February 06, 2019
By Florida Sportsman Editor
One of the most popular sailfish tournaments in the country is back for 2019
An anticipated 60 boats and over 500 anglers will embark into the Atlantic on February 22 for the 16th Annual Sailfish Challenge. One of the most distinguishing features of the Challenge is a three-inlet format where teams can check in from Government Cut in Miami, Hillsboro Inlet in Pompano Beach or Lake Worth Inlet in West Palm Beach following each day of fishing. This feature was specifically designed to give teams the ability to fish their favorite locations and capitalize on a mid-season bite that can go off on both ends of the boundary this time of the year.
Teams fishing the 2019 Challenge will have a chance to compete in the 2nd Annual Coin Challenge, where they will be randomly assigned to color groups and battle to see which group releases the most sailfish in the tournament. Each winning team receives a custom designed challenge coin, but that's not all! Teams from the top color group will also be entered for the chance to win a grand prize drawing for a 3 day/2 night stay at the luxurious Margartaville Hollywood Beach resort, plus a $500 Gift Card to use on-site, courtesy of Landshark Lager, the official beer of the Quest for the Crest!
In addition to its signature 3-inlet format, the Sailfish Challenge is one of the only billfish tournaments to offer a non-pro division for teams that may be new to the sport or still working their way up the competitive ladder. The division pays three places with a $2,000 check to the top team. Over $650,000 is up for grabs in total for the 2019 Sailfish Challenge, including a $300,000 winner-take-all jackpot called the Release Roundup.
The kickoff party and captains meeting is returning to historic IGFA headquarters in Dania Beach on Wednesday, February 20th, where anglers and sponsors can swap fish stories while enjoying live music, open bar and other tournament festivities. Competition days are set for Friday, February 22 and Saturday, February 23. The top team award is even bigger for the 2019 Challenge with a $15,000 guaranteed payout plus a Resorts World Bimini vacation up for grabs.
Blue Moon Fish Company will apply the icing on the cake for the winning team with a VIP dining experience during the awards ceremony at their award-winning waterfront restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Sandman snagged 1st place and a check for over $189,000 in 2018. Which team will come out on top this year? Grab your team and get ready for The Challenge!
