Hot Florida Keys Sailfish Bite at ‘Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!' Event

Contributed By Betty Bauman, LLGF

The Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament returned January 30–February 1 with fast-paced action and competition, producing 30 sailfish releases, including multiple triple and quad hookups. Despite weather limiting fishing to Saturday only, the tournament delivered nonstop excitement as Caribsea successfully defended its 2025 title, hoisting seven release flags on the day. 

Hosted by Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing (LLGF), the tournament brought together experienced anglers and first-timers alike, fishing from private boats and chartered vessels. The event continues LLGF’s mission of empowering women through education and conservation-minded angling.

A Race For First Place

The bite was red hot at the start. Within the first hour, 12 sailfish were released, with triple and quad hookups lighting up the fleet. At one point, Playbaby had fish on all six lines.

The first sailfish of the tournament was released by Dawn Pomije of Venice, FL, a first-time sailfish angler fishing aboard Poppa Wahoo, Team 2 of Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing. By the second hour, releases climbed to 22, with Caribsea and Team 1 of Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing surging into the lead with seven releases, followed by Playbaby with four. Kalex surged in the afternoon, climbing from two releases in the morning to six total after a quadruple hookup to lock in second place. Playbaby remained steady in third, finishing ahead of Skipjac based on time. Tatiana Jaramillo of Tavernier, FL earned High Point Angler honors on Playbaby with three releases, based on time.

Among Fun Fish division winners were Chandler Routhier, Delray Beach, FL, on Skipjac with a 6-pound mahi; Kim Kimbro, Smithville, TX (Poppa Wahoo) with 8.43-pound kingfish; and Tammy Gauthier, Key Largo, FL (No Regrets) with a 7.93-pound tuna. 

Conservation and Event Highlights

The tournament upheld strict conservation standards, with all sailfish released and fishing limited to 20-pound test line. Tournament radio communications were handled by Tammie Gurgiolo, who owned the tournament for almost three decades.

The weekend kicked off with a party at the Islamorada Moose Lodge, with awards presented at Safe Harbor Angler House in Islamorada. Funds were raised for the Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Foundation and Moose Charities. 

About Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!

The Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Foundation (LLGF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to introducing women and families to fishing while promoting conservation and responsible angling. 

Upcoming 2026 LLGF Events:

Feb. 21: Hubbard’s Offshore Fishing
March 21–22: South Gulf Coast Saltwater Weekend and fishing – Fort Myers, FL
April 17–19: South Florida Offshore Seminar and Fishing – Fort Lauderdale, FL
April 25: Naples, FL Bottom Fishing
May 15–17: Keys Fishing Screamin’ Reels Tournament – Tavernier, FL
June 17–22: Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Sept. 12: Freshwater Bass Seminar and Fishing – Dania Beach, FL
Oct. 16–18: Keys Saltwater Weekend and Fishing Fever Tournament – Islamorada, FL
Nov. 21–22: St. Augustine Surf Fishing Academy – Guy Harvey Resort

For details on all 2026 events, visit www.ladiesletsgofishing.com, call (954) 475-9068, email fish@ladiesletsgofishing.com, or follow facebook.com/ladiesletsgofishing

---