FKFGA SWAMP GUIDES BALL

The 33rd Annual FKFGA Swamp Guides Ball presented by Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, was, in true fashion, loaded with 48 teams of 116 excellent Anglers and Guides that fished through the notoriously challenging weather conditions on Feb 4, 2023, and got back to the dock with 244 landed fish including 28 Redfish, 12 Bonefish, and 204 Snook! A “Slam Style” tournament required the participants to go out with the goal of landing all three species in the course of 8 hours. Of the 48 boats, 5 teams came in with Swamp Guides Slams with all three species and 2 Anglers (Mitch Gaither and Lance Keene) individually got Slams.

SWAMP GUIDES BALL RESULTS:

Redfish: Award: Ashley Weber Art Angler: Lance Keene - 4 Redfish Teammate: Mark Gilman

Snook: Artwork: Award: Ashley Weber Art Angler: Howard Ohren - 29 Snook Teammate: Jake Leon

Bonefish: Award: Ashley Weber Art Angler: Lance Keene - 2 Bonefish Teammate: Mark Gilman

Fly Division Champion: Award: Frederick Stivers

• Angler: Kevin Sheehan - 1 Snook on Fly

• Teammate: Johnny Sheehan

Female Grand Champion: Award: Cheri Tindall

• Angler: Kim Clement - 2 Snook, I Redfish (Won on “Time”) (Not Pictured)

• Teammate: Poppy Brownlee

• Guide: Jack Given

Runner Up Youth: Award: Bentley’s Art

• Angler: Corben Dean - 1 Snook, 1 Bonefish

• Teammate: Ray Scuderi

• Guide: Perry Scuderi

Youth Grand Champion: Award: Bentley’s Art

• Angler: Julian Robertson, IV - 2 Snook, 1 Bonefish

• Teammate: Julian Robertson, III

• Guide: Rob Fordyce

Runner Up Team: Awards: Jorge Martinez

• Team Total: Slam w/ 800 points - 4 Snook, 3 Redfish, 1 Bonefish

• Angler: Mitch Gaither

• Angler: Brian Gwilliam

Grand Champion Team: Awards: Tim Borski

• Team Total: Slam w/ 2200 points - 13 Snook, 6 Redfish, 3 Bonefish

• Angler: Lance Keene

• Angler: Mark Gilman

The Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association would like to thank all of our Sponsors that made this event possible, the Anglers and Guides that provide some of the toughest competition in Islamorada Backcountry tournaments, the board members and guides of the FKFGA and the Upper Keys Community and Fisheries that support and fuel the passion we have for our resource. Thank you!

If you have interest in fishing or supporting the 34th Annual Swamp Guides Ball on Feb 2-3, 2024, please contact Kaylee Fordyce: 305.484.4336 | Kaylee@lockeandkeyproductions.com.

Tight Lines,

— Wesley Locke, Tournament Director Locke + Key Productions 941.268.1331 wesley@lockeandkeyproductions.com