Florida Angler Wins March Merkin Tournament in Florida Keys Waters

KEY WEST, Fla. — David Magnum of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida caught and released two permit to capture the grand champion title at the 2025 March Merkin Permit Tournament that concluded March 13. 

Magnum won with two permit that measured 60 and 54 centimeters, for a combined total of 114 centimeters. Metric measurement is used in this tournament to conform with International Game Fish Association (IGFA) standards. 

Fishing with guide Greg Dini of Miami, Florida, Magnum captured the win in what is regarded as one of the most competitive catch-and-release permit tournaments in the world.

Hosted annually by the Lower Keys Guides Association (LKGA), the March Merkin has been a premier event since its inception in 2006. LKGA, a nonprofit organization, is committed to sustainable fisheries management and fostering a thriving sport-fishing community.

This year, anglers landed four permit throughout the event. “While that may sound like a low number, anglers reported plenty of opportunities—but this year, the fish were playing hard to get,” said Allison Delashmit, LKGA’s executive director.

The first runner-up angler (2nd place) was Jose Ucan of Punta Allen, Mexico. Guided by Justin Rea of Key West, Ucan released one permit that was the longest caught in the tournament at 69 centimeters.

The runner-up (3rd place) angler was Clint Packo from Littleton, Colorado. He caught one 28-centimeter permit fishing with guide Simon Becker of Cudjoe Key, Florida.  

A full roster of 25 teams competed in the 2025 March Merkin, including five first-time participants. This year marked the tournament’s 20th anniversary in Key West, solidifying its reputation as one of the most prestigious permit tournaments in the world, with a long waitlist of eager participants.

As well as providing a celebrated angling challenge, the tournament stages a silent auction that benefits the Lower Keys Guides Association and the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, which helps conserve and restore bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and habitats. 

Tournament director Jessyca LaBadie reported that the 2025 auction set a new event record by raising more than $74,000 for the two organizations. 

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