Florida Anglers Win Sugarloaf Showdown Tournament in Lower Keys

SUGARLOAF KEY, Florida Keys — Captain Shawn McKay of Sugarloaf Key and angler Gannon Dudlar of Key West, Florida, earned 1,250 points and the spin division grand championship in the Sugarloaf Showdown that ended Nov. 18 in the Lower Florida Keys. 

The duo released six barracuda, three bonefish and a permit over the tournament’s two fishing days to score the win. 

In the fly division, Key West’s Captain Brandon Cyr and angler Cody Rubner of Stuart, Florida, released six barracuda, six bonefish and a permit to earn 1,550 points and the divisional grand champion title. 

The youth division grand championship went to repeat winners Captain Pat Bracher and his daughter, Charley Bracher. Both from Cudjoe Key, Florida, they released three barracuda and six bonefish for a total of 900 points. 

The runner-up team in the spin division consisted of guide Tim Carlile of Sugarloaf Key and angler Pat Bennett of Weston, Florida. The duo released six barracuda and six bonefish, ending the Showdown with 1,200 points.  

In the fly division, runner-up honors went to guide Nicholas Calabro and angler Rob Kaufman, both of Key West. The duo scored 700 points for releasing four barracuda and three bonefish.

The second runner-up title in the spin division went to father-daughter duo Pat and Charley Bracher. In the fly division, guide Chris Wilson of Big Pine Key, Florida, and Key West angler Ben Bortner earned second runner-up honors with 500 points. 

The Sugarloaf Showdown drew 52 registered participants fishing on 25 boats. It was presented by the Lower Keys Guides Association to raise money for the Florida Keys Guides Trust Foundation, which provides funds to assist fishing guides who are recovering from an illness or injury.