Islamorada Fishing Clubs Captains Cup Sailfish Tournament Winners

January 19, 2023

The Islamorada Fishing Club welcomed 67 anglers fishing on 23 boats for the Islamorada Fishing Club Captain’s Cup Sailfish Tournament. The single-day fishing tournament boasted $23,000.00 for the winning boat.   Captain John Hagen would call in the first hook-up at 8:10 aboard the Mdala, releasing the fish two minutes later.  This beautiful day would produce nine releases by 10 AM with the Skip Jac making quick work out of a doubleheader putting them in the lead with 2 releases.  Another flurry of sails would happen between 1:20 and 1:48 with 10 hookups.   Three of which were released on the Que Mas and three on the Skip Jac.

When the committee boat called lines out at 4 PM, Captain Bernard Paul-Hus of the Skip Jac with mate Joe Peros would have a total of 7 releases.  Anglers Nicole Paul-Hus from Pompano Beach, FL along with Dustin Hansel of Key Largo, FL and Max Howard of Palm Beach, FL all fishing aboard the Skip Jac would take home first place trophies sponsored by Caribee Boat Sales, Yamaha Outboards and Island Arms and Indoor Range, along with a check for 23,000.00!

Second place went to Florida anglers Wally Whitley from Islamorada, fishing with Matt McLean of Naples and Joe Babino from Tavernier.  The team was fishing aboard the Que Mas with captain Robert Helms.  They were awarded Baker Mitchell Plumbing Supply, Islamorada Beer and Spirits, and Regan Roth Insurance-sponsored trophies with a total of 4 sailfish releases.

Captain Brian Cone led anglers Mark Mitchell and Kenneth Padgett from Charlotte, NC along with Travis Bennett of Tavernier, FL into third place with 3 releases. The team would receive awards sponsored by Tackle Center of Islamorada and Travis Bennett DMD.

“The Islamorada Fishing Club put on another great event”, stated tournament director Dianne Harbaugh.  “The great food and service the club provides makes it a fun place to have a party.”  In total 27 fish were released in the one-day event.  The Islamorada Fishing Clubs Captains Cup Dolphin tournament will be held June 29th, 2023.  More information can be found on the website www.theislamoradafishingclub.com.

Source: https://floridasportfishing.com/islamorada-fishing-clubs-captains-cup-sailfish-tournament-winners/