FLORIDA FISHING EVENTS
The following is our curated monthly calendar of some of the largest Florida fishing tournaments and events for the best sport fishing tournaments you won't want to miss! These are just a few examples of the many fishing tournaments and events that take place in Florida throughout the year. It's always a good idea to check with local fishing clubs and marinas for information on upcoming tournaments and events as well.
QUICK LINKS TO EVENTS BY REGION: NORTHWEST | NORTH CENTRAL | NORTHEAST | CENTRAL WEST | CENTRAL | CENTRAL EAST | SOUTHWEST | SOUTHEAST
January 2023
| EVENT | ||
|---|---|---|
| December 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023Key West Fishing Tournament | Key West, FLThis Key West competition makes saltwater fishing accessible to anglers of all ages and skill levels. The 8-month tournament is open to the public and allows anglers to fish from boat, land, or bridge. Regardless of your fishing strategy, you’re encouraged to catch barracuda, blue marlin, dolphin, bonefish, and other saltwater gems of the Key West. The wide-ranging tournament categories include “PeeWee” for anglers under 10; in each category, anglers compete for the title of Master Angler. While the top angler in each division takes home a modest cash prize, every participant receives an “Outstanding Angling Achievement” certificate for successfully catching and releasing their game fish. | |
| January 17 - 21, 2023Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Tournament | North Palm Beach, FLOne of the oldest and most prestigious billfish tournaments in the country and 100% non-profit, too!
The Buccaneer Cup is part of the history of bluewater fishing, held at the epicenter of the sailfish run for the past 50 years! You can fish the same tournament that the legends of the sport fished and help support two worthy charities. | |
| January 17 - 21, 202333RD ANNUAL PRESIDENTIAL SAILFISH TOURNAMENT | Islamorada, FLThe Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship is a combination of three of the premier sailfish events in the Florida Keys. The FKGC is both an angler tournament as well as a team tournament. Each team must fish aboard the same boat in all three events. At least one angler of each team entered must fish all three events. This format stems from a long history of sailfish tri-fectas. Teams compete to win the coveted Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Tournament trophy. The three events that comprise the Florida Keys Gold Cup include: Islamorada Sailfish Tournament Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament Each tournament has their own set of rules and entry fees. Each angler competes on an individual basis for the Championship Ring that includes bragging rights for the entire year. Teams compete for cash prizes and the coveted Gold Cup Trophy. There are also team awards for second and third places. The Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship lures anglers from all over the world. The field has a limited entry of teams of elite sport fisherman. Early entry is encouraged. By entering the Florida Keys Gold Cup, anglers are supporting the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. The charter boat association is a 501-C-3 organization that works to conserve our fisheries here for future generations. The competition heats up in November when the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament kicks of this tournament series. |
February 2023
|
March 2023
| EVENT | ||
|---|---|---|
| March 7-11, 2023Jimmy 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. |
April 2023
| EVENT | ||
|---|---|---|
|
April 20-22, 2023SECOND ANNUAL MARATHON 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’. |
May 2023
| EVENT | ||
|---|---|---|
|
May 27 - September 4, 2023The 2023 West Marine CCA Florida STAR Competition - StatewideThe 2023 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!” | |
|
May, 2023Inshore 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! |
June 2023
| EVENT | ||
|---|---|---|
|
June 3, 2023Blue Water Open Offshore Charity Fishing Tournament | Sebastian, FLThis June, anglers can compete for big prizes and support local causes at the same time. The 29th 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 21-25, 202321st 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. In 2021, we had 88 Teams and $1,976,300 in Cash Awards, our second largest tournament entry and purse yet. 2022 welcomed the 20th year and the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic continues to expand yet 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. | |
|
June, 2023Flora-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. | |
|
June, 2023Bud Light Fishing Rodeo - Pensacola, FloridaThis year’s Bud Light Fishing Rodeo will take place in June, 2023 (dates TBD). The weigh-in is at Flounders on Pensacola Beach on Saturday from 2p-7p and Sunday from noon-6p.
Cash awards and prizes await the angler who weighs in the top three fish in 21 different species. In addition to the rodeo, there is the Step One Automotive King Mackerel Challenge and In-Shore Challenge with separate buy-in and cash and prizes awarded to the boat that brings in the biggest king mackerel and in-shore slam. There is also the Outcast Tackle and Marine Youth Rodeo and the Academy Sports and Outdoors Junior Rodeo.
The 2022 InShore Challenge fishing boundaries include fishing between the west boundary, Highway 59 bridge in Gulf Shores Alabama, to the east boundary, the Mid-Bay Bridge in Destin Florida. All anglers are subject to a polygraph to verify the catch in the boundary.
|
July 2023
| EVENT | ||
|---|---|---|
|
July, 2023Key West Marlin Tournament | Key West, FLWhen it comes to saltwater fishing, some of the best happens in Key West. If you’re looking for both a fishing tournament and a vacation, take note: this fun-filled sport fishing event coincides with the annual Hemingway Days celebration in Key West. The tournament is limited to the first 75 registered boats and requires a $2,100 entry fee. After a successful day of fishing for any of the target saltwater fish species - including blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and spearfish – teams can enjoy four social privileges. With over $50,000 in guaranteed cash prizes, this is one of the top catch-and-release fishing tournaments in Florida. |
August 2023
| EVENT |
|---|
September 2023
| EVENT |
|---|
October 2023
| EVENT | ||
|---|---|---|
|
October 1 - 31, 2023THE 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. |
November 2023
| EVENT | ||
|---|---|---|
|
November, 2023Suncoast Kingfish Classic - Clearwater, FloridaThe 31st annual Spring Suncoast Kingfish Classic (SKC) - we've got fish, sun, and a whole lot of fun! Compete for your chance to win Biggest Overall Kingfish, Closest 20.22 lbs, Gene-Turner Aggregate Division, Single-Engine Division, Spanish Mackeral, Calcuttas, and so much more! |
December 2023
| EVENT |
|---|
FISH FLORIDA ALLIANCE
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
This website exists because of help from awesome sponsors and many great partners!
