FLORIDA FISHING EVENTS & FISHING TOURNAMENTS
Welcome to our exclusive monthly calendar featuring the crown jewels of Florida's fishing scene! Get ready to cast your line and experience the thrill of sport fishing at its finest. Our carefully curated list showcases some of the largest and most eagerly anticipated fishing tournaments and events in the Sunshine State. But remember, these are just a taste of the angler's paradise that is Florida, where something exciting is always happening on the water. Don't miss out on the action – whether you're an avid angler or just dipping your toes into the world of fishing, there's something here for everyone. And for those craving even more angling adventures, be sure to stay tuned with local fishing clubs and marinas for updates on upcoming tournaments and events. Let's embark on a journey to reel in memories and trophy catches you'll cherish forever!
QUICK LINKS TO EVENTS BY REGION: NORTHWEST | NORTH CENTRAL | NORTHEAST | CENTRAL WEST | CENTRAL | CENTRAL EAST | SOUTHWEST | SOUTHEAST
April 2024
| April 10-13, 2024FINAL SAIL | Miami Beach, FloridaHosted in South Florida’s "magic city", Final Sail is the culminating leg of the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series. With a world title on the line, teams will be looking to make a little magic of their own off Miami Beach, FL on April 10-13, 2024. Landing in Miami on the peak of sailfish season, red hot sailfishing is the norm for Final Sail teams. EVENT INFO |
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April 11-13, 2024Key West Sailfish Tournament - Key West, FloridaThe 2024 inaugural KeyWest Sailfish Tournament presented by Patron Tequila will be south Florida’s destination Sailfish Tournament. World-class teams will converge on the sparkling blue waters of Key West and the lower Keys for a two day shoot out style tournament, battling it out for the top of the leaderboard and prize money bringing teams from all over Florida and beyond, the KeyWest Sailfish Tournament will be the tournament destination on any avid an angler’s calendar. |
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| April 13, 2024THE DE MOYA FOUNDATION FISHING CLASSIC | Miami, FloridaThe de Moya Foundation is thrilled to announce their inaugural Fundraising Fishing Tournament set to cast off on April 13th at the beautiful Shake a Leg Miami marina, located at 2620 S Bayshore Drive. This event welcomes early risers with lines in the water at 7 am sharp. Designed as both a competitive and fun outing, it aims to bring together the community in support of young adults with unique abilities. The tournament not only offers a day out on the water but also the chance to make a significant impact in the lives of those with Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X and Intellectual Disability. Your support allows The de Moya Foundation to continue creating and maintaining employment throughout South Florida, for individuals that want and can work, they just need the opportunity and proper support. EVENT INFO |
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April 18-20, 2024MARATHON PREMIER SAILFISH TOURNAMENT - Marathon, FloridaMarathon Keys Premier Sailfish Tournament is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered by Katie Lewis in 2021. Proceeds from the 1st annual tournament will be donated to a wonderful charity named Mission Fishin’. |
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April 25, 26 & 27, 2024Spring King of the Beach Kingfish Tournament - Madeira Beach, FloridaA major kingfish tournament with over $300,000 in cash and prizes, hosted by the Old Salt Fishing Foundation in Madeira Beach, FL. The Old Salt King of the Beach Kingfish Tournament is one of the oldest, one of the richest and absolutely the most exciting Kingfish tournament in the United States. If you fish for Smoker Kings and like to win big money then you should be fishing the 31st Annual Old Salt Spring King of the Beach. |
May 2024
| May 3-5, 2024TOM THUMB BULL & COW DOLPHIN TOURNAMENT | Marathon, FloridaFlorida Keys Fishing Tournament with over $40,000 in cash and prizes! EVENT INFO |
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May 9-10, 202412th Annual “Ding” Darling and Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament | Ft. Myers, Florida12th Annual “Ding” Darling and Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament where approximately 50 boats and some of the world’s greatest anglers compete for cash prizes.
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the location of the first recorded tarpon caught on rod and reel. To celebrate the historical moment and Southwest Florida’s history of fishing, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society & Doc Ford’s began the “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament. |
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May 18-23, 2024General Tire Heavy Hitters presented by Bass Pro Shops -Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, FloridaKissimmee, Florida, and the Kissimmee Sports Commission will play host to the General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star Event May 18-23, 2024. Thirty pros who qualified from the 2023 Bass Pro Tour season will compete for a purse of more than $500,000, with a top prize of $100,000 to the winner. Anglers will also be awarded Big Bass Bonuses during the competition that pay out $25,000, $50,000, and $100,000 to the single biggest bass in the Qualifying, Knockout and Championship rounds. LINK | |
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May 22-23, 2024Worlds Richest Tarpon Tournament | Boca Grande, FloridaIn the early 1980s, the Boca Grande Club started the Boca Grande Club Invitational Tarpon Tournament to bring World Class Anglers to Boca Grande, The Tarpon Capital of the World. In the early 90s, the Boca Grande Chamber took over the tournament rebranding it as the “World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament” with first-place winning over $100,000! Although it started as a weigh tournament with 1st place going to the heaviest fish, 2nd to the 2nd heaviest, and 3rd to the team with the most releases, the tournament shifted to an all-release event in the 2000s to focus on Conservation, Sportsmanship, and Education.
This Traditional live-bait-only Tarpon Tournament honors the history of Tarpon fishing in Boca Grande pass as well stressing the importance of conservation to ensure a healthy fishery for generations to come. We hope you join us in future years by participating in the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, a Grande Tradition! |
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May 27 - September 2, 2024The 2024 West Marine CCA Florida STAR Competition - StatewideThe 2024 West Marine CCA Florida STAR Competition presented by Yamaha kicks off May 27 and gives YOU the opportunity to CATCH. PHOTO. RELEASE. WIN!
Florida’s largest, the family-friendly fishing competition includes more than 100 days of fishing and the opportunity to win more than $500,000 of prizes and scholarships!
A unique combination of conservation, data collection and education makes STAR the state’s not-to-miss fishing event. No other fishing competition in Florida engages anglers and non-anglers across all ages and skill levels more than STAR!
Fish one day or every day! Submit entries in one division or all 17! Most winners are selected by random drawing, so “Any Fin is Possible!” |
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May 30-June 1, 2024St. Augustine Kingfish Mayhem, St. Augustine, FloridaThe St. Augustine Kingfish Mayhem presented by Meat Mayhem Tournaments includes cash prizes up to $10,000. Thursday there will be a mandatory captains’ meeting at 7 p.m. Tournament and weigh-ins are on Friday and Saturday with an awards ceremony following. The tournament is based out of Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor. LINK | |
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TBD - May, 2024Inshore Offshore Wars | Everglades City, FLThis is a new era fishing tournament. This is the chance for all anglers to prove who is the best and also decide who can consistently catch big fish. There will be ONE inshore champion and ONE offshore champion. We will also have an overall grand champion. The grand champion will have the team name and trophy displayed at one of our retail sponsors. Trophy and team picture will stay displayed for one year until you get a chance to defend your title at Inshore Offshore War VI! |
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May 31 - June 1, 2024Blue Water Open Offshore Charity Fishing Tournament | Sebastian, FLIn June, anglers can compete for big prizes and support local causes at the same time. The 30th Annual Blue Water Open promises a prize purse of $21,000 and a chance to win a 4-night Napa wine country vacation. The saltwater fishing tournament has raised over $750,000 for Florida non-profits, including those focused on academic scholarships and the prevention of child abuse. Boat captains can register online and begin sharpening their eye for the tournament’s target species, including dolphin, kingfish, tilefish, and grouper. For novice anglers who want to observe before jumping into a full-blown fishing competition, Blue Water Open recruits numerous volunteers to ensure a successful tournament. |
June 2024
| June 7-9, 2024LOWER KEYS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DOLPHIN TOURNAMENT | Sugarloaf Key, FloridaMore than $35,000 in cash and prizes awaits anglers targeting dolphin fish in the 30th annual Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Dolphin Tournament. EVENT INFO |
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June 7-9, 2024Flora-Bama Annual Fishing Rodeo | Perdido Key, FloridaFlora-Bama’s rodeo starts the month of June off on an exciting foot. This rodeo takes place at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club on the Florida-Alabama state line. This tournament is for everyone, amateur and avid fishermen alike, and it even offers a children’s division. The rodeo has anglers competing in 30 different categories. A 3-day beach party and awards ceremony also accompany the tournament, which includes live music, delicious food, and daily weigh-ins. A portion of the proceeds from the fishing rodeo is donated to the Wounded Warrior Foundation. |
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June 7-9, 2024Fire Charity Fishing Tournament | Bradenton, FloridaThe FCF Foundation Inc., is a charitable organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for local youth and first responder based charitable causes while preserving the sportfishing culture for our youth, young adults, and community during a FREE family friendly weekend long event for the public to enjoy. |
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June 8, 2024Gasparilla Island Kids Classic | Boca Grande, FloridaWhere kids catch & release one of the toughest gamefish while helping others! |
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June 19-23, 202422nd Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic - Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort | Miramar Beach, FloridaMarlin Magazine ranks the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic as one of the Top 10 Big Money Tournaments in the world!
Officially sanctioned by the World Billfish Series and a qualifying event for the IGFA World Championship Circuit, the ECBC attracts anglers of all skill levels. The core attributes of the tournament remain the same- world-class competition, exceptional service, a beautiful backdrop for the event and fun for the whole family. |
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June 21-23, 2024Kingbuster - Jacksonville Area, FloridaOrganized in Jacksonville, this tournament series includes multiple events throughout the year and focuses on king mackerel fishing.
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| June 26-27, 2024IFC CAPTAIN'S CUP DOLPHIN TOURNAMENT | Islamorada, FloridaThe Islamorada Fishing Club originated over 60 years ago with conservation, recreational fishing, and the furthering of strong family and community bonds in mind. The club members were instrumental in the designation of Everglades National Park as one of our country’s greatest treasures for all Americans to enjoy. EVENT INFO |
July 2024
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July 17-20, 2024Key West Marlin Tournament | Key West, FLCelebrating its 42nd year, the 2024 Key West Marlin Tournament features $50,000 in cash prizes in the Marlin Division and more in the Fun Fish Division. The tournament, coinciding with the annual Hemingway Days Celebration in Key West, Florida, is a world-class fishing event drawing anglers eager to test the waters on “The Wall.” In addition to spectacular fishing and prizes, the event features nightly festivities, including the infamous Captains dinner, dinners on location and an awards banquet. |
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TBD - July, 2024Ancient City Game Fish Association (ACGFA) Challenge | St. Augustine, FLThe Ancient City Challenge Tournaments is now split into 2 seperate tournaments in celebration of fishing in the Ancient City. Our beloved, not-for-profit and locally produced fishing tournament has nearly two decades of history in St. Johns County and is a tournament that celebrates family fun, our waterways and our community. Most proceeds from the event go to support local charities and to our offshore restoration efforts including the upkeep of our 40-acre artificial reefs which include Andy King Reef, Honest Jim Blalock Reef, and our “Eternal Reef” which is dedicated to the placement of reef balls that provides the opportunity for families to place the ashes of loved ones as a final resting place. |
August 2024
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TBD - August, 2024St. Pete Open Tournament | St. Pete, FLThe St Pete Open is the world's largest spearfishing tournament. Many of the largest fish ever entered in a spearfishing event have been brought in to the St. Pete Open. At a typical SPO, we enjoy the company of roughly 300+ participants, with spectators numbering in the thousands. |
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Returning August, 2024LOOP Billfish Tournament | Maderia Beach, FLThe LOOP, all release billfish tournament, is the namesake event that founded the Old Salt Fishing Foundation. “Old Salt” is an acronym derived from the name of the first tournament: Operation LOOP Development (OLD) Suncoast Anglers LOOP Tournament (SALT). Old Salt, and the LOOP Tournament, is celebrating 52 years of tradition and excellence this year. The LOOP has been coined the “Iron Man” of Billfishing Tournaments. Team Haulin’ Grass (formerly Team Hi Hatter) – Captain Brian Turner (2004 Billfish Division Winners) said, “This is the one to win, because it separates the boys from the men!” Fierce competition and rivalry, 50 years of tradition and an amazing bill-fishery will bring boats from all over to see who will win the prestigious LOOP Cup. |
September 2024
October 2024
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October 1 - 31, 2024THE DESTIN FISHING RODEO - Destin, FloridaThe Destin Fishing Rodeo began in May of 1948 to bring people to Destin. It worked! Destin shortly became known as a summer tourist destination and “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. The Destin Fishing Rodeo is the ultimate fishing tournament for salt water anglers of all ages. |
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| IGFA Permit Invitational
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December 2024
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The Flamingo Fishing Classic benefiting the Jake Owen FoundationDecember, 2024Vero Beach, FLThe Flamingo Fishing Classic benefiting the Jake Owen Foundation will be held at Riverside Café in December. Lines in the water at 6am. The registration fee of $150 includes two anglers per boat. There is a cost of $50 for each additional angler beyond two. Cash prizes will be awarded in two categories: Snook, Trout, Red Fish - prizes awarded for length Sheephead, Jack Crevalle, Snapper - prizes awarded for weight Measurement and weights will be discussed at a MANDATORY Captains meeting on December 9, 2023, 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Riverside Cafe. Prizes are as follows 1st Place: $500 2nd Place: $250 3rd Place: $100 Raffle items with all proceeds benefiting the Jake Owen Foundation.LINK |
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2024 Islamorada Sailfish TournamentDate: December, 2024 Location: Whale Harbor House Marina, Islamorada, FL Description: The tournament is the primary fundraiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association, a 501-c-3 organization. Last year over $80,000 in cash was paid to the winners with guaranteed prize money in 2023. LINK |
February 2025
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TBD34th Annual Swamp Guides Fishing Tournament | Islamorada, FLThis all-release event for bonefish, redfish and snook takes place in the shallow waters of the Florida Keys and the saltwater fringes of the Everglades. |
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TBDNortheast Florida Wahoo Shootout Presented By Yellowfin | St. Johns, FLThe world's largest wahoo Tournament! Pick Your Fishing Days…You Get Two! 50 Days to Choose From! |
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| TBDSAILFISH CHALLENGE | Pompano Beach, FloridaThat’s right. With 3 checkpoints from Government Cut in Miami to Hillsboro Inlet in Pompano Beach and Lakeworth Inlet in West Palm, flexibility is the name of the game in the Sailfish Challenge, Leg 2 of the Quest for the Crest Series. If the bite shifts north or south, this signature format gives teams the opportunity to get to the fish and still make check-in at the end of the day! EVENT INFO |
March 2025
| TBDJimmy Johnson’s QUEST FOR THE RING™ Championship Fishing Week - Hollywood, FloridaJimmy’s Billfish Competition is heating up and will feature the top anglers in the country as they hit the waters for the largest guaranteed purse in sportfish history and the largest purse in Florida tournament history. Teams will be fishing for a guaranteed 7 FIGURE PURSE in this highly competitive tournament. In its 10 year history, this tournament has awarded almost $8,500,000 and 10 Championship Rings as the anglers join in the keys for this grueling competition. There are Catch & Release categories, a meat fish optional, and overall awards. A little bit for everyone. |
Great Florida Fishing
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