Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament Scheduled April 18-20

MARATHON, Florida Keys — The third annual Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament, an event dedicated to supporting a great cause while showcasing the Middle Florida Keys’ fishing, is set for Thursday through Saturday, April 18-20.

The tournament was founded by Katie Lewis after she witnessed the transformative power of fishing experiences for kids and families. Registered as a nonprofit, the event dedicates proceeds to Mission Fishin’ and other organizations that fund life-changing fishing adventures for families with special needs. 

The challenge also celebrates the friendly yet fierce competition between teams of both seasoned and new tournament anglers and the many Florida Keys captains experienced in the art and science of sailfishing.  

Early online registration is available through April 6, priced at $400 per adult angler, and increases to $500 from April 7-18. Early registration cost per junior angler (age 16 and under) is $200, increasing to $250 April 7. 

Participants can register in person for $500 per adult or $250 per junior competitor from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Tiki area at 13201 Overseas Highway. 

Thursday also features a 4-6 p.m. kick-off event and rules meeting at the hotel. Tournament rules are to be read at 5:30 p.m.  

Fishing is to follow Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Awards await the three boat teams that score the most points for released sailfish and the team that tags the most fish. In addition, individual awards are to be presented to the top male, female and junior anglers.

A Saturday evening banquet with food, drinks, silent auction items and award presentations is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, 11710 Overseas Highway. Nonangler social tickets are available for $75 apiece.

Tournament information: marathonsailfish.com or Katie@MarathonSailfish.com