There are so many fishing tournaments in Key West throughout the year. And there should be, since we are the fishing capital of the world! Key West has world class fishing, from inshore flats fishing for species like bonefish, permit, and tarpon, to offshore monsters like marlin, kingfish, dolphin, and sailfish. So, if you are like me and enjoy fishing, why not take part in a tournament? Or, you can always go to the weigh ins which are exciting too, and free to enjoy! Check out this list of Fishing Tournaments for the year and start making your fishing plans now!

Key West Fishing Tournaments 2025 Schedule

January

• January 15-19, 2025: Key West Kingfish Mayhem: Headquartered at Oceans Edge Marina, the open division of this competitive tournament rewards the team with the heaviest kingfish, also known as a king mackerel, with a $10,000 first prize. The pro division is open only to registrants of the elite multi-leg Kingfish Mayhem Pro Series. Email info@meatmayhemtournaments.com.  

March

• March 10 – 13, 2025: March Merkin: Invitational Flats fishing tournament focused on the Permit fish.
• March 27 – 29, 2025: The 2025 KeyWest Sailfish Tournament presented by Deep Eddy and Raymarine: World-class teams will converge on the sparkling blue waters of Key West and the lower Keys for a two day shoot out style tournament, battling it out for the top of the leaderboard and prize money bringing teams from all over Florida and beyond, the KeyWest Sailfish Tournament will be the tournament destination on any avid an angler’s calendar.

April

• April 3-5, 2025: Spanish Fly Shark Tournament: The most bull sharks caught wins in this new catch-and-release shark tournament that is focused on increasing knowledge about bull sharks in the Florida Keys. This is the only tournament in the Keys with both inshore and offshore divisions.
• April 9-13, 2025: Key West Viking Challenge: Viking Yachts owners come down yearly for this friendly competition to enjoy the island and the fishing offshore.

June

• June 13-15, 2025: Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby: The boat team weighing in the heaviest dolphin fish wins $5,000. Prizes are awarded through fifth place and to the top lady and junior anglers. Proceeds benefit Gator Club scholarships for University of Florida students who graduated from Key West High School. Contact kwgatorclub@outlook.com.
• June 20-22, 2025: VFW Fishing Tournament: A family fun tournament, this event awards over $15,000 in total cash and prizes including $5,000 for the heaviest dolphin fish. All proceeds benefit disabled and needy veterans in Monroe County. Email vfw391110@yahoo.com.
• June 27-29, 2025: Florida Keys PBA Dolphin Tournament: Hosted by volunteers on behalf of the Florida Keys Police Benevolent Association, the tournament targets dolphin fish and is headquartered on Stock Island. Cash prizes await the first- through fourth-place anglers and the top junior, female and PBA member anglers. Proceeds primarily benefit the Autism Society of the Keys and the Love Fund Inc.

July

• July 7-10, 2025: The Del Brown Permit Tournament: The original permit fly fishing tournament in the Keys and the longest running tournament of its kind in the world. The tournament memorializes the late Del Brown who caught 513 permit on a fly rod in his lifetime. The first Del Brown Permit Tournament was in 2001 in Key West. The tournament has been held annually ever since.
• July 23 -26, 2025: Key West Marlin Tournament: Celebrating its 44th year, the 2025 Key West Marlin Tournament, coinciding with the annual Hemingway Days Celebration in Key West, Florida, is a world-class fishing event drawing anglers eager to test the waters on “The Wall.” In addition to spectacular fishing and prizes, the event features nightly festivities, including the infamous Captains dinner, dinners on location and an awards banquet. Entries are limited to the first 75 boats—register now to ensure your spot.

November

• November 13-15, 2025: Sugarloaf Showdown. Sugarloaf Key. Angling teams can vie for victory by targeting bonefish, permit and barracuda during the annual Sugarloaf Showdown in support of the Florida Keys Guides Trust Foundation. The catch-and-release challenge is presented by the Lower Keys Guides Association. Visit sugarloafshowdown.com.