Permit take cover, March Merkin is coming

March 7th, 2011| No Comments

The clock is ticking and the countdown is on for Key West’s annual permit fishing competition – March Merkin. This year the prestigious event will be held on March 14-17.

So, for the anglers involved, it’s time for those final preparations, a spot of last-minute fly-tying and fingers well and truly crossed that 2010’s rotten weather doesn’t show up again.

A cold front with water temperatures in the mid-60s made it hard work last year (as if permit fishing isn’t hard enough already), but that wasn’t enough to stop Greg Smith and Scott Collins winning the 5th annual event.

This year, the tournament’s points system has been changed slightly, in a move designed to help promote Project Permit, the research initiative pioneered by the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust and Costa Del Mar sunglasses. This time around, anglers will receive bonus points for fish that are successfully documented and tagged before release.

Another extra-cool thing about this tournament? All proceeds (after the deduction of direct tournament costs) will be donated as follows: 50% to the Don Hawley Foundation for the benefit of Florida Keys guides who experience some financial hardship; 50% to the Tarpon & Bonefish Trust.

The tournament events are being held at Key West Harbour Yacht Club and each fishing day starts and ends at Key West Harbour Yacht Club. The Marina is located at 6000 Peninsular Avenue on Stock Island.

Stay tuned for results and more info.

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