Cheeca Backcountry Tournament to Benefit BTT

Cheeca Lodge & Spa has announced the dates for the Second Annual Cheeca Lodge All American Backcountry Fishing Tournament, November 8-10, 2013. Set to be held in Islamorada in the Florida Keys, with a portion of raised funds going to help the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.

Read more in the press release below.

Cheeca All American Backcountry Tournament to Benefit BTT

ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA KEYS – Discerning anglers from around the world will return to Cheeca Lodge & Spa this fall for some competitive sport fishing and to raise funds for the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.  The dates of the Second Annual Cheeca Lodge All American Backcountry Fishing Tournament are November 8-10, 2013.

“The goal of this tournament is three-fold: one is to raise proceeds to benefit the BTT’s conservation and education efforts.  The second is to enhance Cheeca’s position as the premier resort fishing destination in Islamorada.  The third is to make this event the most impressive and celebrated fishing tournament in the Keys,” said Cheeca Lodge General Manager Herbert Spiegel.  “Once again, we will Cheeca’s singular brand of casual elegance to this tournament — from the trophies to the gift bags to the elaborate banquets.”

Anglers will compete for trophies and prizes for releasing five different species of fish:  snook, redfish, bonefish, tarpon and permit.  Fishing headquarters is World Wide Sportsman, Islamorada’s premier headquarters for fishing in the Florida Keys.

Major sponsors this year include Wells Fargo, BCF and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.  Proceeds will benefit the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, an organization of concerned anglers and guides who are dedicated to conserving and enhancing global bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and their environments through stewardship, research, education and advocacy.  Since its formation in 1998, BTT has grown to include members from over 20 countries.

The entry fee is $2,000 per angler and includes entry into all three social events for the angler, a guest and the angler’s guide and his guest.  It also includes a continental breakfast dockside at World Wide Sportsman each morning.  The Second Annual Cheeca Lodge All American will kick off with an elaborate Welcome Reception and Cocktail party on Friday, November 8, 2013.  Fishing hours are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10, 2013.

On Saturday, November 9, 2013, tournament participants will attend a spectacular All American Beachside Barbecue on the beach at Cheeca.  The event will culminate with an Awards Banquet on Sunday, November 10, 2013.  Awards for Individual Grand Champion, Individual Runner-Up, Grand Champion Team and winners in the Fly, Artificial and General Tackle Divisions will be presented in the form of 16 exclusive, signature trophies that will put this tournament in a class by itself, Spiegel noted.

Cheeca’s fishing tournament history is impressive.  In addition to the George Bush/Cheeca Lodge Bonefish Tournament held from 1994-2003, Cheeca launched its Presidential Sailfish Tournament in 1989.  That tournament has become the largest, most prestigious offshore tournament of its kind in the Florida Keys.

For more information, tournament brochure and entry forms, please contact Julie Olsen at (305)517-4449 or e-mail [email protected]

Cheeca Lodge & Spa
81801 Overseas Highway
Mile Marker 82, Oceanside
Islamorada, FL 33036
Local: 305.664.4651
Toll Free: 800.327.2888
www.cheeca.com
Facebook.com/Cheeca