Key West Florida is on the southernmost tip of the United States. Key West has many game fishing tournaments. Inland flats in Key West and the Florida Keys, have over 225 species of fish populating the waters year-round. There is deep sea fishing, where one can catch giant tarpon and marlin. Key West has some big annual competitive sport fishing competitions that bring in professional anglers and fishermen from all over the country and world.
Tournaments
The Hog's Breath King Mackerel Tournament is when anglers fish for king mackerel, also known as king-fish, for cash prizes. There is a Key West fishing tournament kick-off event, a competition that targets multiple species of fish, and awards certificates and prizes in varied categories. The World Sailfish Championship is emceed by baseball Hall of Fame star Johnny Bench. The top prize is one hundred thousand dollars. This competition benefits various charities as well.
Types
The annual Dolphin Masters Invitational is held off shore, led by experienced captains with competitive fishermen on each boat, in search of the dolphin fish. The top prize is fifteen thousand dollars. The Swordfish Event of the Key West Fishing Tournament Series, is when anglers catch and release swordfish. Those who catch and release the most swordfish, win the tournament. This an overnight tournament.
Features
The 16th Annual Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby, is when anglers compete to catch dolphin fish, which are in large numbers in the Keys and parts of Key West. There is also a ladies only fishing tournament called the Third Annual Conch Republic Ladies' Dolphin Tournament.
Expert Insight
Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament is one of the biggest events for the giant king marlin fish. The tournament is held in the same location where Ernest Hemingway fished for marlin while living in Key West. The marlin fish is considered in Key West to be the mightiest of the off-shore fishing species, and a top sports fish to catch by expert sport fishermen.
Potential
Anyone can catch sports size fish in Key West, aside from professional competitors entering tournaments. The inland and off-shore waters are teaming with various species, that grow to massive sizes during certain months. Late summer and fall is when the inland waters are the warmest, and can reach temperatures from fifty to ninety degrees. This is the best time for inland fishing for tarpon, red-fish, permit fish and more.
Size
During the fall and winter months, the fish leave the inland or flatland areas of the Keys, and journey to offshore waters. The majority of sports fishing done offshore is for the giant marlin, sailfish and swordfish. Any type of fish is considered sport in Key West, depending on the time of year when fished, and size in general. A fish over 24 inches in length, weighing upwards of 50 lbs. or more may be considered sports-worthy.
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