Sugarloaf Showdown: A Family Tradition Hooked on Competition and Community
The 11th Annual Tournament Kicks Off This Week with a Waitlist and a Loaded Online Auction
November 11, 2024 – The beloved Sugarloaf Showdown Fishing Tournament, centered in the Lower Keys, is back. This year, the tournament will run from November 14-16, 2024, promising a perfect blend of friendly rivalry and community spirit. Now in its 11th year, this annual catch-and-release fishing tournament brings together anglers of all ages and skill levels to the Lower Florida Keys for three days of fishing, fun, family, and philanthropy.
Originally founded to draw anglers to the Florida Keys during the (no-longer) “slower” fall season, the Showdown has blossomed into one of the most anticipated events on the fishing calendar. With a competitive edge that attracts top-tier teams and a first-time waitlist for registration, the tournament still holds true to its roots—offering a playful, family-oriented atmosphere and a sense of community that only a homegrown Keys fishing tournament can provide.
Hosted by the Lower Keys Guides Association (LKGA), anglers in this tournament target bonefish, permit, and barracuda, earning points for successful catch-and-release. Teams can choose to use either fly or spin tackle and will compete for awards in both divisions. Victory goes to those who can score across all three species, but if no team manages to do so, winners will be determined by points accumulated from two species. To make it even more inclusive, the Sugarloaf Showdown will give special recognition to the top youth teams, consisting of anglers aged 12 and under.
Family Ties That Bind
One of the tournament’s most endearing aspects is the multigenerational participation. Nearly 30% of this year’s teams are family duos: guides fishing with their kids, fathers and daughters, sons, or siblings competing together or on opposing teams. A standout story is legendary Captain Pat Bracher and his daughter, Charley, who have been a formidable team for many years. Now 14, Charley has already claimed four overall tournament grand champion victories, as well as three first place wins in the youth division, two second place spin division wins, and a third-place win with her father, highlighting both her skill, her father’s guiding prowess, and the bond they share on the water.
“The Showdown is a special tournament for me,” adds Captain Brandon Cyr, LKGA Vice President and decorated local fishing guide. This year, his angler is his daughter, Erinn. “These two days on the water, with just me and my daughter, are priceless,” he shares. With a solid fishing strategy in place, they have left room to enjoy one of their favorite on-the-water lunch spots. “It’s about the memories, the quality time together, and sharing the profession and sport we love with the people we love.”
Supporting the Keys’ Charter Fishing Community
While the tournament is a highlight of the year for many, it also serves a greater purpose. Proceeds from the event, including funds raised through an extensive online auction, benefit the Florida Keys Guides Trust Foundation. This foundation provides crucial financial support to fishing guides facing hardships that prevent them from working, helping to cover essentials until they can return to the water.
“Supporting the Guides Trust Foundation is our way of giving back to an organization that fills a critical gap for many fishing guides who make the Keys a world-class fishing destination,” says Jessyca LaBadie, LKGA Operations Manager and Tournament Director. The online auction, open to the public, features sought-after items such as fishing gear, clothing, art, and more, running throughout the tournament. “Anyone can participate from wherever they are, even if they aren’t able to make it to the tournament this year,” LaBadie adds.
Event Highlights
The Sugarloaf Showdown kicks off Thursday, November 14, with check-in at 4 p.m. at Sugarloaf Marina, followed by a rules meeting and the opening of the Papa’s Pilar Rum Bar. Fishing runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, with all boats required to return by 5:30 p.m. daily. The event wraps up on Saturday evening with an awards celebration and dinner on the picturesque grounds of the Sugarloaf Lodge.
For anglers and fishing enthusiasts, the Sugarloaf Showdown isn’t just a competition—it’s a celebration of the unique fishing culture of the Florida Keys. With opportunities to make lasting memories, compete with family and friends, and contribute to a worthy cause, this year’s Showdown is set to be one for the books.
So, whether you’re participating on the water or supporting from the shore, the Sugarloaf Showdown invites you to join the adventure. And don’t forget to bid in the silent auction—every contribution makes a difference! The online auction is open for viewing and starts accepting bids on November 14 at 4 p.m. You can check out the auction by visiting the tournament’s website at www.SugarloafShowdown.com.
Event information and registration: sugarloafshowdown.com
More about LKGA: LKGA.org
More about Guides Trust Foundation: guidestrustfoundation.org
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