During Cheeca Lodge & Spa’s 30th annual Presidential Sailfish Tournament in the Florida Keys, anglers caught and released 57 sailfish. This event, held in late January, is the second part of the Gold Cup Series in the Florida Keys.
The two-day event showcased 83 anglers on 22 boats competing in the sportfishing tournament. Team Three Natives took first place with six sailfish catches, consisting of Matt Turner from Tallahassee, Fla.; Tim McGavern from Tampa; and Moriah Davis from Tuscaloosa, Ala.
The Outstanding Captain and Mate Awards were given to Richard Black and Ross Render of Tavernier. Captain Richard Black was the Artificial Division Champion Guide at last year’s 7th Annual All-American Backcountry Fishing Tournament at Cheeca.
“We were thrilled to honor the tournament’s 30th anniversary with premier competition from anglers worldwide. We are thankful for the strong support from our anglers and sponsors, and we are proud to be a part of the Florida Keys Gold Cup,” says Lisa Thornhill, the Tournament Director. Cheeca Lodge & Spa is set on a 27-acre private estate in Islamorada, Florida.
In total, 29 sailfish were released on the tournament’s first day and 28 were released on the second day, resulting in 66 hookups and 57 releases by the 83 anglers on 22 boats.