Annual Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament Returns to Islamorada
The eighth annual Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament will take place January 9 and 10 at the Islander Resort in Islamorada, bringing anglers, families and the public together for a catch and release competition that raises funds for domestic violence shelters and scholarships. The event matters for Monroe County because it is the largest sailfish tournament in the Florida Keys, supports local businesses and directs proceeds to South Florida domestic abuse services and education for young adults.
Islamorada will host the eighth annual Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament on Friday January 9 and Saturday January 10 at the Islander Resort, mile marker 82 oceanside. Organizers describe the tournament as family friendly and catch and release, and it is named in memory of Holly Given, a young Keys woman who was killed in a domestic violence incident. The event is designed to raise awareness about domestic violence and to provide financial support for South Florida domestic abuse shelters, along with scholarships for career training and education for young adults.
Events begin Friday evening at 5 p.m. at the Islander Resort with small bites, a silent auction and a rules meeting for competitors. Adult and junior anglers age 16 and under will fish on Saturday from lines in at 8 a.m. to lines out at 3 p.m. Fun fish are to be weighed from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Three Waters Resort and Marina, mile marker 84 oceanside. The public is welcome to attend the weigh in and view the action.
Non anglers who wish to participate socially are encouraged to attend Saturday night at 6 p.m. for dinner, a raffle, a silent auction and an awards ceremony. Tickets for the Saturday evening event are available for 75 dollars per person. Entry fees for competitors are 250 dollars for adults and 100 dollars for juniors. Online registration is open through fishforholly.com. Walk up registration will be offered until 8 p.m. on January 9 at the Islander with a registration fee of 300 dollars for adult and junior anglers.
Since its inception the tournament has raised more than 560,000 dollars to support scholarships, domestic violence prevention and youth athletics. As the largest sailfish tournament in the Florida Keys the event brings visiting anglers and spectators to Monroe County, providing a boost to marinas, restaurants and lodging while focusing community attention on prevention and support services for survivors. Residents can find registration and event details at fishforholly.com.
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