tournament Set for Sept. 22-25

MARATHON, Florida Keys — Steeped in a community’s tradition of giving, the Marathon International Bonefish Tournament, believed to be the longest-running fishing tournament in the Keys, is set for Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 22-25.

Begun in 1959 as a five-day event where anglers and guides fished in a raucous competition, the angling challenge eventually was shortened to three days. Each year anglers are drawn to its fun, community camaraderie and affordability. Adding to the light-hearted competition is the fact that it is one of the few tournaments where anglers are allowed to fish without a professional guide.

Notable and celebrity participants have included crooner Perry Como during the early 1960s, former U.S. Rep. Dante Fascell, Broadway actor David Wayne and Heublein Inc. magnate John Martin of A-1 Sauce fame.

More than 20 locally donated trophies and prizes await participants, including the individual and team champions scoring the largest bonefish and permit and the top anglers in fly and grand slam divisions (for the top spin or fly angler who releases the largest bonefish, permit and tarpon “slam”). Awards also include the cheeky wet-pants champion titles for anglers wading from shore.

Registration for the tournament is $225 per angler. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at Cabana Breezes, 425 Ocean Drive East in Key Colony Beach. All social events also are to be held at Cabana Breezes.

Funds raised each year benefit a Marathon-area charity.

Information and registration: Laural Keating, 305-395-1554 or lauralinthekeys@hotmail.com; Barb Hewlett, 305-304-8682 or bnbfishing@comcast.net
Marathon visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284
Florida Keys fishing information: www.fla-keys.com/fishing
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