Dates set for 2010 FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championship
Elite fly and light tackle angling champions to compete in 10th annual event July 13 - 15
ISLAMORADA, In The Florida Keys, USA ---They are among the “best of the best,” as nearly 40 top men and women fly and light tackle “sight-casting” fishing champions from across the world will be invited to compete in the 10th annual Florida Keys Outfitters / IGFA Inshore World Championship set for July 13 - 15.
Invitations are being sent to the winners of 42 qualifying fishing tournaments held in 2009 in the U.S., Trinidad & Tobago, Sweden, Belize, the Bahamas and Australia.
Anglers and the media have described the three day all-release championship event as the “super bowl of inshore fishing.” All five of the targeted species -- bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish and snook -- can be readily found in the unique Florida Bay fishery centrally located in Islamorada near mile marker 82 in the Florida Keys. Fishing and scoring takes place from the World Wide Sportsman’s Bayside Marina. The Islander Resort is the event’s headquarters.
In 2009 Sandy Moret owner of Florida Keys Outfitters began managing the event which was founded in 2001 by the International Game Fish Association. The partnership has allowed the IGFA to focus on its core mission of conservation, angler education, rules and record keeping.
Recognizing the different skills, techniques and expertise required to being a master of either light tackle angling or fly fishing, the FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championship awards equally coveted titles to the Inshore Light Tackle World Champion and the Inshore Fly Fishing World Champion. Anglers are invited to fish light tackle or fly based on the type of tournament which they have qualified.
At the 2009 tournament this past summer Jared Raskob, of Key Largo, Fla., guided by Capt. Dave Borras won the inshore fly title while Mike Gallops, Naples, Fla. guided by Capt. Larry Sydnor won the light tackle crown.
Reviewing the 2009 championship, tournament director Sandy Moret said, “The anglers and guides wholeheartedly embraced our new light tackle/fly tackle concept and the new format of competitors drawing to pair with a premier Keys guide all three days. This allowed the anglers and guides to develop a rhythm and work together more effectively as a team. We’ve already heard from many of the invitees who are looking ahead to next summer and being involved in one of the major competitions of the year.”
The IGFA remains the inshore championships’ sole nonprofit benefactor. A fundraiser and auction for the IGFA will be held at the event.
In 2009 the championship partnered with ESPN Outdoors and its televised Saltwater Series and is being made into a show. The fishing exploits of Raskob, Gallops and the other tournament contenders will air on ESPN’s Outdoors’ Saltwater Series kicking off the second quarter of televised programming in April 2010. Moret said discussions are in progress to continue with ESPN in 2010 and future tournaments as well.
Tournament sponsors, supporters and products for 2010 include Bacardi, The Islander Resort, King Sailfish Mounts, Stiffy Push Poles, World Wide Sportsman, Islamorada Fish Co., Bayside Marina, Rich Products Corp, Vineyard Vines, Mercury, Tibor Reels, Kaenon Sunglasses, Sage Rods, Patagonia, Green Turtle Inn, Cortland Line Company, Nautilus Reels.
For more information on the FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championship and qualifying tournaments for the years 2010 and 2011 please contact Moret at 305-664-5423 or via e-mail at info@floridakeysoutfitters.com or visit inshoreworldchampionships.com.
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