Florida Keys Sugarloaf Showdown Highlights Thriving Backcountry Fishery and Community Solidarity

Sugarloaf Key, Florida Keys — November 20, 2025 — In a testament to interest from visiting anglers and the tight-knit bonds of the Florida Keys fishing community, the 12th Annual Sugarloaf Showdown sold out all 30 boat slots and raised funds to support guides and their families facing hardship in the tournament that ended Nov. 15. 

The tournament, hosted by the Lower Keys Guides Association, drew 79 anglers and guides to the backcountry flats for two days of competitive catch-and-release fishing. Participants caught and released 138 fish across the flats in three targeted species, including 62 barracuda, 74 bonefish and two permit.

Fly division grand champion angler Stone Sacco scored 1,200 points, catching two of the three species fishing with guide Cameron Sharp. Spin division grand champion Zach Huff reeled in all three species with a total of 850 points, fishing with his father and guide Chad Huff.  

Youth grand champion angler David Ragsdale and his guide, Luke Benson – both age 11 – brought in one species with a tally of 100 points. 

“The healthy catch numbers showcase the vitality of the Florida Keys backcountry fishery and the success of conservation efforts the guides association has championed for years,” said Lower Keys Guides Association Executive Director Allison Delashmit. "But this tournament is about more than fishing – it's about taking care of both our waters and the guides who depend on them."

The tournament's online auction, combined with sponsorships and donations, raised funds for the Guides Trust Foundation, which provides financial assistance to Florida Keys fishing guides and their families during times of crisis such as illness, injury, or natural disaster. Organizers expect to exceed last year's total contribution of nearly $12,000 when final figures are tallied.

A special collection of guide-donated fishing trips honored the memory of Jacob and Carter Harnett, a fellow member of the Keys fishing community and his son, whose passing earlier this year deeply affected the industry. Proceeds from those auction items will go directly to support the Harnett family, reflecting the compassion and solidarity that define the angling community in the Lower Keys.

Full Tournament Results:

Youth Division Grand Champion Angler: David Ragsdale Grand Champion Guide: Luke Benson — 1 species, 100 points

Fly Division Grand Champion Angler: Stone Sacco Grand Champion Guide: Cameron Sharp — 2 species, 1200 points

1st Runner Up Anglers: Owen Weaver & Adam Compton 1st Runner Up Guide: Max Hamlin — 2 species, 1000 points

2nd Runner Up Anglers: Tony Murphy & Jeff Searcy 2nd Runner Up Guide: Brandon Cyr — 2 species, 900 points

Spin Division Grand Champion Angler: Zach Huff Grand Champion Guide: Chad Huff — 3 species, 850 points

1st Runner Up Angler: Pat Bennet 1st Runner Up Guide: Tim Carlile — 2 species, 1100 points

2nd Runner Up Anglers: Joe Gugino & Michael Brannon 2nd Runner Up Guide: Jared Cyr — 2 species, 1000 points

The tournament is made possible by the support of sponsors including Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Costa, Free Fly Apparel, Sugarloaf Lodge, Ocean Conservancy, Sugarloaf Marina and other local businesses.

High-resolution photos and captions are available at this link.

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