Fly on down!
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010
Nothing like flying the Florida Keys
Archive for the ‘Florida Keys’ Category
November Events
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010Islamorada / November 05 to November 07
Mercury Redbone Celebrity Tournament Celebrities and other anglers catch bonefish and redfish to raise money for cystic fibrosis research in the final event of the annual Redbone Trilogy.
Contact: Gary Ellis (305) 664-2002
Email: redboneinc@aol.com
Islamorada / November 12 to November 14
Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Female anglers polish their skills and fish in an event sponsored by the fishing education and advocacy group Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing! Featuring legendary Captain Skip Bradeen speaking about offshore and bottom fishing. Early registration $115 by October 29.
Contact: Betty Bauman 954-475-9068
Email: billfishbetty@hotmail.com
Islamorada / November 12 to November 14
Florida Keys Fly Fishing School Learn fly fishing in saltwater with world class instruction in a fun and no-pressure environment. Two-day schools present a unique opportunity for beginners and experienced anglers, as well as couples. Call or visit Web site for details.
Contact: 305-664-5423
Email: info@floridakeysoutfitters.com
Islamorada / November 27 to November 28
Islamorada Fishing Club Junior Derby All species count for points in this competition for young anglers, with the most points awarded for bonefish and permit.
Contact: Jim and Sherri Trice (305) 664-3864
Email: trice_j@bellsouth.net
October Events
Saturday, October 2nd, 2010Islamorada / October 01 to October 03
Baybone Celebrity Tournament – A Redbone Trilogy Event The second of three tournaments in the annual Redbone Trilogy, the Baybone targets permit and bonefish to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. Among the celebrities who have fished recent Baybone tournaments are legendary angler Stu Apte, former Denver Bronco and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mark Cooper, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly and pitcher Tim Wakefield, who won a World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox in 2004. Two-person team entry fee $3,500.
Contact: Gary Ellis (305) 664-2002
Email: redboneinc@aol.com
Islamorada / October 04 to October 07
Women’s Fall Fly Classic – Multiple Species Formerly the Women’s World Invitational Fly Championship Bonefish Series, the revamped three-day challenge showcases bonefish, tarpon, snook and redfish for elite lady anglers to compete for points and implement their strategies behind landing an elusive backcountry slam (tarpon, snook and redfish) or a flats slam (tarpon, permit, bonefish) to secure a tournament win.
Contact: Charlotte Ambrogio 305-942-0428
Email: csasun@aol.com
Islamorada / October 10 to October 13
Bonefishing World Championship / Islamorada All-Tackle Bonefish Tournament Only 25 anglers are accepted to compete — one angler per boat with a licensed captain. This three-day challenge is what separates the truly great bonefish anglers from the wannabes. Entry fee $750 per angler, and all bonefish entered for division winners’ trophies must be a minimum of 8 pounds.
Contact: Charlotte Ambrogio 305-942-0428
Email: csasun@aol.com
Islamorada / October 15 to October 16
Casting for Cats What began in 2001 as a one-day tournament for fun, the Casting for Cats Ladies All-Tackle Backcountry Tournament is now a major fundraiser to help control the feral cat population of the Upper Keys. Female anglers earn points for catching bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and redfish using bait, artificial lures or fly tackle. Points also are awarded for ladyfish, sharks, jacks and spotted sea trout (also known as speckled trout). Entry fee only $125 per angler.
Contact: Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood (305) 393-6174
Email: sharellen@netzero.net
Islamorada / October 16
Islamorada Pedal-Paddle Celebrate Greenways & Trails month! Meet at Robbie’s Marina parking lot, mile marker 77.5 bayside, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. for a ride across the newly refurbished Channel 2 historic bridge. Then paddle the mangrove creeks. Twelve-mile round trip pedal, approximately three-mile paddle. Bring your own bike and kayak, snacks & water. Kayak rentals available at Florida Keys Kayak & Sail 305-664-4878.
Contact: Monica Woll 305-853-3571
Email: Monica.Woll@dep.state.fl.us
Islamorada / October 22 to October 23
3rd Annual Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic The Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic is a one-day fun tournament for the whole family. Jim Mandich will be hosting this event – a portion of the proceeds is to benefit Mariners Hospital. Visit web site for details.
Contact: 305-667-0399
Email: leah@maddogclassic.com
Islamorada / October 28 to October 29
Haunted Robbie’s Visit Robbie’s Marina for ghoulishly fun time during their free Halloween themed event. Haunted boat tours to the underworld, costume contests, games, prizes, food & drink specials. Located at mile marker 77.5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night.
Contact: 877-664-8498
September Events
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010| July 13 to September 06, in Islamorada |
| History of Diving Museum: Free Admission to All Active Duty Military Personnel July 13 to September 06 Located at MM 82.9 bayside, the museum is offering free admission to all active duty military personnel – and up to five immediate family members including spouses or children – as part of the nationwide Blue Star Museums program. Spouses of deployed military also are eligible. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact: 305-664-9737 305-664-9737 Email: info@divingmuseum.org |
| September 04 , in Islamorada |
| Matecumbe Historical Trust presents: Self-Guided Tour September 04 Start the Labor Day weekend at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument at 9 a.m. for a self-guided tour of historical points of interest. An informational tent is to be set up at the monument with guide maps and brochures, courtesy of the Matecumbe Historical Trust. Historic photos, 75th anniversary tee shirts and mementos to be available as well. Free and open to the public. Contact: Irving or Jeane Eyster 305-664-9504 305-664-9504 |
| September 04 , in Islamorada |
| Matecumbe Historical Trust presents: An Evening of Hurricane History September 04 This year marks the 75th anniversary of the 1935 hurricane, a historically significant event in the Florida Keys. Starting at 8 p.m. the Matecumbe Historical Trust is to show a video and display photos from the event. Survivors are to be present to share their experiences. Free and open to the public, event located at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument. Contact: Irving or Jeane Eyster 305-664-9504 305-664-9504 |
| September 06 , in Islamorada |
| Matecumbe Historical Trust presents: Annual Labor Day Service September 06 In memory of the civilians and veterans who perished in the 1935 hurricane, this annual service is to be held at 9 a.m. at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument. Hear from famed historian Irving Eyster, and the 1935 Hurricane Song written by Cris Foster from memories shared by Bernard Russell who lost many of his family in the event that helped shape Florida Keys history. A wreath is to be placed, followed by taps and the benediction. Free and open to the public. Contact: Irving or Jeane Eyster 305-664-9504 305-664-9504 |
| September 11 , in Key Largo |
| Lionfish Derby for Divers September 11 Teams of up to four divers can help capture and remove non-native lionfish from Keys waters in this unique spin on a fishing tournament. Derby divers who successfully remove lionfish from sanctuary waters are to be eligible for up to $10,000 in cash and prizes – more than $3,000 per derby. Headquarters, measuring and scoring to be held at Coconuts Restaurant, mile marker 100. Visit website for registration details. Contact: REEF 305-852-0030 305-852-0030 Email: alecia@reef.org |
| September 14 to September 17, in Islamorada |
| Islamorada Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament September 14 to September 17 Also referred to as the “Fall Fly,” this prestigious three-day test of skill and stealth challenges anglers to accrue points for both weight and release fish. Entry fee is $1,000 per angler, up to 25 maximum participants. Contact: Charlotte Ambrogio 305-942-0428 305-942-0428 Email: csasun@aol.com |
| September 15 , in Islamorada |
| History of Diving Museum presents: FREE Seminar Series September 15 This month’s free seminar is to be given by Eric Smith, themed “Adventures in Underwater Exploration.” Starts at 7 p.m. at Diving Museum, mile marker 83 in Islamorada. Immerse yourself in the fun! Contact: 305-664-9737 305-664-9737 Email: info@divingmuseum.org |
| September 16 to September 19, in Florida Keys |
| 38th Annual Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run September 16 to September 19 It’s an All-American event as motorcycle enthusiasts from around the U.S. travel the Keys’ scenic Overseas Highway – designated Florida’s only All-American Road – from mainland Florida to Key West to raise money for charity. Stops are arranged throughout the Keys with a final celebration in Key West. Register online today, or starting Sept. 1 at either of two Peterson’s Harley dealerships, with just a $10 donation. Contact: (800) 545-2561 (800) 545-2561 877-MIAMI-HD |
| September 17 to September 19, in Key Largo |
| Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge September 17 to September 19 Entering its 10th year, the challenge requires anglers fish for trout and redfish. Proceeds benefit both local Rotary scholarships and Take Stock in Children, a statewide scholarship program for children in seventh through 12th grades. Entry fee is $125 per angler, $70 for young anglers (kids and juniors are combined). New venue at the Upper Keys Sailing Club! Contact: Mike Shipley 305-852-4087 305-852-4087 Email: mike@islandbayresort.com |
| September 22 to September 26, in Florida Keys |
| Florida Keys Birding & Wildlife Festival September 22 to September 26 The peak of the fall birding season, this event includes an opening reception, dinner, presentations, Keys-wide field trips focusing on education and conservation as they relate to Keys birds and wildlife, and an environmental fair. Contact: (305) 872-0774 (305) 872-0774 |
| September 25 to September 26, in Islamorada |
| Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Tournament September 25 to September 26 Up to 100 anglers compete for snook, tarpon, redfish, sea trout, snapper, bonefish and black drum against the backdrop of Everglades National Park. An overall grand champ prize is given to the individual or team who catches at least four of the seven eligible species. The angling challenge is also a qualifying event for the 2011 IGFA Inshore World Championship in Islamorada. Contact: Linda Denkert 305-852-1425 305-852-1425 Email: backcountrybabe1@aol.com |
| September 25 , in Islamorada |
| Smithsonian Magazine’s 6th Annual Museum Day September 25 The History of Diving Museum will participate in the sixth annual Museum Day, presented by Smithsonian magazine. Doors will be open free of charge to Smithsonian magazine readers and Smithsonian.com visitors for an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in diving history. The Museum is also celebrating its fourth anniversary, and showcases “The Story of Man’s Quest to Explore Under the Sea, and is approximately 3,000 square feet of amazing exhibits relating to diving history. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact: (305) 664-9737 (305) 664-9737 |
September Events
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010| July 13 to September 06, in Islamorada |
| History of Diving Museum: Free Admission to All Active Duty Military Personnel July 13 to September 06 Located at MM 82.9 bayside, the museum is offering free admission to all active duty military personnel – and up to five immediate family members including spouses or children – as part of the nationwide Blue Star Museums program. Spouses of deployed military also are eligible. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact: 305-664-9737 305-664-9737 Email: info@divingmuseum.org |
| September 04 , in Islamorada |
| Matecumbe Historical Trust presents: Self-Guided Tour September 04 Start the Labor Day weekend at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument at 9 a.m. for a self-guided tour of historical points of interest. An informational tent is to be set up at the monument with guide maps and brochures, courtesy of the Matecumbe Historical Trust. Historic photos, 75th anniversary tee shirts and mementos to be available as well. Free and open to the public. Contact: Irving or Jeane Eyster 305-664-9504 305-664-9504 |
| September 04 , in Islamorada |
| Matecumbe Historical Trust presents: An Evening of Hurricane History September 04 This year marks the 75th anniversary of the 1935 hurricane, a historically significant event in the Florida Keys. Starting at 8 p.m. the Matecumbe Historical Trust is to show a video and display photos from the event. Survivors are to be present to share their experiences. Free and open to the public, event located at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument. Contact: Irving or Jeane Eyster 305-664-9504 305-664-9504 |
| September 06 , in Islamorada |
| Matecumbe Historical Trust presents: Annual Labor Day Service September 06 In memory of the civilians and veterans who perished in the 1935 hurricane, this annual service is to be held at 9 a.m. at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument. Hear from famed historian Irving Eyster, and the 1935 Hurricane Song written by Cris Foster from memories shared by Bernard Russell who lost many of his family in the event that helped shape Florida Keys history. A wreath is to be placed, followed by taps and the benediction. Free and open to the public. Contact: Irving or Jeane Eyster 305-664-9504 305-664-9504 |
| September 11 , in Key Largo |
| Lionfish Derby for Divers September 11 Teams of up to four divers can help capture and remove non-native lionfish from Keys waters in this unique spin on a fishing tournament. Derby divers who successfully remove lionfish from sanctuary waters are to be eligible for up to $10,000 in cash and prizes – more than $3,000 per derby. Headquarters, measuring and scoring to be held at Coconuts Restaurant, mile marker 100. Visit website for registration details. Contact: REEF 305-852-0030 305-852-0030 Email: alecia@reef.org |
| September 14 to September 17, in Islamorada |
| Islamorada Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament September 14 to September 17 Also referred to as the “Fall Fly,” this prestigious three-day test of skill and stealth challenges anglers to accrue points for both weight and release fish. Entry fee is $1,000 per angler, up to 25 maximum participants. Contact: Charlotte Ambrogio 305-942-0428 305-942-0428 Email: csasun@aol.com |
| September 15 , in Islamorada |
| History of Diving Museum presents: FREE Seminar Series September 15 This month’s free seminar is to be given by Eric Smith, themed “Adventures in Underwater Exploration.” Starts at 7 p.m. at Diving Museum, mile marker 83 in Islamorada. Immerse yourself in the fun! Contact: 305-664-9737 305-664-9737 Email: info@divingmuseum.org |
| September 16 to September 19, in Florida Keys |
| 38th Annual Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run September 16 to September 19 It’s an All-American event as motorcycle enthusiasts from around the U.S. travel the Keys’ scenic Overseas Highway – designated Florida’s only All-American Road – from mainland Florida to Key West to raise money for charity. Stops are arranged throughout the Keys with a final celebration in Key West. Register online today, or starting Sept. 1 at either of two Peterson’s Harley dealerships, with just a $10 donation. Contact: (800) 545-2561 (800) 545-2561 877-MIAMI-HD |
| September 17 to September 19, in Key Largo |
| Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge September 17 to September 19 Entering its 10th year, the challenge requires anglers fish for trout and redfish. Proceeds benefit both local Rotary scholarships and Take Stock in Children, a statewide scholarship program for children in seventh through 12th grades. Entry fee is $125 per angler, $70 for young anglers (kids and juniors are combined). New venue at the Upper Keys Sailing Club! Contact: Mike Shipley 305-852-4087 305-852-4087 Email: mike@islandbayresort.com |
| September 22 to September 26, in Florida Keys |
| Florida Keys Birding & Wildlife Festival September 22 to September 26 The peak of the fall birding season, this event includes an opening reception, dinner, presentations, Keys-wide field trips focusing on education and conservation as they relate to Keys birds and wildlife, and an environmental fair. Contact: (305) 872-0774 (305) 872-0774 |
| September 25 to September 26, in Islamorada |
| Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Tournament September 25 to September 26 Up to 100 anglers compete for snook, tarpon, redfish, sea trout, snapper, bonefish and black drum against the backdrop of Everglades National Park. An overall grand champ prize is given to the individual or team who catches at least four of the seven eligible species. The angling challenge is also a qualifying event for the 2011 IGFA Inshore World Championship in Islamorada. Contact: Linda Denkert 305-852-1425 305-852-1425 Email: backcountrybabe1@aol.com |
| September 25 , in Islamorada |
| Smithsonian Magazine’s 6th Annual Museum Day September 25 The History of Diving Museum will participate in the sixth annual Museum Day, presented by Smithsonian magazine. Doors will be open free of charge to Smithsonian magazine readers and Smithsonian.com visitors for an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in diving history. The Museum is also celebrating its fourth anniversary, and showcases “The Story of Man’s Quest to Explore Under the Sea, and is approximately 3,000 square feet of amazing exhibits relating to diving history. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact: (305) 664-9737 (305) 664-9737 |
I Live here, in Islamorada!
Monday, August 9th, 2010After having lived in this island paradise, Islamorada, FL Florida Keys, for nearly 40 years, it still amazes me when we are fortunate to have back to back days that are as picture perfect as the last 2 have been. Cloudless skies reflecting gin clear water that is without a ripple, save for those from passing boaters. It is so relaxing it’s hard to work.
I Live here, in Islamorada!
Monday, August 9th, 2010After having lived in this island paradise, Islamorada, FL Florida Keys, for nearly 40 years, it still amazes me when we are fortunate to have back to back days that are as picture perfect as the last 2 have been. Cloudless skies reflecting gin clear water that is without a ripple, save for those from passing boaters. It is so relaxing it’s hard to work.
Don't Like Lobster?
Friday, August 6th, 2010Lookout Lodge For those of you who don’t like the pursuit of our spiny crustaceans, we just wanted to keep you advised of a bevy of events taking place throughout the Keys through the balance of the year. Lookout Lodge Resort is ideally located for you to participate in or partake of the festivities all through the Keys. Check out… this Event Calender and then our website. http://www.fla-keys.com/calendarofevents/, www.lookoutlodge.com
www.fla-keys.com
Search the Florida Keys & Key West events calendar from the Official Florida Keys Tourism Council. View Florida Keys events and activities by month and region – Key West, Lower Keys, Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo.
Lobster Mini Season, Very Tasty!
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010Lookout Lodge The Mini-Season Lobster Mobsters have made their way home with coolers full of tasty “bugs” and we are preparing to welcome a new group of stealthy lobster hunters for the opening day of the regular season, Aug. 6. Early reconnaissence of areas in front of Lookout Lodge show promise for a good start to the 6 month sea…son. We still have a few openings at www.lookoutlodge.com
Another Lobster Mini-Season has been entered into the memories (and stomachs) of 40 or so guests here at Lookout Lodge Resort. It was great fun watching as they shared the grilles and their recipes for our local delicacy. Friendships were made, stories were told and dreams of next year were born. Be a part of the fun next year. www.lookoutlodge.com
