The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is a Florida Keys institution, celebrating its 63rd anniversary as leg one of the prestigious Florida Keys Gold Cup. It pairs serious sailfish competition with the laid-back, welcoming spirit that makes Islamorada the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Expect great fishing, good company, and a proper Keys celebration to cap it off.
When & where
December 4 – 6, 2026 in Islamorada, FL. Festivities kick off Friday the 4th, with fishing on Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th, followed by a celebratory feast Sunday night. As the opening leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup, it sets the tone for the entire series.
Why it matters
With 63 years of history, this tournament is a cornerstone of the Keys sportfishing calendar and a must for anglers chasing the Gold Cup title. The waters off Islamorada offer some of the most reliable winter sailfish action anywhere, and the event’s blend of competition and camaraderie draws top captains and crews year after year. For owners and mates, it is a classic way to open the winter sailfish season in style.
Know before you go
- Register early and review the Gold Cup rules — scoring here carries into the full series standings.
- Rig for both kite and live-bait sailfishing along the Islamorada reef and edge.
- Do not skip the shoreside events; the Friday kickoff and Sunday feast are half the fun.
- Book lodging and dockage well ahead — Islamorada fills fast during tournament weekends.
Plan your visit
Official site: islamoradasailfishtournament.com.
Fishing the Gold Cup this winter? Get your crew lined up. ZipYacht connects owners, crew, and charter guests across Florida. Explore the directory or list your boat.