Cheeca Lodge Tournament
Competitive sport fishermen from across the country will gather at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in January for two days of intense sail fishing action during the 24th Annual Presidential Sailfish Tournament, January 16-18, 2014. Winners will take home stunningly beautiful trophies, including an original sculpture by Roge Fowler, and the bragging rights that come with catching and releasing the most sailfish.
Over its illustrious 23-year history, Cheeca’s Presidential Tournament has grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious sailfish tournaments in South Florida. It is the second leg of the prestigious Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship, which culminates with the Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament, January 23-24, 2013. The Gold Cup Championship boasts $25,000 in prize money for the winners.
The 2014 Presidential will be the most elegant and exciting tournament in its distinguished history. It will kick off registration at 5:30 p.m. followed by a cocktail party and buffet dinner at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 16. Fishing days are Friday and Saturday, January 17-18. The sumptuous awards banquet is at 6:30 p.m. on January 18. Both events take place in Cheeca’s tropical Bougainvillea Ballroom and Courtyard.
January is peak sail fishing season. Once hooked up, acrobatic and iridescent sailfish leap through the air and tail walk the waves, giving anglers the fight of their lives. In keeping with Cheeca’s mission to conserve and protect valuable Keys resources, all sailfish caught during this tournament are released to fight another day. Only circle hooks can be used.
Entry fee is $695 for the first angler; additional anglers are $645, with up to four anglers per boat. After January 7, 2014, entry fee for the first angler is $750, and each additional angler is $700. Anglers participating in the Presidential will receive a 20 percent discount off regular room rates. Sponsors this year include Bluefin USA, Caribee Boat Sales & Marina, Vineyard Vines, Yamaha and Flying Fisherman. For more information and entry forms, please contact Julie Olsen at (305)517-4449 or e-mail jolsen@cheeca.com
