5th Annual Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament

The Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament is a two-day, fly fishing-only, catch & release redfish tournament with an optional Snook Calcutta with a 50/50 cash payout to be held on February 14th and February 15th, 2025.  The tournament is limited to 60 teams or 120 anglers total.

The two-day, photo submission format will make it possible for fisherman in this entire range to participate.  The proceeds from entry fees, 50% of the Snook Calcutta and raffle tickets purchases directly benefit Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and their mission to advocate for clean water.

Target Species: Redfish and Snook

Boundaries: The fishing boundaries are the west coast of Florida from the Southern Tip of Sanibel Island to the Southern Edge of the Crystal River Power Plant Main Channel.

​Early Registration for Returning Anglers Opens Oct 25h, General Opens Registration Nov 8th

2025 Schedule of Events

Thursday, February 13th

MANDATORY VIRTUAL CAPTAIN’S MEETING: 7pm

Only one member of each team must attend.  Format and rules will be discussed and any questions answered.  The link to the zoom will be provided by email.

Friday, February 14th

LINES IN at 7:00 AM

LINES OUT at 4:00 PM

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Saturday, February 15th

LINES IN at 7:00 AM

LINES OUT at 3:00 PM

The earlier “lines out” time is intended to accommodate travel time to the awards ceremony.

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AWARDS DINNER at 5:30 PM

Anglers must check in by 6:30 PM to be eligible for awards.  The Waterman culminates on February 17th in an Awards Banquet at the Bradenton Yacht Club with a can’t-miss Raffle made possible by our generous sponsors. A limited amount of guest tickets to the Awards Banquet are available for purchase for $65.00.