CHASIN’ SAIL

The 83 anglers in last weekend’s Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament enjoyed a welcome change from the 2022 tournament’s 30 mph wind gusts and four- to eightfoot seas as the contest’s 2023 iteration treated them to calm seas, a light breeze and sunny skies.

On April 21 and 22, the goal was simple: race to catch and safely release as many sailfish as possible over 15 hours of competition, with an option to apply research tags supplied by Gray Taxidermy to caught fish. By the end of the tournament’s second day, only two fish separated the top three podium positions, with three boats reporting hooked fish a mere minute before tournament officials called “lines out” at 3 p.m.

Tales of the ones that got away were told at an awards banquet on Saturday night hosted by Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters and catered by Brutus Seafood Restaurant and Market. Winners received trophies from Gray Taxidermy along with artwork by Eddie Forbes Art, with top teams earning cash prizes.

Now in its second year, proceeds from the tournament will benefit Mission Fishin’, an organization dedicated to providing memorable fishing trips and other marine adventures for special needs children, foster children and their families who would not otherwise be afforded these opportunities. Tournament director Katie Lewis confirmed that the contest will return in 2024. More information is at marathonsailfish. com.

— Alex Rickert

Eighty-three anglers battle for top honors in the second Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament

THE WINNERS CIRCLE

Team Winners

1. ViceVersa – 500 points – Capt. Sam Milazzo, mate Tyler Rodriguez, anglers Justin Miller, Marc Toledo, Scott Stoky, Doug Mientkiewicz, Brandon Simmons and Trevor Finns.

2. Big Game – 400 points – Capt. Ariel Medero, mate Robert "Reggie" Hiro, anglers Doug and Lorri Cwanek, Brandon Biffell and Trace Goodwin.

3. No Slack – 300 points – Capt. James "Bucko" Platt, mate Ely Hernandez, anglers Melissa Bennet, Jared Dieguez, Kavon Mehranipornejad and James Platt III.

Top Male Angler - Tyler Rodriguez/ ViceVersa

Top Female Angler - Jill Paglia/Executive Decision

Top Junior Angler - Corbin Buckley/ Killbox

Most Tagged Fish - Big Game Sportfishing (four fish tagged)

1. With 500 points from five caught fish, Team Vice Versa claims the tournament’s top prize.

2. Team Big Game takes second place with 400 points.

3. Team No Slack claims third place with 300 points.

4. Executive Decision’s Jill Paglia earns the tournament’s Top Female Angler title.

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MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH BUFFET

SUNDAY, MAY 14

11 AM - 3 PM

Celebrate Mother’s Day in paradise at Isla Bella Beach Resort! Treat Mom to a beautiful brunch at Town Square, full of fresh seafood, savory mains, and sweet treats for the whole family to enjoy.

Relax and unwind in the serenity of our coastal oasis as we honor and cherish the mothers who make our families possible.

"There’s no better way to celebrate Earth Day in the Florida Keys than releasing two iconic sea turtles that were rehabilitated at the Turtle Hospital since November." said Bette Zirkelbach, the Turtle Hospital's manager. “Sea turtles are a symbol for our marine ecosystem.

“Helping to save sea turtles makes people aware to protect our oceans and there’s no better time to think of it (than) on Earth Day,” Zirkelbach added. “It’s great to celebrate Earth Day, but every day needs to be Earth Day.”