If you’re a fishing aficionado, this winter you have a chance to win a two-destination vacation to fish freshwater and saltwater species — in the “Northernmost to Southernmost Fishing Trip Giveaway” that spotlights recreational angling in Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, and the Florida Keys.
A family poses for a photograph at the Southernmost Point marker in Key West — which commemorates the southernmost spot of land in the continental United States. (Photo by Laurence Norah, Florida Keys News Bureau)
Most people who love the Keys know Key West includes the southernmost spot of land in the continental United States. In fact, hundreds of visitors each day head for the Southernmost Point marker, a giant red, yellow and black buoy replica at the corner of Whitehead and South streets, to shoot selfies in front of the iconic landmark.
But far fewer people are aware that the massive marker actually has a twin. Thousands of miles away, in Lake of the Woods County, stands a multicolored buoy replica that designates the northernmost spot in the contiguous U.S.
Both the Keys and the Lake of the Woods region are characterized by islands, world-class fishing and concentrations of professional charter guides and captains ready to share their knowledge of local waters, species and angling techniques. So tourism leaders and fishing fanatics in both destinations designed a once-in-a-lifetime contest — whose winner will receive a dream fishing trip to the country’s northernmost and southernmost angling hotspots.
And hotspots they are. Lake of the Woods is famed among freshwater fishermen as the walleye capital of the world, while the Florida Keys offer backcountry and offshore fishing for species ranging from elusive tarpon to tail-walking sailfish and deep-sea tuna. (In fact, according to the International Game Fish Association, more saltwater world records have been established in the Florida Keys than any other angling destination on the globe.)
The Northernmost Point marker, twin to Key West’s landmark, stands proudly in Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods County.
So how do you enter this enticing contest? Facebook users can just click the contest link on the Florida Keys and Lake of the Woods Facebook pages at @floridakeysandkeywest and @lakeofthewoodsmn.
Desktop or mobile user who don’t use the Facebook app can simply enter online at fla-keys.com/fishing/ by clicking the “Northernmost to Southernmost Fishing Trip Giveaway” link.
The grand prize is definitely worth “angling” for. It includes gift cards for air travel and car rental, plus three nights’ accommodations at Flag Island Resort in Lake of the Woods and two nights’ accommodations at Hyatt Centric Key West in the Florida Keys.
And what about fishing? In each destination, the prize winner will experience custom fishing charters with skilled guides and captains who specialize in freshwater inlets, lakes, ice fishing, saltwater flats, inshore and offshore experiences. And as if that wasn’t enough, the winner will also receive a selection of fishing lures — suitable for both the Florida Keys and Lake of the Woods — from A Band of Anglers. Overall, the prize is valued at nearly $5,000 U.S. But the value of the experience (and the memories it sparks) is beyond price.
To enter the “Northernmost to Southernmost Fishing Trip Giveaway,” you must be at least 21 years old and a legal resident of the United States or live in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba or Ontario.
The entry period continues through 11:59 p.m. (ET) March 11, 2020, so enter ASAP and start polishing your angling skills. Because if you’re the lucky winner, you’ll be headed to Lake of the Woods and the Florida Keys — for unforgettable fishing adventures at the country’s northernmost and southernmost points. (And be sure to snap selfies at the twin buoys!)
