Killbox wins back to back
Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship

The Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship series consists of teams that participate in trifecta of tournaments including the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, the Islamorada Fishing Clubs Captains Cup Sailfish Tournament and the Cheeca Lodge and Spa Presidential Sailfish Tournament. Seventy-nine anglers released 199 sailfish over the course of the three tournaments, with only 5 releases separating the top three winners.

Team Killbox anglers Tyler Kelley from Bartow, FL fishing with Joe Marino and Clint Rodamer from Marathon, FL and Islamorada residents Jose Boza, KC Spaulding, and Corbin Buckley with Captain Cody Darbie at the helm releases 9 sails in the Islamroada Sailfish Tournament, 8 in the one day Islamorada Fishing Clubs tournament and 15 during the Cheeca Lodge and Spa event for a total of 32 released sailfish. Along with the Gold Cup Trophies and a check for $13,000.00 the team will have their name engraved on the perpetual trophy that is on display at the Tackle Center of Islamorada.

Captain Cody Darbie received a second championship captains gyotaku by Lisa Lee jacket. They did not stop there. Angler Clint “Digger” Rodamer won the prestigious Gold Cup Championship gold ring beating out four other anglers releasing 9 sailfish before they did.

Second place awards sponsored by Caribee Boat Sales and Yamaha Outboards went to team L-fish. Captain Mike Taute along with teammates Josh Riddle from Chesapeake, VA, Daniel Roberts from Islamroada, Fl and Marathon Florida anglers Lance and Leo Doire, Blake Alexander, James Hardin, and Todd Picariello released 9 sails in the first tournament followed by 6 in the second round and 14 in the final event for a total of 29 releases.

Captain Alex Adler marked 50 years of sportfishing on the Kalex tallying 27 releases with mates Hunter Proctor and Justin Baker, for third place. Indiana anglers Chris and Sam Chastain, Allen Sutkowski, and Nathan Burns released 17 sails winning the Cheeca Lodge and Spa Presidential Sailfish Tournament, 5 in the Islamroada Sailfish Tournament and 5 at the Islamorada Fishing Club.

Top Lady angler was Mia Gioia aboard captain Bill Detwiler’s boat Anejo. Mia released 7 sailfish over the three events. Eighteen-year-old Connor Fesperman from Mooresville, NC won the top junior angler award with 2 releases. Connor was fishing on the Two Reel with captain Dustin Hansel.