Competitive sport fishermen from across the country will gather at Cheeca Lodge & Spa for two days of spirited sail fishing action during the 26th annual Presidential Sailfish Tournament, January 14 – 16, 2016.
Throughout its legendary history, Cheeca’s Presidential Tournament has become one of the largest and most celebrated sailfish tournaments in South Florida. It is the second leg of the prestigious Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship, which culminates in the Islamorada Club Sailfish Tournament on January 20-21, 2016. The Gold Cup Championship boasts thousands of dollars in prize money for the skilled winners.
This year’s Presidential is set to be one of the most exciting in the tournament’s history, as Cheeca Lodge & Spa celebrates its own 70th anniversary milestone in 2016.
An ideal time to visit the Keys, January is also peak sail fishing season. The 2016 Presidential provides sail fish enthusiasts with the opportunity to showcase their skills in an exciting and competitive enviornment. In keeping with Cheeca’s mission to conserve and protect valuable Keys resources, all sailfish caught during this tournament must be caught with a circle hook, to ensure they are released to fight another day.
Festivities kick off with registration on Thursday, January 14, with dinner and cocktails at 6:00pm, followed by two days of competitive fishing on Friday and Saturday. A celebratory awards banquet is planned for Janaury 16 at 6:30pm. Entry is $695 for the first angler; additional anglers are $645, with up to four anglers per boat. Anglers participating in the Presidential will receive a 20 percent discount off regular room rates.
For more information and entry forms, please contact Tournament Director Julie Olsen at (360)-288-2436 (PST), by e-mail at [email protected] or visit the tournament website.
