For those individuals who enjoy the competition and camaraderie of tournament fishing, Martin County visitors and residents have many to choose from. In addition to those tournaments listed below, Martin County waters play host to many others throughout the year organized by local businesses and civic organizations. Information can be obtained at all local tackle shops.
Fish Heads of Stuart Sailfish Invitational – Nov./Dec.
Hosted by Fish Heads of Stuart at Sailfish Marina, this is a 2-day tournament late November/early December that kicks off the tournament season in this area.
Treasure Coast Invitational Championship – Dec./Jan.
Immediately following “Fish Heads Sailfish Invitational”, the first weekend in December, is the Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina’s “Sailfish Classic”. The 3-day tournament draws anglers from around the world who have come to Martin County to fish the Sailfish Classic. This is the first leg of the Treasure Coast Championship. The 2nd leg of the TCC is the Stuart Sailfish Club’s annual Light Tackle Invitational which is a 4-day tournament the 2nd weekend of December. The 3rd leg of the TCC is the Pelican Yacht Club Invitational Billfish Tournament, hosted by the Pelican Yacht Club in Ft. Pierce is a 4-day tournament held early January. Championship fishing is not required to participate in the individual tournaments.
Treasure Coast Builders Memorial Day Tournament – May
For over 25 years this tournament has become Martin County’s most popular late spring/ summer events with 70-90 boats and hundreds of anglers competing for cash and prizes. The tournament proceeds benefit local charitable organizations.
Reef Builders Fishing Tournament – July
The annual fishing tournament benefits the MCAC Artificial Reef Fund. The artificial reefs create a home for marine life and promote the growth of coral and plant life. The 1-day event takes place the Saturday after July 4th and kicks off with a captain’s party at Twisted Tuna on Friday evening. Cash Prizes are awarded for each of these species: Snapper, Grouper, Dolphin, Cobia, Kingfish & Wahoo.
Treasure Coast Bonita Blast – August
This late August 1-day local tournament benefits Wounded Warriors of South Florida. A beloved event by local anglers, it began in 2013 and has raised over $56,000 in the first 2 years. Instead of tossing back that loathed fish, they are caught and collected in droves and sold to a buyer to raise additional funds for the organization.
Junior Angler Tournament – August
This mid-August 1-day in-shore and off-shore fishing tournament is for kids only. Local children, member’s children and Sheriff’s Youth Ranch children from around the state (sponsored by Stuart Sailfish Club) are welcome to participate. Trophies and kid-appropriate prizes, including rods and reels are awarded for multiple species.
Michael Shields Memorial In-Shore Open – September
This late September 2-day tournament kicks off with a captains meeting on Friday at River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp. The fishing begins immediatly following the meeting and continues on Saturday with awards banquet immediately following. The tournament benefits Project Lift, an organization working with at-risk youth.
Saltwater Sisters Lady Angler Tournament – October
This is a one day event and membership in SSC is not required. Trophies are awarded for individual Sailfish releases, Dolphin, Kingfish and Wahoo. An Adult Angler, Jr. Angler, Mother-Daughter Award and top boat award are all given.
Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament – December
This tournament began in 1953. It is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country, drawing top anglers due to its high prestige attendees and release conservation format. Running consecutively with the Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament is the Florida Sailfish Amateur Championship. No minimum size boat.
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