War heroes will compete with world-class anglers at the 6th Annual Cheeca Lodge All American Backcountry Fishing Tournament, November 8-10, 2018 at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, FL. In honor of Veteran’s Day, the event invites two war heroes to join the competition. The acclaimed event was inspired by 41st President George Bush, an avid Florida Keys angler and a regular visitor to Cheeca. Proceeds benefit the locally-based nonprofit Guides Trust Foundation (GTF) for Florida Keys guides in need.

“The All American Backcountry Fishing Tournament is part of Cheeca Lodge’s iconic legacy,” said Bob LaCasse, General Manager of Cheeca Lodge & Spa. “After a successful reopening following Hurricane Irma, we’re thrilled to bring this tournament back to Cheeca and business back to the guides.”

All American anglers fish on a guided charter boat or their own boat with a licensed guide. They will compete for trophies and awards for releasing five different species of inshore fish: snook, redfish, bonefish, tarpon and permit. Individual and team trophies will be awarded for fly, general tackle/spinning/conventional and artificial lure divisions. Live bait is permitted in the general tackle division.

Social events will be held at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa, a sportsman paradise renowned for its barefoot elegance, with fishing departing from nearby World Wide Sportsman.

This first-class tournament will kick-off on Thursday, November 8, with a cocktail reception, rules meeting, patriotic banquet on the beach and auction. Tickets to attend the kickoff dinner and auction are available to the community with advance reservations.

Competitive fishing hours are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, November 9, and Saturday, November 10, 2018. The tournament culminates on Saturday, November 10, with an awards ceremony and banquet, where anglers can mingle with fishing celebrities such as world-famous fly angler, Stu Apte. Awards for Individual Grand Champion, Individual Runner-Up, Grand Champion Team, Runner-Up Grand Champion Team, Champions in the Fly, Artificial and General Tackle Divisions will be presented.

New for 2018 is a Friday evening presentation by Andy Mill, a world-famous fly angler, former alpine ski racer and two-time Olympian. The cocktail reception at 5:30 pm followed by his presentation, “A Passion for Tarpon” at 6 p.m. is included in the entry. The public may purchase tickets to attend the presentation for $25. Proceeds benefit Guides Trust Foundation and space is limited. Call 305.517.4512. or email lthornhill@cheeca.com for more information or to RSVP.

This year’s tournament boasts a lower entry fee of $1,500 per angler, offering two social events with dinner and beverages for four people, including the angler and a guest, and the guide and guest, plus a cocktail reception and presentation by Andy Mill. Also included is a daily continental breakfast dockside at World Wide Sportsman, boxed lunches for anglers and guides and a gift bag per person.