Registration Opens for the 13th Annual Sugarloaf Showdown Fishing Tournament

SUGARLOAF KEY, Fla. (July 30, 2026) — One of the Florida Keys' favorite fall fishing traditions is back. Registration for the 13th Annual Sugarloaf Showdown opens Saturday, August 1, and if last year is any indication, anglers won't want to wait. In 2025, the tournament reached capacity in less than 48 hours, with a healthy waitlist quickly forming for teams hoping to get on the water.

Hosted by the Lower Keys Guides Association (LKGA), the Sugarloaf Showdown has grown from a small, homegrown tournament designed to bring anglers to the Lower Keys during the quieter fall season into one of the region's most anticipated fishing events. Known for combining friendly competition with community and a shared love for the Florida Keys flats fishery.

Registration will open exclusively to current LKGA members from August 1 through August 14. If space remains available, registration will open to the general public beginning August 15.

The Sugarloaf Showdown is a catch-and-release tournament featuring bonefish, permit, and barracuda, with both fly and spin anglers competing for top honors. A dedicated youth division also recognizes the next generation of anglers, making the tournament a favorite for fishing families and helping inspire future stewards of the Florida Keys fishery.

"The Sugarloaf Showdown has always been about more than the fishing," said Jessyca LaBadie, Tournament Director and Operations Manager of the Lower Keys Guides Association. "It's a chance for our community to come together, spend time on the water with family and friends, and celebrate the incredible fishery that makes the Lower Keys so special. Every year we're humbled by the enthusiasm surrounding this tournament, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back this November."

Proceeds from the tournament’s online auction will once again benefit the Guides Trust Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Florida Keys fishing guides and their families during times of crisis. Last year, the Foundation provided financial assistance to multiple Lower Keys guides who were sidelined for months by serious medical issues, helping ease the burden while they focused on recovery.

The 13th Annual Sugarloaf Showdown will take place November 12–14, 2026, beginning with check-in and a rules meeting on Thursday evening, followed by two days of fishing and an awards celebration on Saturday.

The tournament entry fee is $350 per boat. With last year's tournament reaching capacity in less than 48 hours, anglers are encouraged to register early. Complete registration details, tournament rules, eligibility requirements, and the online registration form are available at SugarloafShowdown.com.

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