Since 1959 fun-loving anglers from around the country have been drawn to the Marathon International Bonefish Tournament by its lighthearted competition and community camaraderie. The 2013 challenge is set for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 19-22.
Often rowdy, the event is one of the few tournaments where anglers can fish without a professional guide.
Notable and celebrity participants have included crooner Perry Como during the early 1960s, former U.S. Rep. Dante Fascell, Broadway actor David Wayne and Heublein Inc. magnate John Martin of A-1 Sauce fame.
More than 20 trophies and prizes are awarded, including those recognizing the individual and team champions scoring the largest bonefish and permit, and the top anglers in fly and grand slam divisions (for the top spin or fly angler who releases the largest bonefish, permit and tarpon “slam”).
Awards also include the playful wet-pants champion titles for anglers who wade from shore.
Registration is set for 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Key Colony Inn, located at 700 W. Ocean Drive in Key Colony Beach. A cocktail party follows.
Fishing is to run from lines-in at 8:30 a.m. to lines-out at 3:30 p.m. daily.
Cocktail parties follow the action Friday and Saturday at Keys Fisheries Restaurant, Market & Marina, located at 3502 Gulfview Ave. An awards banquet is set for Sunday evening at Key Colony Inn after the final day of fishing.
The tournament entry fee is $225 per adult angler and $125 per junior angler. Funds raised benefit a Marathon-area charity.
| Event information and registration: | mibt59.com, Barbara Hewlett at 305-304-8682 or Laural Keating at 305-395-1554 |
| Marathon visitor information: | fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284 |
| Florida Keys fishing information: | fla-keys.com/fishing |
By: Andy Newman/Carol Shaughnessy
