Key West Team Wins Sugarloaf Showdown in Lower Keys

SUGARLOAF KEY, Florida Keys — Five bonefish, two permit and two barracuda releases were the winning combination for guide Brandon Cyr and angler Nick LaBadie, both of Key West, Florida, at the recent Sugarloaf Showdown.

The duo amassed 2,500 points for their releases, earning the title of grand champion team in the tournament that ended Nov. 3 in the Lower Florida Keys. As well as their overall victory, Cyr and LaBadie were named the high-point permit team and Cyr took the title of grand champion guide.

The second-place team consisted of guide Pat Bracher and angler Charley Bracher, his 7-year-old daughter, who live in Cudjoe Key, Florida. The duo released five bonefish, one barracuda and one permit, ending the showdown’s two fishing days with 900 points.

The third-place award went to guide Luke Kelly and angler Sarah Kelly, his wife, who ended the tournament with 700 points. The Sugarloaf Key couple released three bonefish, one barracuda and one permit.

Key West guide John Benvenuto and angler Scott Christian earned high-point team honors for bonefish and barracuda. The two are tournament veterans who won the showdown in 2017.

The challenge drew 43 participants on 22 boats. Presented by the Lower Keys Guides Association, it was a fundraiser for the Florida Keys Guides Trust Foundation, which provides funds to assist fishing guides who are recovering from an illness or injury.