Fifty-seven young anglers aboard 21 boats took to the Islamorada waters on Feb. 8 for the second annual Keys Kids Sailfish Tournament. The free, one-day competition welcomed youth in two divisions: small-fry for up to age 10 and junior for ages 11-16.
Despite beautiful morning conditions, fishing proved challenging in east winds of 10-12 knots, which gradually diminished throughout the day.
Marathon-based Main Attraction claimed top honors with three sailfish releases. The winning crew featured junior anglers Tripp Avera and Russell Clark, alongside small-fry competitor Natalie Lewis.
Team Heavy Guns secured second place with two releases, led by junior angler Gauge Nopp from Islamorada, and small-fry division anglers from Key Largo in Thomas, Triton and Zyla Zinkand. Team Yabba Dabba Doo, featuring small-fry anglers Fisher Gregory and Ben Hagen, both from Tavernier, placed third after scoring the tournament’s first sailfish just 30 minutes after lines-in.
Division honors went to Aiden Zeher on Team Zeher Boys from Tavernier, in the junior category and Fisher Gregory from Team Yabba Dabba Doo in the small-fry division, each with one sailfish release.
The tournament also recognized 14 outstanding catches in other species. Marathon junior angler Pablo Rodriguez, aboard the Silent Hunter, earned top honors with two mahi-mahi. Small-fry competitor Logan Silva, of Team Smile Maker in Islamorada, impressed judges with a notable wahoo.
“The awards ceremony at Crooked Palm was fantastic,” said tournament founder and Tackle Center Islamorada owner Donny Lange. “They did an outstanding job hosting us both nights.”
Plans are underway for an even bigger event next year. Grundens, NLBN, Crowder Rods, TJ Zinkand of Live Action Charters, and Dianne Harbaugh were acknowledged for supporting the kids fish tournament. More information is at www.tacklecenter.com.
