HOT News from the IGFA - April 2008

IGFA partners with Florida Keys Outfitters for 2009 Inshore World Championship

Hailed for nearly a decade as the "Super Bowl" of fly and light-tackle inshore fishing, the International Game Fish Association's Inshore World Championship stands to grow even more prestigious thanks to a recently announced partnership with the Florida Keys Flyfishing School & Outfitters, Inc., dba Florida Keys Outfitters.

This championship, which began in 2001, has grown into the sport's premiere inshore fishing series. To be invited to this prestigious all-release event, anglers must win one of the many qualifying tournaments located around the world.
"The Inshore World Championship has anglers representing more countries than any other inshore fishing tournament in the world," says IGFA Corporate Relations Director Mike Myatt. "We have over 50 qualifying tournaments from seven different countries this year including 12 states here in the USA."

Florida Keys Outfitters will manage operations of the championship starting with the 2009 event. The IGFA will remain the championship's sole non-profit benefactor with a fundraiser and auction for the IGFA to be held at the championship. The championship will continue to use the first-class amenities and guides of Islamorada, Fla., its host location. The Florida Keys Outfitters/IGFA Inshore World Championship is scheduled for July 7-9, 2009.

In 1989 Sandy Moret founded The Florida Keys Fly Fishing School and began holding fly fishing seminars with a list of now legendary instructors. Just to name a few, Flip Pallot, Chico Fernandez, Steve Rajeff, Steve Huff, Rick Ruoff and Moret provide extensive hands-on instruction five times a year at the Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada. Now in its 20th year, it is unparalleled as the place to learn or improve fly fishing skills, whether on the flats or in blue water. Sandy progressed from the school to opening Florida Keys Outfitters, a specialty salt water fly fishing shop in Islamorada, in 1992.

Since then Florida Keys Outfitters has become recognized as one of the premiere salt water fly fishing shops in the world, specializing in providing premium fly fishing equipment and flies along with expert rigging and experienced advice. The shop also offers an excellent selection of men and women's sportswear, weather gear, gifts and accessories. Anglers are also able to book some of the finest, professional fishing guides in the Keys through the shop.