OCLTC MEMBERS & GUESTS

From:        Jay DePotter

Subject:    Keys Slam 

Dates:      April 22 & 23, 2021

Location:    Islamorada – Florida Keys

Hello Friends!

We are now in an 18 month gap between Derbys, and with that in mind, I felt that spring of 2021 would be a great time to hold a Keys Slam in Islamorada, Florida.  At this writing, I’m planning on 24 anglers, 12 boats and 16 guests, for a total of 40 salt water souls.

The best dates to accomplish a Keys Flats or Back Country Slam would be in April or May.  I like the fishing days of Thursday, April 22 and Friday, April 23, 2021.  Fishing a Thursday and Friday should keep the “weekend warriors” out of our way, as well as leave Saturday open for excursions.

I have hosted two similar events in Islamorada in the last two years, with the host property being the newly renovated Islander Resort (link below).  The Islander is next door to Cheeca, so those of you that may have that “itch” can drift next door for happy hour, and float back when you’re done scratching it.   However, once you arrive at the Islander, I think you’ll be happy with the property.   The host marina will be Bud N Mary’s, with their fleet of the “best on the planet” back country guides (link below). As a result of these prior two tournaments, I’ve already navigated the sandbars and floating debris, thus shortening the learning curve.

In considering dates, there are a few things I kept in mind. The first is the great spring time fishing and abundance of Tarpon.  The second factor is the average low/high temp is 71/81 that time of year.  Temperature is always an issue that requires attention in the Keys.  Third, is that stone crab season is still open!!! Fourth, those dates fall on the Morada Bay Full Moon Party weekend.  Morada Bay (link below) is directly across U.S. 1 from our resort and they’ll shuttle us around in fancy carts.  Lastly, those dates also coincide with some of the best daytime sword fishing in the world.  I have relationships with Nick Stanczyk, Capt. Chase Fulton, and the “Catch 22” all out of Bud n Mary’s’.  I can help make arrangements for those who want to swordfish prior or after our back country days, IGFA or Electric Reels optional.  However, you’d better call me directly and very soon.

Included: two full days of back country fishing with the typical targeted fish being snook, red fish, trout (back country slam, which Michelle and I both accomplished in early June) and tarpon, permit, bone fish (flats slam); two box lunches/water; opening party will on Wednesday April 21st at the Islander with 2 hour open bar, lots of keys finger food, and closing sit down dinner with two hours open bar, on Friday April 23.

Rooms are not included in the above cost.   Room reservation will be offered at The Islander Resort in Islamorada with guaranteed rates for tournament attendees. A reservation link will be provided on OCLTC website very soon so please check back. Additional assistance with resort reservations will be provided by Dee Egizio, Travel by Dee. Contact information provided here and will be posted on the website.   dee@travelbydee.com 561-899-0999-office/561-670-8737-mobile

This event will be very Keys Casual.  The only rule is teams of two, fish together day 1, not day 2.  No other rules, period!  There will be a link on the OCLTC web page to make your registration official. 

Michelle and I will probably be on site Tuesday night through Sunday morning, in case anyone wants to take advantage of a “spring time vacation” in the fabulous Florida Keys.  Of course everyone and their families are welcome. There’s a lot to do in Islamorada and the whole Keys chain, and we’ve come tight on almost everything.  Yes “tour guide” options will be available, free!

https://www.islanderfloridakeys.com

https://www.budnmarys.com

https://moradabayskeys.com/events/full-moon-party

http://www.facebook.com/CaptNickStanczyk

https://www.facebook.com/Capt-Chase-Fulton-345446322614297