3rd Annual Viking Yachts Key West Challenge
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Don't miss out on this perfect opportunity to go fishing in the fabulous Florida keys with a great group! The 3rd Annual Viking Yacht Company Key West Challenge is set to take off April 6-9, 2016 and you don't have to leave the kids at home. More than just fishing, this tournament is a family friendly event full of fishing days, kids contests, world-class cuisine and an overall wonderful time with other Viking owners.
For more information and to download your registration form, click here.
With a huge emphasis on family fun, the kids can join in on all the activities so get ready to make some awesome memories together. On Friday, April 8, there will be a special kids tournament off the docks for anglers 15 and younger. It's all about having a good time a catching a fish. Fishing will begin at 2pm and the Viking crew will be providing the bait. In addition, kids will have a blast participating in a scavenger hunt and pool party.
The Viking Key West Challenge hands out some pretty nice bragging rights trophies but did you know that last year the Key West Challenge handed out almost $30,000 in prizes? In addition to the overloaded boat captain bags, some of the coveted items that went home with Key West Challenge participants included Yeti coolers, Garmin VIRB cameras, FLIR Ocean Scout Handheld Cameras, hotel stays, Roffers gift certificates, custom boat tshirts, GOST Phantom S Security System, Furuno First Watch Wireless VHF Radio and tons of other great prizes.
Schedule of events
Wednesday, April 6 - Dante's Tiki Bar, 2nd Floor level
4pm Registration open
5-7pm Cocktails & hors d'oeuvre
6-7pm Captains meeting & rules interpretation
Thursday, April 7
8:30am Lines In
3pm Weigh station open, Conch Harbor Marina
3:30pm Lines Out
5:30pm Weigh station closed
5:30pm Catch reports due
7pm Welcome buffet, Dante’s Tiki Bar, 2nd Floor level
Friday, April 8
11:30-1:30 Pool party lunch Dante's Tiki Bar, Pool level
2-4pm Kids dock tournament, Galleon Fishing Dock
2-4pm Activity TBD
4pm Docktails, Viking demo
Saturday, April 9
8:30am Lines In
3pm Weigh station open, Conch Harbor Marina
3:30pm Lines Out
5:30pm Weigh station closed
5:30pm Catch reports due
7:30pm Westin Sunset Pier, cocktails
7:46pm Sunset
8:15pm Westin Pier, awards dinner
Official Rules of the Viking Key West Challenge
1. Mandatory Captain’s Meeting April 6, 2016 at the Conch Harbor Marina at 6:00 pm.
2. Fishing days, April 7 and April 9, 2016. Lay day is April 8. No weather day.
3. Fishing hours are 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. You may clear the sea buoy anytime after 6:30 AM. Geographical boundary limits: Eastern boundary W 81.20 (Big Pine Key); Western boundary W 82.20 (35 miles SSW Key West)
4. IGFA rules apply with the following exception: rod hand-offs permitted.
5. Non-offset circle hooks must be used for billfish. All billfish must be released unharmed.
6. There is no weather committee. Fishing is up to the decision of the captains who assume all liability for their decision.
7. Live and dead bait may be used. No live bait chumming. No live bait teasers.
8. No more than two kites are permitted to be used with live bait; two artificial teasers may be used with live bait; no more than two dredges, and two teasers for trolling.
9. Only six rods are permitted in the water at any one time. This includes pitch bait rods.
10. There are no restrictions on line tests.
Breakdown of Point Scores
Sailfish 100; White Marlin 200; Blue Marlin 300
Tuna, Dolphin, Cobia, Kingfish, Wahoo, 1 point per pound
Anglers can qualify one fish of each species per day
Weigh in location - Conch Harbor.
Scales open at 3 pm and close at 5:30 pm
For more information and to download your registration form, click here.
