Florida Tourism and Travel

Islamorada, Florida Keys - Islamorada’s rich sportfishing heritage is to be highlighted during the Islamorada Sportfishing Festival set for Friday, Sept. 26, through Sunday, Sept. 28, and based at Robbie’s of Islamorada, mile marker 77.5. Presented by Cheeca Lodge & Spa, the weekend event is to offer up a cornucopia of activities for offshore and backcountry fishing enthusiasts and their families, according to organizer Tammie Gurgiolo. “Islamorada is recognized as the Sportfishing Capital of the World,” said Gurgiolo. “The festival showcases the area’s natural resources and the sportfishing professionals who have formed the backbone of Islamorada’s reputation.” An exhibition of marine art, sportfishing industry vendors, angling seminars, lectures and a family fishing derby are some of the events on tap, she said.

Friday night’s kickoff begins the weekend with a meet and greet of artists and captains as well as the launch of the ESPN Outdoors Family Fishing Derby. Another featured activity that evening is an induction ceremony for the Islamorada Sportfishing Hall of Fame.

Saturday shapes up to be a full day of fishing seminars and the exhibition. A live auction of art and sportfishing merchandise, angling trips and hotels stays is set for late afternoon Saturday with proceeds benefiting various charitable causes.

Sunday is to conclude the fishing derby, which features merchandise prizes for top finishers and most outstanding single catch. A highlight of the festival is a driver’s license number match game providing the winner an opportunity to win $50 a week in gasoline for a decade.

Tickets to the festival are $10 per person for the entire weekend. Entry fee for the Derby is $100 per family with a maximum of four anglers, and includes four festival tickets. For more information, call (305) 852-9337.

Additional sponsors of the event include Island Villa, Islamorada Outfitters, Blue Marlin Jewelry, the Islamorada Guides Association and the Islamorada Charterboat Association.