ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys – Captain Marty Lewis of Marathon, Florida, led his team aboard Main Attraction to the overall win in the 29th annual Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament that ended Jan. 27.

Team anglers Mark Busch, Daniel Roberts, Clint Rodamer and Shelby Bentley, all residents of Marathon, together released 10 sails in the best time for top honors.

Team HellReyzer captured second place with 10 sails, with Captain Ryan Alexander of Cutler Bay, Florida, at the helm. Anglers included Rey Acosta, Mike Acosta, Travis Upchurch and Jorge Corzo, of Pinecrest, Florida.

Team Indigenous earned third place honors with nine sailfish releases. Islamorada’s Captain Travis Dickens led anglers Wade Stafford, Coleman Wherly, Mike Varney and Mark Toledo, from Merritt Island, Melbourne, Key Largo and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, respectively.

Varney also captured the tournament’s grand champion angler award for his five releases.

Cheeca Presidential Tournament director Liz Hill reported that 73 anglers aboard 19 boats released 82 sailfish during the two-day fishing contest.

The “Presidential” is the final leg of the three-tournament Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship, which includes the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament and the Islamorada Fishing Club Tournament.

Team Last Dance totaled 25 releases over the series’ three events to be named overall Gold Cup Series champion. According to organizers, the team was awarded the first-place prize of $24,000.

Johnny Morris – Bass Pro Shops and Initial Supporters Donate $2 Million in Support of the Bahamas

“Anglers for the Bahamas” campaign aligns anglers with worldwide relief leader, Convoy of Hope FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris today announced “Anglers for the Bahamas,” a campaign to support the Bahamas in the wake of catastrophic devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian. Together with fishing industry partners, the initial donations are approaching... [Read More...]

Captain Chris Sheeder: Fisherman and Philosopher of the Highest Order

In Charter Docks, we talk to influential charter captains and share their stories with you. This edition features Captain Chris Sheeder, a man whose humility and selflessness belies the fact that he's caught over 35,000 billfish and refined many of the most common techniques used in the sport today. by Elliott Stark While there are days when you’ll catch a bunch... [Read More...]

The Influencers of Sportfishing

by Rachel Chesnes Picture this: Your everyday to-do list involves traveling to some of the best fisheries in the world, sharing epic angling stories, working alongside some of the top names and brands in the sportfishing industry, and of course, posting impressive fish content across a number of social media platforms. Sounds like the stuff only fantasies are made of?... [Read More...]

Bahamas Donation Options-- Location Drop Offs and More

Dear Friends of InTheBite, Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by Hurricane Dorian. The Bahamas are a wonderful place, full of wonderful people. Beyond the general desire to help those in need, the Bahamas have a special place in the hearts of many in the boating and sportfishing communities. The aftermath of the storm... [Read More...]

Something Different: Fly Fishing the Alaskan Bear Trail

While the Bear Trail Lodge in Alaska is different than the standard bluewater fare featured on InTheBite.com, it provides a unique experience full of angling excitement and natural wonder. Perhaps it may warrant a place on your fishing travel itinerary next year.... Photos and Story By Pete Robbins I’ve been to exotic fishing lodges all over the world – from... [Read More...]

“Main Attraction” Wins 29th Annual Cheeca Presidential Sailfish Tournament

Johnny Morris – Bass Pro Shops and Initial Supporters Donate $2 Million in Support of the Bahamas

Captain Chris Sheeder: Fisherman and Philosopher of the Highest Order

The Influencers of Sportfishing

Bahamas Donation Options-- Location Drop Offs and More

Something Different: Fly Fishing the Alaskan Bear Trail

Check out the June issue's "Navigating the High Seas" for a breakdown of how the rapidly changing landscape of marijuana law effects the sportfishing industry. What is your boat's take on the use marijuana?