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Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic Set for Dec. 9-11

  ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — A weekend of sailfishing honors one of the Florida Keys’ late great captains at Islamorada’s Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic, set for Friday through Sunday, Dec. 9-11. 

Gurgiolo, one of the pioneers of contemporary offshore light tackle and live ballyhoo fishing techniques, fished for 50 years while operating the Gonfishin’ charter boats. The well-liked skipper retired in 1995 and died in 1999, but his legacy continues.

 The 12th annual event, part of the Redbone at Large tournament series, kicks off with registration at 6 p.m. Friday at the Post Card Inn Resort & Marina at Holiday Isle, the newly re-named and recently renovated Holiday Isle, located at mile marker (MM) 84 oceanside. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres follow, with a rules meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Fishing on Saturday is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by a 5-7 p.m. standings party at Wahoo’s Bar and Grill at Whale Harbor Marina, MM 83.5 oceanside.

Fishing resumes at 8:30 a.m. Sunday and runs until 3:30 p.m. Dinner and awards are scheduled from 6:30 to 10 p.m. in the Horizon Room at Post Card Inn Resort & Marina at Holiday Isle.

Boat teams compete for the most release points in the all-release tournament. First- through third-place awards, as well as high-point angler awards, are to be given.

Tournament entry fee is $525 for the first angler aboard a vessel and $475 for each additional angler on that vessel, up to four per boat.

Tournament information and registration: fishnbully@msn.com or 305-240-9337 

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Junior Anglers to Compete in Sailfish Action Dec. 16-18

  ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — For anglers age 16 and younger the Islamorada Junior Sailfish Tournament fosters fun-loving competition and friendly bragging rights. The 2011 challenge is set for Friday through Sunday, Dec. 16-18.             This marks the 47th year the all-release challenge matches a group of young fishermen with experienced local captains and mates.   Headquartered at Oceanview Sports Bar & Grill, mile marker 84.5 in Islamorada, the excitement begins with a 6 p.m. kick-off party Friday, Dec. 16.   Fishing is slated for Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. A traditional awards banquet and barbecue starts at 6 p.m. Sunday.   Tournament organizers are to award a trophy to each participating angler. Anglers also can vie for a tagging trophy, outstanding catch trophy or an award for boating the largest dolphin, kingfish or tuna.   A silent auction featuring raffle prizes is to be held throughout the weekend.   The entry fee is $100 per angler and a maximum of six anglers is allowed per boat.   To celebrate the holiday season’s spirit of giving, entrants are encouraged to donate a new toy to Toys for Tots, providing gifts and holiday cheer to the area's needy children, a collaborative effort between members of the U.S. Marines and Captain Michael “Biggs” Biggie of Beards and Grins for boys and girls.                 Tournament information and registration: fishnbully@msn.com or 305-240-9337