KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Dedicated fly anglers and guides can prove their prowess against the elusive Florida Keys permit Saturday through Tuesday, July 9-12, during the 16th annual Del Brown Permit Tournament.
Typically drawing elite American and international anglers, the prestigious challenge honors the late fishing legend who popularized permit fishing with a fly rod — and caught a remarkable 513 permit on fly during his lifetime.
The tournament angler who catches the highest total inches of permit on fly on the flats earns the title of grand champion. Awards also await the grand champion guide, runner-up grand champion and the angler who catches the event’s largest permit.
The tournament begins with a kick-off event and captains meeting at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at La Trattoria Oceanside, 3593 S. Roosevelt Blvd. in Key West.
The angling action is scheduled Sunday through Tuesday, July 10-12. Daily 6:30 a.m. breakfasts are scheduled at Hurricane Hole Marina, 5130 Overseas Highway on Stock Island, and boats can depart at 7:30 a.m. each day.
Lines-out is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. daily, with post-fishing appetizers and a cash bar available upstairs at Hurricane Hole.
An awards ceremony is to follow Tuesday’s fishing and scorekeeping at the marina.
The entry fee is $1,200 per angler and the field is limited to 20 boats. Professionals and guides are allowed to compete as well.
A portion of the proceeds from the tournament is to benefit the Jon Ain Memorial Fund at Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.
