Islamorada’s Herman Lucerne Memorial Tournament Scheduled Sept. 20-22

Islamorada, Florida Keys — The 25th annual Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Championship returns to Islamorada Friday through Sunday, Sept. 20-22. During the one-of-a-kind event, participating anglers can spread out to explore the Florida Keys backcountry within Everglades National Park in search of seven species of fish.

Up to 100 anglers of all skill levels are to join the steeped-in-tradition tournament and are certain to be tested while enjoying the beauty of the Everglades. Tournament namesake Lucerne was affectionately known as “Mr. Everglades” for his decades of experience fishing in the region.

The tournament title of overall grand champion awaits the individual who catches as many of the seven eligible species as possible to achieve the ultimate Everglades Slam. 

Eligible species are tarpon, redfish, snook, sea trout, snapper, bonefish and black drum (bass may be substituted for black drum). The goal of the tournament is to catch at least one of each of the seven species. 

Kickoff, registration and a meeting for anglers and guides are to begin at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at tournament headquarters at the Islander Resort conference center, mile marker 82.1 oceanside.

Friday evening’s highlight is an extensive silent auction that supports the most important element of the tournament’s mission — raising funds to protect and preserve Florida Bay and Everglades National Park. 

The public is invited to join Friday’s auction fun, mingle with participating anglers and guides and indulge in cocktails and a variety of food. 

Saturday and Sunday are fishing days from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Anglers must check in at either the Lorelei Marina at mile marker 82 in Islamorada, or at Don’s Bait & Tackle at 90 N. Homestead Blvd. in Homestead, Florida, before launching at the Flamingo ramp inside Everglades National Park. 

Anglers and guides are to gather Sunday at 6 p.m. at Islander Resort for appetizers and dinner, followed by the awards to see who is named the 25th annual grand champion. 

In addition to the top designation, multiple awards are to be given to guided and non-guided teams including general, artificial and fly division champions; female, male, youth, junior and team champions; largest species awards for the biggest snook, redfish, snapper, trout and black drum or bass; and most fish awards for bonefish and tarpon. 

The registration fee is $700 per adult and $300 for junior and youth anglers (age 17 and under). Nonangler ticket cost is $50 for Friday’s auction event and $75 for Sunday’s awards evening.

Tournament information: hermanlucernememorial.com