Permit being released. Photo by Capt. Carl Ball
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Anglers are to pursue elusive permit at the 13th annual Del Brown Invitational Permit Tournament Sunday through Wednesday, July 14-17.
The contest honors the late angling legend Del Brown, widely considered to be the most successful permit fly-rodder in history. The inventor of the crablike Del Brown Permit Fly caught more than 500 permit during his lifetime. The tournament angler who catches the largest total inches of permit on fly on the flats earns the title of grand champion and receives a bronze trophy created by noted South African sculptor Chris Bladen. Bronze trophies also await the runner-up angler, angler with the most bonefish releases and their guides.
The angler and guide that finish next in the standings each receives a wooden sculpture created by sculptor Mark Gottschalk of Vivid Arts in Eden Prairie, Minn., while the angler-and-guide duo that reels in the largest permit is to be awarded original paintings by Key West artist Adam Russell.
The fly-only Del Brown Invitational Permit Tournament is to begin with a kick-off event and captains meeting at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at La Trattoria Oceanside, 3593 S. Roosevelt Blvd. Angling action is scheduled Monday through Wednesday, July 15-17. An awards ceremony is set for approximately 5 p.m. Wednesday at Hurricane Hole Marina, 5130 Overseas Highway on Stock Island.
Last year’s grand champion, Tony Nobregas of Islamorada, Fla., and his guide Captain Rob Fordyce are to return to defend their titles. The tournament’s entry fee is $1,200 per angler and space is still available for those interested in participating. Professionals and guides are allowed to compete as well. Proceeds from the tournament are to benefit the Jon Ain Memorial Fund at Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Ain, one of fly fishing’s top permit anglers and the organizer of Key West’s March Merkin tournament, died in 2012.
Information and registration: www.delbrown.com, 305-360-6969 or 305-744-0903
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Florida Keys fishing information: www.fla-keys.com/fishing
