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Homeadmin2024-10-21T13:07:21-04:00

The first of the “big three” tarpon tournaments held each year in Islamorada, Florida during the famed tarpon migration, The Golden Fly attracts top fly anglers and world class guides to test their skills in this 3 day, invitational only, fly fishing tournament.

The 30th Golden Fly Invitational Tarpon Tournament will be held May 18-21, 2025. The tournament will launch from the Lorelei Restaurant and Marina in Islamorada, Florida. Tournament winners receive custom art and sculpture from notable wildlife artists as well as the latest gear and apparel from the premier fly fishing brands in the industry.

OUR SPONSORS

Please support our generous sponsors.

#GOLDENFLYTARPONTOURNAMENT

Follow us on Instagram and share your adventures with us using the hashtag #goldenflytarpontournament.

goldenflytarpontournament

May 24

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Thanks for making us look good 😎 for the third year in a row⚡️ @marshwearclothing @jmartinez_art

#tarpon #tarpononfly #goldenflytarpontournament #islamorada #floridakeys #lorelei #marshwearclothing

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Thanks for making us look good 😎 for the third year in a row⚡️ @marshwearclothing @jmartinez_art

#tarpon #tarpononfly #goldenflytarpontournament #islamorada #floridakeys #lorelei #marshwearclothing ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 24

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What a week for this team!! Persevered through every unique challenge that came their way! Congratulations to the 2024 Golden Fly Best New Angler Matt Kern @trufflepig36 fishing with Captain Mike Alfano @captain_mike_alfano to earn a custom handbuilt rod from @randytowehandmaderods and @islamoradafishingoutfitters

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What a week for this team!! Persevered through every unique challenge that came their way! Congratulations to the 2024 Golden Fly Best New Angler Matt Kern @trufflepig36 fishing with Captain Mike Alfano @captain_mike_alfano to earn a custom handbuilt rod from @randytowehandmaderods and @islamoradafishingoutfitters ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 24

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Congratulations to Tim O’Brien @obrientimm and Captain Pauly Ross @_paul_ross_ on earning the 2024 Ricky Moeller Memorial trophy for most releases in the 2024 Golden Fly!!

@chris_bladen_sculpture
@yeti
@marshwearclothing

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Congratulations to Tim O’Brien @obrientimm and Captain Pauly Ross @_paul_ross_ on earning the 2024 Ricky Moeller Memorial trophy for most releases in the 2024 Golden Fly!!

@chris_bladen_sculpture
@yeti
@marshwearclothing ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 24

It certainly wasn’t the only giant they tangled with this week…but their 139 pound tarpon on day two earned them the 2024 Golden Fly Billy Pate Memorial Trophy for Largest Tarpon! Congratulations Ed Young @ed_young and Captain Richard Black @blackflycharters!!

@chris_bladen_sculpture
@yeti
@marshwearclothing

It certainly wasn’t the only giant they tangled with this week…but their 139 pound tarpon on day two earned them the 2024 Golden Fly Billy Pate Memorial Trophy for Largest Tarpon! Congratulations Ed Young @ed_young and Captain Richard Black @blackflycharters!!

@chris_bladen_sculpture
@yeti
@marshwearclothing ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 24

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From best new angler in 2023…to Third Runner Up in the 2024 Golden Fly!! Congratulations to Wesley Locke @wesleylocke and Captain Brandon Cyr @brandoncyrkw on an impressive team debut this year! A strap a day will keep you in play!!!

@notemapez
@yeti
@marshwearclothing

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From best new angler in 2023…to Third Runner Up in the 2024 Golden Fly!! Congratulations to Wesley Locke @wesleylocke and Captain Brandon Cyr @brandoncyrkw on an impressive team debut this year! A strap a day will keep you in play!!!

@notemapez
@yeti
@marshwearclothing ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 24

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Always bringing the heat!! Congratulations to Rich Garcia @richgarcia4 and Captain Louis Cortes @capt_louie on their 2nd Runner Up place in the 2024 Golden Fly! With THREE straps on day three this awesome pair certainly set the pace for this years field!!

@jmartinez_art
@yeti
@marshwearclothing

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Always bringing the heat!! Congratulations to Rich Garcia @richgarcia4 and Captain Louis Cortes @capt_louie on their 2nd Runner Up place in the 2024 Golden Fly! With THREE straps on day three this awesome pair certainly set the pace for this years field!!

@jmartinez_art
@yeti
@marshwearclothing ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 24

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From best new angler in 2022…to First Runner Up in 2024!!! Bringing in FOUR straps and one release fish on day three made for quite the dramatic finish this year!! Congratulations to Chalmers Allen @chalmersallen_ and Captain Jayce Chamizo @jaycechamizo the 2024 Golden Fly 1st Runner Up team!!

@jmartinez_art
@yeti
@marshwearclothing

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From best new angler in 2022…to First Runner Up in 2024!!! Bringing in FOUR straps and one release fish on day three made for quite the dramatic finish this year!! Congratulations to Chalmers Allen @chalmersallen_ and Captain Jayce Chamizo @jaycechamizo the 2024 Golden Fly 1st Runner Up team!!

@jmartinez_art
@yeti
@marshwearclothing ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 24

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This great team brought home the win in 2019…and again in 2024!
Cheers to Ryan Seiders @ryan_cvj and Captain Rob Fordyce @theseahuntertv on their second Golden Fly win!

@chris_bladen_sculpture
@yeti
@marshwearclothing

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This great team brought home the win in 2019…and again in 2024!
Cheers to Ryan Seiders @ryan_cvj and Captain Rob Fordyce @theseahuntertv on their second Golden Fly win!

@chris_bladen_sculpture
@yeti
@marshwearclothing ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 22

Congratulations to the entire 2024 Golden Fly field! Great fishing! Amazing camaraderie!

Cheers to the 2024 Golden Fly Grand Champions Ryan Seiders @ryan_cvj and Captain Rob Fordyce @theseahuntertv

More to come from tonight’s Awards Ceremony at @islanderresort✨

Congratulations to the entire 2024 Golden Fly field! Great fishing! Amazing camaraderie!

Cheers to the 2024 Golden Fly Grand Champions Ryan Seiders @ryan_cvj and Captain Rob Fordyce @theseahuntertv

More to come from tonight’s Awards Ceremony at @islanderresort✨ ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 21

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Sunshine=straps!
Congratulations to the entire field on a great day of fishing!!

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Sunshine=straps!
Congratulations to the entire field on a great day of fishing!! ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 21

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376 lighting strikes⚡️
4 weight fish caught!
16 releases!!
Impressive day one for the 2024 Golden Fly!!

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376 lighting strikes⚡️
4 weight fish caught!
16 releases!!
Impressive day one for the 2024 Golden Fly!! ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 25

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Congratulations to @evan.carruthers and @flywater_expeditions…the 2023 Golden Fly Grand Champions!! What a day three to bring home the win!

@marshwearclothing @yeti @costasunglasses @papaspilar @kingsailfishmounts @islamoradafishingoutfitters @chris_bladen_sculpture @jmartinez_art @kkrebeckart @islamoradafishingclub

#tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada #floridakeys

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Congratulations to @evan.carruthers and @flywater_expeditions…the 2023 Golden Fly Grand Champions!! What a day three to bring home the win!

@marshwearclothing @yeti @costasunglasses @papaspilar @kingsailfishmounts @islamoradafishingoutfitters @chris_bladen_sculpture @jmartinez_art @kkrebeckart @islamoradafishingclub

#tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada #floridakeys ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 24

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Day two of the 2023 Golden Fly did not disappoint!!
14 weight fish caught today by this fine field!
Tomorrow could be one for the record books🙌
Good luck to all!!

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada #floridakeys

@marshwearclothing @yeti @costasunglasses @kingsailfishmounts @islamoradafishingoutfitters @islamoradafishingclub

.
Day two of the 2023 Golden Fly did not disappoint!!
14 weight fish caught today by this fine field!
Tomorrow could be one for the record books🙌
Good luck to all!!

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada #floridakeys

@marshwearclothing @yeti @costasunglasses @kingsailfishmounts @islamoradafishingoutfitters @islamoradafishingclub ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 22

What an amazing first day of the 2023 Golden Fly!!
Congratulations to @ryan_cvj and @theseahuntertv on their impressive 143.5 lb weight fish today!!
Good luck to all on day two tomorrow!

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada #floridakeys

@marshwearclothing @costasunglasses @kingsailfishmounts @yeti @papaspilar @islamoradafishingoutfitters

What an amazing first day of the 2023 Golden Fly!!
Congratulations to @ryan_cvj and @theseahuntertv on their impressive 143.5 lb weight fish today!!
Good luck to all on day two tomorrow!

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada #floridakeys

@marshwearclothing @costasunglasses @kingsailfishmounts @yeti @papaspilar @islamoradafishingoutfitters ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 27

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The tournament recognized a Best New Angler for the first time this year. Chalmers Allen @chalmersallen_ handily earned this recognition by catching a weight fish and two releases…on day 1!!

Thank you @randytowehandmaderods and @islamoradafishingoutfitters for sponsoring this new award with a stunning, custom, handmade rod!

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada

.
The tournament recognized a Best New Angler for the first time this year. Chalmers Allen @chalmersallen_ handily earned this recognition by catching a weight fish and two releases…on day 1!!

Thank you @randytowehandmaderods and @islamoradafishingoutfitters for sponsoring this new award with a stunning, custom, handmade rod!

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 27

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That Papas Pilar vibe!!
Fishing may have been challenging, but #theresrumforthat thanks to our friends @papaspilar

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #NeverASpectator #islamorada

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That Papas Pilar vibe!!
Fishing may have been challenging, but #theresrumforthat thanks to our friends @papaspilar

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #NeverASpectator #islamorada ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 27

.
Their big fish strategy not only earned Bart Knellinger @bartknellinger and Bear Holeman @bearholeman Grand Champion honors…but also the 2022 Golden Fly Largest Tarpon Billy Pate Memorial award!

Thank you @kingsailfishmounts for helping us honor the memory of our predecessors and heroes so beautifully🏆✨

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada #kingsailfishmounts

@yeti @marshwearclothing @costasunglasses @papaspilar

.
Their big fish strategy not only earned Bart Knellinger @bartknellinger and Bear Holeman @bearholeman Grand Champion honors…but also the 2022 Golden Fly Largest Tarpon Billy Pate Memorial award!

Thank you @kingsailfishmounts for helping us honor the memory of our predecessors and heroes so beautifully🏆✨

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada #kingsailfishmounts

@yeti @marshwearclothing @costasunglasses @papaspilar ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 27

.
For the second year in a row….congratulations to Tim O’Brien @obrientimm and Capt. Bret Greco @grecosonthefly for the most releases to win the 2022 Rick Moeller Most Releases Memorial Honor!

Thank you to our amazing friends @kingsailfishmounts for our custom memorial trophies!

#kingsailfishmounts #releasemounts #goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada

@yeti @marshwearclothing @costasunglasses @papaspilar

.
For the second year in a row….congratulations to Tim O’Brien @obrientimm and Capt. Bret Greco @grecosonthefly for the most releases to win the 2022 Rick Moeller Most Releases Memorial Honor!

Thank you to our amazing friends @kingsailfishmounts for our custom memorial trophies!

#kingsailfishmounts #releasemounts #goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada

@yeti @marshwearclothing @costasunglasses @papaspilar ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 27

.
2022 Golden Fly Grand Champions ➡️ Bart Knellinger @bartknellinger and Captain Bear Holeman @bearholeman

1st Runner Up➡️ Chalmers Allen @chalmersallen_ and Capt. Jayce Chamizo @jaycechamizo

2nd Runner Up➡️ Baker Bishop @baker_bishop and Capt. Alonzo Sotillo @tidesright_charters

3rd Runner Up➡️ Scott Christian @tarpona11ey and Capt. Chad Huff @capt_chad_huff

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada

@yeti @marshwearclothing @costasunglasses @papaspilar @chris_bladen_sculpture @kingsailfishmounts @jmartinez_art @tim_borski @notemapez

.
2022 Golden Fly Grand Champions ➡️ Bart Knellinger @bartknellinger and Captain Bear Holeman @bearholeman

1st Runner Up➡️ Chalmers Allen @chalmersallen_ and Capt. Jayce Chamizo @jaycechamizo

2nd Runner Up➡️ Baker Bishop @baker_bishop and Capt. Alonzo Sotillo @tidesright_charters

3rd Runner Up➡️ Scott Christian @tarpona11ey and Capt. Chad Huff @capt_chad_huff

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada

@yeti @marshwearclothing @costasunglasses @papaspilar @chris_bladen_sculpture @kingsailfishmounts @jmartinez_art @tim_borski @notemapez ...

goldenflytarpontournament

May 25

.
Congratulations to Bart Knellinger @bartknellinger and Capt. Bear Holeman @bearholeman for winning the 2022 Golden Fly! Two solid weight fish earned this team top honors this year!! Cheers gentleman!

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada

@yeti @marshwearclothing @costasunglasses @papaspilar @kingsailfishmounts @chittum_skiffs @chris_bladen_sculpture @jmartinez_art @tim_borski

.
Congratulations to Bart Knellinger @bartknellinger and Capt. Bear Holeman @bearholeman for winning the 2022 Golden Fly! Two solid weight fish earned this team top honors this year!! Cheers gentleman!

#goldenflytarpontournament #tarpon #tarpononfly #islamorada

@yeti @marshwearclothing @costasunglasses @papaspilar @kingsailfishmounts @chittum_skiffs @chris_bladen_sculpture @jmartinez_art @tim_borski ...

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