September 7-9
Robert James Sales S.L.A.M. Celebrity Tournament
In the first of three tournaments in the annual Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series, also called The Trilogy, anglers target tarpon, permit and bonefish to achieve the coveted “flats grand slam.” The event raises funds for the fight against cystic fibrosis. A number of celebrities show their support by taking part in the tournament each year. Celebrity competitors have included Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs, former Denver Broncos football player Mark Cooper and former NASA space shuttle astronaut Bruce Melnick.
www.redbone.org
September 13-16
Marathon International Bonefish Tournament
This challenge recognizes individual and team champions scoring the largest bonefish and permit, and the top anglers in fly and grand slam divisions (for the top spin or fly angler who releases the largest bonefish, permit and tarpon “slam”). The event is one of the few tournaments where anglers can fish without a professional guide.
www.facebook.com/events/186659375366538/
September 14-16
REEF Lionfish Derby for Divers presented by Whole Food Markets
Register Friday, Sept. 14 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for those teams not yet registered. Event staged at John Pennekamp State Park 102601 Overseas Hwy. The Captain’s Meeting is mandatory for the team captains, and all team members are encouraged to attend. The team captain must be one of the four participants in the derby, but does not need to be the captain of the boat. Safe collecting and handling techniques and derby rules will be reviewed. Saturday, Sept. 15, collect lionfish from sunrise to sunset; Sunday, Sept. 16 collect lionfish from sunrise to noon. Awards ceremony will begin after scoring is complete.
www.reef.org
September 21-23
Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Fishing Championship
Named after the man known affectionately as “Mr. Everglades,” the event is headquartered at the Islander Resort, located at mile marker (MM) 82.1. Anglers are challenged to target seven species of fish in two days during this one-of-a-kind tournament, staged in the boundaries of Everglades National Park, fishing areas that Lucerne favored.
www.hermanlucernememorial.com
September 28-3030
Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge
For nearly 20 years this annual tournament has offered anglers the opportunity to win coveted trophies for trout, snook and redfish. A popular auction showcase and Sunday evening dinner are open to the public. Proceeds support local vocational scholarships for all ages, and Take Stock in Children scholarships for financially challenged Upper Keys students.
www.keylargorotary.org
