Islamorada is known throughout the world for its fishing. The list below will provide you with a comprehensive list of 2011 Fishing Tournaments in Islamorada. Whether or not you are looking to fish in an offshore fishing tournament or a backcountry fishing tournament, you will be sure to find a fishing tournament that will fit your need.

January 8 - 9 - Bartender’s Sailfish Open.

A boat tournament among actively employed bartenders, this locals' favorite challenge offers trophy awards and bragging rights to winning bars. A hilarious yet competitive event. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at 305-852-2102 or e-mail ditournaments@aol.com.

January 11 - 12 - The Islamorada SailFly, Islamorada Florida.

In this fly-fishing, all-release boat team tournament, captains, mates or anglers can tease, but only the registered anglers can cast, hook and play the fish. Tournament rules are IGFA format. The invitational challenge is limited to 20 boats. Contact Sandy Moret at 305-664-5423 or e-mail sandy@floridakeysoutfitters.com.

January 20 - 22 - Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish, Islamorada Florida.

NowNow in its 22nd year, the tourney is a facet of the World Billfish Series and the second leg of the. three-tournament Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. The event kicks off Jan. 20 with two days of 12-pound test, light tackle fishing Jan. 21-22 wrestling the high flyers. Contact: Liz Hill at 305-451-5094 or e-mail lizhillfirst@bellsouth.net.

January 20 - 22 - Sailbone Fishing Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

Anglers vie to land as many sailfish and bonefish as they can in this new three-day backcountry and offshore competition. Contact: Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood at 305-393-6174 or e-mail sharellen@netzero.net.

January 23 - 24 - Al Flutie Over the Hill Rip-Off Sailfish Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

Entering its 23rd year, this event is still known to many anglers as "almost too much fun for old guys to handle." Locally called the Flutie, and as a donor or more than $400,000 to local and national charities, the tournament limits entry to anglers age 50 and over. Contact: Gordon Ross at 305-852-3282, or e-mail ross4197@bellsouth.net.

January 25 - 26 - Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

Presented by the Islamorada Fishing Club, this final leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Series offers up to a $30,000 winner-take-all cash prize. The field is limited to 30 boats, so register early. Contact: Islamorada Fishing Club at 305-664-4735 or e-mail fishing@theislamoradafishinglclub.com.

January 27 - 28 - 22nd Annual Swamp Guides Fishing Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

All-release event offers fishing for bonefish, redfish and snook in the shallows of the Florida Keys and the saltwater fringes of the Everglades. Contact: Terry or Rusty Albury at 305-664-5142 or e-mail talbury@aol.com.

February 3 - 5 - Islamorada Women's Sailfish Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

In this light-tackle challenge, awards await the grand champion team (boat), first runner-up and second runner-up team, captain and mate. Others recognize the high-point angler, outstanding catch, largest tuna, dolphin and kingfish, most tagged sailfish and hard luck. Proceeds help Voices for Florida Keys Children. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at 305-240-9337 or e-mail fishnbully@msn.com.

February 11 - Islamorada Fishing Film Festival, Islamorada Florida.

AThe event aims to unite anglers, sport enthusiasts, water lovers and conservationists alike through an entertaining and amusing view of the fishing world. Its goal is to further the sport of fishing through education, awareness and conservation in Islamorada, "The Sport Fishing Capital of the World." Proceeds benefit the United Way of the Florida Keys. Contact: 305-735-1929.

February 23 - 25 - Backcountry Fly Championship, Islamorada Florida.

Tournament anglers are to compete to catch the most inches of snook and redfish on fly in a competition where one inch equals one point. Rules mandate that only two catches of each species over the two days of fishing can be counted toward an angler's total inches. Awards are to be given for grand champion, runner-up to grand champion, and largest snook, redfish and tarpon. Contact Michael e-mail michaelc@crisdel.com.

March 4 - 6 - Captain Leon Shell Memorial Sailfish Tournament, Marathon Florida.

Two full days of sailfishing culminate in a $30,000 cash purse. The winning boat team is to receive a grand prize of $25,000 cash, with first and second runners-up also taking home cash prizes. Trophies are awarded to the top teams and individual sailfish anglers. Proceeds benefit Hospice of the Florida Keys. Contact Terry Fisher at 305-289-1310, e-mail kcbmarina@bellsouth.net or visit www.leonshelltournament.com.

April 10 - 13 - Jim Bokor’s Islamorada All-Tackle Spring Bonefish Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

The prestigious All-Tackle championship is to go to the high-point angler who catches at least one bonefish in all four tackle divisions and one or more weight fish in at least two divisions. This demanding challenge, with general, fly and spin-casting divisions, is limited to 25 invited anglers, with a maximum of two anglers plus guide per boat. Contact e-mail JABOK@aol.com.

April 20 - 22 - Redbone @ Large La Siesta Sunrise/Sunset Tarpon Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

Redbone-at-Large tournaments are held each year whose proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Former NASA astronaut Bruce Melnick, whose more than 300 hours in space includes having flown as mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1990 and flight engineer on the first flight of the Shuttle Endeavour, was among the 2011 event celebrities. Entry fee is $3,000 per two-angler team, which includes guide fee and social privileges for each angler and a guest. Contact: Gary Ellis at 305-664-7882, or e-mail redboneinc@aol.com.

May 4 - 6 - Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo, Islamorada Florida.

TA tournament honoring the memory of Nick Sheahan, a Florida Keys student, funds from this event benefit community scholarships for graduates of Coral Shores High School - more than $30,000 to date. Hosted at Tavernier Creek Marina, entry fee for adults is $100, $25 for kids. Call 305-393-3709 or e-mail nicksheahan88@gmail.com.

May 20 - 23 - Outback Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

Special flies, accurate casts and a bit of luck are the recipe for winning this prestigious challenge, using only a tournament-furnished tippet not greater than 20-pound test. Eligible tarpon must measure at least 48 inches in length to earn release points, and weigh at least 70 pounds for weight points. Contact: Betsy Bullard via e-mail fishnfever@bellsouth.net.

June 1 - 3 - Islamorada Dolphin Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

Hosted by the Islamorada Charterboat Association, this annual event is headquartered at Whale Harbor Marina with $15,000 in prize money. Competition is open to all anglers and there is no limit on the number of anglers that can participate. Call Dianne Harbaugh at 305-852-2102 or e-mail ditournaments@aol.com.

June 3 - 8 - Don Hawley Invitational Tarpon Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

The world's top fly-rod anglers endure a five-day test of will and muscle, fishing Keys waters using fly tackle and either a 12- or 16-pound tippet. Named for the late fly fisherman and conservationist Don Hawley, the tournament benefits the Don Hawley Foundation, assisting professional fishing guides and supporting backcountry fishery conservation programs. Contact e-mail HawleyTournament@aol.com.

June 6 - 7 - IFC Captains Cup Dolphin Tournament, Isalmorada Florida.

Just three fish are all that's needed to capture the $25,000 winner-take-all grand prize, but the aggregate weight of the three dorado must be the highest in the tournament. Contact Islamorada Fishing Club at 305-664-4735 or e-mail fishing@theislamoradafishinglclub.com.

June 15 - 17 - 8th Annual Island Grill Charity Dolphin Tournament & Fun Day, Islamorada Florida.

Described as a Keys' favorite, This family event benefits Baptist Hospital's Children's Cancer Center. Awards include a $5,000 grand prize for the best three dolphin caught and a Mercedes GLK SUV for the angler that breaks the state record for dolphin. Second and third prizes are awarded as well as most unusual catch, largest tuna and wahoo and to top male, female and junior anglers. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at 305-852-2102 or e-mail KeysIslandGrill@bellsouth.net.

June 17 - 22 - Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

This prestigious tournament, whose founders include baseball great and avid fly-fisherman Ted Williams, pits 25 fly-rod anglers against the tenacious silver king for four straight days of fishing. Experienced tournament anglers and novices are welcome to compete. Tournament proceeds benefit children's charities in the Keys. Contact e-mail GoldCup@aol.com.

July 1 - IFC Junior Dolphin Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

Just like the "big boys," junior anglers up to age 18 can compete in this event, where the highest combined weight of three fish is to determine the winning team. Trophies are also awarded in various age groups for the largest fish. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at 305-852-2102 or e-mail fishing@theislamoradafishinglclub.com.

September 19 - 21 - Islamorada Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

This prestigious three-day test of skill and stealth challenges even the most seasoned of anglers as they take to the flats for this elusive fish. The "Fall Fly," as it's called in elite circles, is a test of skill and stealth and has attracted seasoned anglers like Flip Pallot, Billy Pate, brothers Sandy Moret and Randy Moret as well as acclaimed "Striptease" author and celebrity columnist Carl Hiaasen, a seven-time tournament grand champion. Entry fee is $1,000 per angler, up to 25 maximum participants. Contact Rick Orcutt via e-mail RickOrcutt@southernwine.com or visit www.redbone.org.

October 8 - 10 - Bonefishing World Championship/ Islamorada All-Tackle Bonefish, Islamorada Florida.

Only 25 competitors are accepted to participate, with one angler and a licensed captain per boat. The three-day challenge is said to separate great bonefish anglers from the wannabes. Contact e-mail ftroxel@bellsouth.net.

October 14 - 15 - Casting for Cats Women’s Backcountry Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

In this fundraiser to help control the Upper Keys' feral cat population, female anglers earn points for catching bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and redfish using bait, artificial lures or fly tackle. Points also are awarded in the "junk fish" category: ladyfish, sharks, jacks and spotted sea trout (speckled trout). Contact Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood at 305-393-6174 or e-mail sharellen@netzero.com.

October 19 - 22 - Publix Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic, Islamorada Florida.

A top boat prize of $5,000 cash is awarded for the greatest cumulative weight of the tournament's target species. The second-place team earns $1,000, and other prizes include the Caribee 15k Kingfish Hook-up challenge awarding $15,000 to the first registered angler to weigh in a kingfish of more than 50.10 pounds. The challenge is limited to the first 200 entrants. Contact Leah at 305-667-0399 or visit leah@maddogclassic.com.

November 2 - 4 - Redbone Celebrity Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

Celebrities join other anglers to catch bonefish and redfish to raise money for cystic fibrosis research in the final event of the annual Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series. Contact Susan or Gary Ellis at 305-664-2002, e-mail susan@redbone.org or visit www.redbone.org.

November 29 - December 2 - Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

All species count for points in this competition, with bonefish and permit scoring highest. Among many prizes, grand championships are to be awarded in super small fry (up to age 6), small fry (ages 7-10) and junior (ages 11-16) guided and unguided divisions. Entrants are allowed to fish from boats or land, so kids can fish from popular Keys fishing bridges or shorelines. Contact Jim Trice or Sherri Trice at 305-664-3864 or e-mail sherri_trice@bellsouth.net.

December 1 - 4 - Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

The first leg of the triple-crown Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Series is characterized by high-flying sail action, conservation and sportsmanship. It's also the only tournament in the Gold Cup series to offer a junior division for anglers aged 16 and younger. Unlimited anglers are allowed per vessel. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at 305-852-2102 or 305-522-4868, e-mail ditournaments@aol.com.

December TBA - Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic, Islamorada Florida.

Part of the acclaimed Redbone at Large series of tournaments, this all-release challenge offers anglers a chance to pursue sailfish in Captain Don's memory. Tournament winners qualify for the 2012 International Game Fish Association Offshore Championship to be held in Islamorada. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at 305-240-9337 or e-mail fishnbully@msn.com.

December 5 - 6 - IFC Captain’s Cup Sailfish Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

A winner-take-all prize of up to $30,000, along with the prestigious Captain's Cup, is to go to the top boat team - each team is allowed up to four anglers per boat. The guaranteed cash prize is based upon the number of boats registered for the one-day event; for a field of 15 registered boats the top payout is to be $20,000, for a field of 20 boats, payout increases to $25,000 and a full field of 30 registered boats ensures a grand prize of $30,000. The all-release tournament is limited to 30 boats. Entry fee $2,500 per boat for first two anglers; third angler is $300, fourth angler $200. Contact Islamorada Fishing Club at 305-664-4735 or e-mail fishing@theislamoradafishinglclub.com.

December 7 - 9 - Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic, Islamorada Florida.

Part of the acclaimed Redbone at Large series of tournaments, this all-release tournament offers anglers a chance to pursue sailfish in Captain Don's memory. Up to four anglers can fish per boat. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at 305-240-9337 or e-mail fishnbully@msn.com.

December 14 - 16 - Islamorada Junior Sailfish Tournament, Islamorada Florida.

Recreation for teens in the Florida Keys can mean learning from experienced local captains and mates to tie a bimini or rig ballyhoo. One weekend each year anglers aged 16 and younger can apply such lessons in this competition. A maximum of six anglers is allowed per boat. Proceeds help benefit Toys for Tots of Monroe County. Contact Tammie Gurgiolo at 305-240-9337 or e-mail fishnbully@msn.com.