Like the returning snowbirds, and just as dependable, the annual southern migration of sailfish marks the beginning of the sailfish tournament season on Florida’s Treasure Coast. For six decades, world class anglers, captains and mates have gathered in the “Sailfish Capital of the World” to compete for the honor and recognition of winning one (or several) of these world class events. There are two major milestones that will be recognized this year, along with the launch of a new tournament.
Inaugural Fish Heads of Stuart Sailfish Invitational—December 1-3, 2013
The first tournament of the competitive season is the Inaugural Fish Heads of Stuart Sailfish Invitational. This new event is being produced by the owners of Fish Heads of Stuart, a family-owned and operated tackle shop that opened in the former location of Finest Kind Offshore Tackle at Sailfish Marina. Finest Kind Offshore Tackle was the producer of the Finest Kind “Quickie”, a tournament that established itself as the offi cial warm-up tournament for the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship Series. Respectful of history, but focused on building their own legacy, Fish Heads of Stuart was committed to the launch a first class event of their own. Like its predecessor, the Fish Heads of Stuart Invitational will be a tournament light on rules, offering ample opportunity to rack up the release numbers. Prizes will be awarded for the top three boats. For more information call (772) 220-6008 or visit www.fishheadsofstuart.com.
25th Annual Pirate’s Cove Sailfish Classic— December 5-8, 2013
This year marks the 25th anniversary of this popular tournament. Initially started as a warm up tournament for the prestigious Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle Tournament, this tournament quickly grew from its humble beginnings into a world class event with as many as 60 boats participating during the latter part of the 1990s and early 2000s. To help celebrate the tournament’s contributions to the community over the years, the organizers have planned an ‘Old Florida Party’ to take place on Saturday night December 7th. The community, family, friends and fans of the tournament are invited. There will be live music, and a time capsule dedication. The Stuart Holiday Boat Parade will cruise through the Manatee Pocket on the same evening. For more information call (772) 341-6737 or visit www.piratescovesailfishclassic.com.
60th Annual Stuart Sailfish Club—Light Tackle Tournament – December 12-15, 2013
Wrapping up the 2013 tournament season, the Stuart Sailfish Club’s Light Tackle Tournament will be celebrating its 60th running. Legend has it that the Stuart Sailfish Club had its beginnings on a lazy afternoon in 1935 at Speedy’s Inn, which later became known as the Lighthouse Restaurant. A group of Stuart Jaycee’s came up with the idea of a fishing contest to “awaken the old village and pump some money into the economy” that was suffering in the Great Depression. From that tournament in 1936 sprang the Stuart Sailfi sh Club. The club is often recognized as the first group to promote tourism in Martin County. There was some down-time during WWII and the tournament was renumbered in 1955 when some of the rules changed, including the requirement of the use of 20 pound test line. The club is also internationally recognized as one of the first sportfishing clubs to promote catch and release of billfish. For more information call (772) 286-9373 or visit www.stuartsailfishclub.com.
34th Annual Pelican Yacht Club Invitational All Billfish Tournament—January 7-11, 2014
This long running tournament is a highlight of the sailfish tournament season on the Treasure Coast. In addition to being a first class event every step of the way, it is also the final leg of the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship Series, which is comprised of the Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle Tournament, Pirates Cove Sailfish Classic, and the Pelican Yacht Club All Billfish Invitational. As the competition between the competing captains and crews is so keen, the championship typically comes down to the last minutes of the last tournament. The Pelican Yacht Club has also been renowned for its Awards Dinner Buffet over the years and participants are well rewarded for their efforts over the course of the championship. For information call (772) 464-2700 or visit www.pelicanyachtclub.com.
About the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship – During the tournament season of 1995/1996, organizers of the Pirates Cove Sailfish Classic, Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle Tournament and the Pelican Yacht Club Billfish Invitational agreed to collaborate on the Championship Series concept. To accommodate all three tournaments, the organizers of the Pelican Yacht Club Billfish Invitational agreed to move the dates of their tournament to the first full week of January. This allowed the Pirates Cove Classic to be fished along with the Light Tackle Tournament before the Christmas holidays and the last leg to be fished after the New Year. Championship participants pay an additional entry fee to be registered at the championship level and are required to enter all three tournaments.