Nestled in the fishing capital of the world, the IFC offers novice and expert fishermen alike a place to experience camaraderie like no other. 

If you like fishing and care about the future of our fisheries and environment, you are bound to meet like-minded people from all walks of life brought together by their passion for fishing and conservation at the Islamorada Fishing Club.

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Dear Members,

Thank you to all equity members who voted in this past election. Our current board members have been re-elected and they will continue to do a great job for the club.

Now that it is high season, we strongly recommend that all members make Dinner reservations, as far in advance as possible, or at a minimum of 24 to 48 hours in advance. We will gratefully accept last minute reservations with time and space availability being considered.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite our current members to our Annual Meeting on March 27th at 6 pm This is an opportunity to meet your newly appointed officers, here the status of the club and have a brief overview of the past year.

Immediately following our annual meeting there will be a Member Appreciation Party. This will be a members only event.

Construction progress is continuing as we finish up the exterior stucco and painting, electrical and plumbing rough-ins and get ready for drywall. You can see photos of the progress in our latest edition of the IFC ShortCast.

Once again, thank you to all our equity members who cast their ballots for our board of directors.

The results are in and the current board was re-elected.

I look forward to working alongside them to continue our efforts to provide our members with a great temporary location and an exciting future in our new building.

President: Joe Roth
1st Vice President: Ken Gentes
2nd Vice President: Allen Wood
Treasurer: Audra Hill-Wallace
Secretary: Cheryl Culberson
Membership: Tom Bray
Fishing: Steve Leopold & Dave Denkert, Roger Young, Patti Stanley, Chris Trentine, & Pete Pehrson

Sincerely,

Vinnie Feola
General Manager
Islamorada Fishing Club

Dear IFC Members,

Recently, IFC sent out a survey to the membership and received some great input from the membership. Many respondents commented that they would like to have an outlet to be able to make meaningful contributions to a charity that aligns with the IFC ideals of sport fishing, conservation of our marine resources and habitats, enjoyment of our local waters.

Many years ago, Islamorada Fishing and Conservations Trust (IFACT) was established by a few of our IFC Board members to raise funds for these aligning causes and for many years IFACT provided scholarships for youth who aspired to have a career in a marine field ranging from a biologist, a fishing captain, or any other such related field. IFACT also aided working captains in their time of need. IFACT raised awareness regarding rules and regulations and provided opportunities for education.

It is clear from the survey results that IFC needs to be a conduit to facilitate IFACT’s mission and as a result the IFC Board has entered into a lease agreement with IFACT to provide use and access to our new building for IFACT fundraising efforts and events. In return, the lease provides that IFACT will be responsible for funding a portion of the interior improvements and build out of the new IFC building. To accomplish the build out, IFACT will receive donations from IFC members and the public alike and IFACT will be able to grant legacy naming rights to portions of the new building recognizing those contributions. As IFACT is a 501C3, these deductions will be tax deductible.

This arrangement will not impact any IFC member’s use of our new facility but rather it will enhance the experience with tournaments and event evenings that will not close the club in its entirety and will be open to any member who decides to participate.

IFC strongly encourages our membership to consider the donation opportunities available through IFACT that will secure them a permanent place for their organization and keep them going forward as the IFC charity of choice. At the same time, these donations are absolutely vital to aid in the completion of our new building and all members are encouraged to participate in these opportunities.

You may direct questions via email to Vinnie Feola and/or Joe Roth:
jroth@reganroth.com
vinnie@theislamoradafishingclub.com

Sincerely,

Joe Roth,
President IFC Board

The Islamorada Fishing Club welcomed 46 anglers for the Islamorada Fishing Club Captain's Cup Sailfish Tournament on January 15th.

In the nail-biting competition 12 teams released a total of 68 Sails. The first hook up was only 4 minutes after the committee boat called lines in the water. The sailfish were rising in packs, with eleven multiple hook ups called in throughout the day. With only 18 minutes to go Main One, Kalex, Skipjac, Killbox and Back in Business were all tied with 8 releases and the Back in Business was still fighting the second fish of a double header. Back in business’ IFC Member, captain Robert Collins called in the release of the second fish at 3:48 propelling the team into first place. Anglers John Watson of Parkland, FL, Matt McLean from Naples, FL along with IFC Member Audrey Koocher and Brooks Gregory from Islamorada took home the Grand Champion trophies sponsored by Caribee Boat Sales and Yamaha Outboards along with a check for $12,000.00.

Returning to the dock in second place with eight sailfish releases on time was Captain Marty Lewis of Marathon, Florida, at the helm of Main One/Main Attraction. Baker Mitchell Plumbing and CBT Construction sponsored the team’s second-place awards, The anglers were Mark Busch from West Lake, Ohio; Mike Cangemi from Jupiter, FL; Ben Zdan from Marathon, FL, and Islamorada Florida resident Danny Lombardo.

Third place trophies sponsored by Regan Roth insurance and Travis Bennett DDS, were awarded to Captain Alex Adler of Islamorada and his crew aboard Kalex. The team included Indiana anglers Chris and Sam Chastain, Allen Sutkowski and Nathan Burns, with eight sailfish releases on time.

The Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament is the second leg of the annual three-event Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship series. The series leader is currently Killbox with 17 sailfish releases followed by Skipjac Fishing Team with 16 and Back in Business with 15.

Festivities were held in the club’s temporary location while their gorgeous new building is being built. The Islamorada Fishing Clubs Captains Cup Dolphin tournament will be held June 26th, 2025. More information can be found on the web site www.theislamoradafishingclub.com.