Women's Fishing Tournaments in the Florida Keys

Women's fishing is one of the fastest-growing segments in the sportfishing world, and the Florida Keys sit at the center of it. From Marathon to Islamorada to Key West, there's a tournament circuit that caters specifically to women anglers — whether you've been fishing your whole life or just picked up a rod for the first time.

This guide covers the major women's fishing tournaments in the Florida Keys, what to expect at each one, and how to get yourself tournament-ready — even if you've never fished competitively before.

Ladies-Only Tournaments

Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!

This is the big one. Ladies, Let's Go Fishing! is a nationally recognized program that runs events throughout South Florida, including the Keys. Founded in 1997, it's designed to introduce women to all aspects of fishing — from knot-tying to offshore trolling. Their tournaments are part education, part competition, and entirely welcoming to beginners.

Events typically include shore-based seminars, on-the-water instruction, and a tournament day where participants fish aboard charter boats with experienced captains. Prizes are awarded across skill levels, so first-timers aren't competing against lifelong anglers. It's the perfect entry point into tournament fishing.

The Keys Women's Fishing Classic

Held annually in the Middle and Upper Keys, this tournament draws competitive women anglers from across the state. Categories typically include offshore species (sailfish, mahi, tuna), reef fish (snapper, grouper), and flats species (bonefish, permit). The format varies year to year, but it's consistently one of the best-run ladies tournaments in the region.

Marathon Ladies Dolphin Tournament

Based out of Marathon in the Middle Keys, this tournament focuses on dolphin (mahi-mahi) fishing — one of the most exciting offshore species to target. Marathon's proximity to deep water means short runs to the Gulfstream, making it ideal for a one-day tournament format. Teams of women head offshore at dawn and race to bring in the heaviest dolphin by weigh-in.

If you've ever wondered "are there women-only fishing tournaments in Marathon?" — this is your answer. It's competitive, it's fun, and the after-party is legendary.

Co-Ed Tournaments with Women's Divisions

Beyond ladies-only events, most major Florida Keys fishing tournaments now include women's divisions. This means you can compete against other women within a larger tournament field. Some of the best:

• Islamorada Sailfish Tournament — One of the most prestigious billfish tournaments in the Keys, with a dedicated women's angler category. Sailfish are released, and winners are determined by most releases.
• Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament — A historic Islamorada event with women's division awards for top female angler. Big-money prizes and serious competition.
• Marathon International Tarpon Tournament — Tarpon season in the Keys runs April through June, and this tournament in Marathon features women's categories. Tarpon fishing is pure adrenaline — these fish are 80-150 pounds of silver fury.
• Key West Marlin Tournament — If you want to chase blue marlin, this Key West event has women's categories and draws anglers from across the Caribbean.

Why Women's Fishing Is Booming in the Keys

The numbers tell the story. According to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, women represent the fastest-growing demographic in recreational fishing. In 2024, over 18 million women fished in the U.S. — a number that's been climbing steadily for a decade.

The Florida Keys are uniquely positioned for this growth. The variety of fishing — reef, offshore, flats, wreck, deep drop — means there's something for every experience level. You can do a relaxed half-day reef trip one day and chase sailfish in the Gulfstream the next. The charter infrastructure in Islamorada and Marathon makes it easy to find boats, captains, and crews who are experienced with women anglers and groups.

Social media has been a catalyst too. Instagram and TikTok are full of women anglers sharing catches, tournament wins, and offshore adventures from the Keys. It's normalizing something that never should have been unusual in the first place — women who fish hard and compete to win.

Tips for First-Time Tournament Anglers

1. Practice before you compete. Book a charter trip targeting the same species you'll fish in the tournament. Get comfortable with the tackle, the techniques, and the pace. A split charter is an affordable way to get reps in without booking the whole boat.
2. Know the rules. Every tournament has specific regulations — minimum sizes, release protocols, approved tackle, check-in times. Read the rules packet thoroughly. Violations can mean disqualification.
3. Dress for the job. Long-sleeve UV shirts, quality polarized sunglasses, waterproof sunscreen, non-slip shoes, and a good hat. You'll be on the water all day. Comfort matters more than fashion.
4. Build your team. Most tournaments allow or require teams. Fish with people you trust and communicate well with. A good crew makes the difference between chaos and coordination when a fish is on.
5. Start with a beginner-friendly event. Ladies, Let's Go Fishing! and similar programs are designed for exactly this. No shame in starting at the entry level — everyone did at some point.
6. Book your charter early. Tournament weekends fill up fast. If you need a captain and boat, book well in advance. Most Keys charter captains are happy to take tournament anglers and know the rules better than you do.

Get Tournament-Ready with Miss Penny

Whether you're preparing for your first tournament or want a girls' fishing trip in Islamorada, Miss Penny Charters is built for it. Our 43-foot Tiara Express runs out of Robbie's Marina with a full spread of tournament-grade tackle, an air-conditioned cabin, and a crew that knows these waters inside and out.

Our split charters are perfect for smaller groups who want to experience offshore fishing without booking a private trip. Or go all-in with a full-day private charter and target the same species you'll chase in competition — mahi, sailfish, tuna, and swordfish.

Looking for a bigger boat or a different experience? Our sister charter DirtyBoat Charters runs a 42-foot Liberty Express with hardcore offshore capability. For deep water specialists chasing Pulley Ridge, check out Just Cuz Fishing.