Florida Tourism and Travel

Islamorada, Florida Keys - The eighth annual Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic is slated for Friday through Sunday, Dec. 7-9, in Islamorada. The tournament honors the late Captain Don Gurgiolo for his more than 50 years of fishing in the Keys.

The weekend of sailfishing is to start with registration at 5 p.m. Friday at Holiday Isle Resort & Marina Quarter Deck, mile marker 84 oceanside. Cocktails follow at 5:30 p.m., and the captains meeting is set for 6 p.m.

Fishing on Saturday is scheduled to run from lines in at 8 a.m. to lines out at 4 p.m. A standings party at Mickey Rat’s, dockside at Holiday Isle Marina, is set for 5-7 p.m.

Sunday’s fishing runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by 6:30 p.m. beachside cocktails and an awards dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Boat teams compete in the all-release tournament, but individual awards also are to be presented for the most outstanding catch and largest kingfish, tuna and dolphin, among others. This year’s winners qualify for the IGFA Offshore Championships in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in 2008.

First- through third-place winners also have a chance for cash and prizes in the “High Five Money Bags” contest.

Proceeds from a silent auction and raffle at the Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic benefit Montessori Island Charter School.

Gurgiolo was one of the pioneers of fishing offshore with live ballyhoo, the primary technique used today. He was captain of the Gonfishin’ charter boats until he retired and sold the Gonfishin’ V in 1995. The well-liked skipper died in 1999.

Tournament entry fee is $495 for the first angler aboard a vessel and $450 for each additional angler on that vessel. Up to four anglers can fish per boat.

For more information and registration, call (305) 852-9337.

To find out about area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at (305) 664-4503 or (800) 322-5397, or visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at www.fla-keys.com.