The Carolina Reel Men Team, led by Captain Sean O’Donnell and anglers from North Carolina and Florida, won the 61st Annual Islamorada Sailfish Tournament with 18 Sailfish releases. They secured first place after three days of competitive fishing, earning artwork and a cash prize of $30,240! Jimmy Hendrix was awarded Top Angler and the Bill Hirni Memorial High Point Angler award, while Hudson Wampler won Top Junior Angler. Other notable catches included a 9.5 pound Muton Snapper, a 24 pound Blackfin Tuna, a 9.7 pound King Mackerel and a 7.6 pound Mahi.

Overall, 87 Sailfish were released out of 100 called in hook ups during the tournament. This event is the first leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is a key fundraiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. Join us December 5th-7th for this year’s Islamorada Sailfish Tournament! Sign up by following this link, www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com.