Swamp Guides Ball to Celebrate Backcountry Angling Jan. 31 Through Feb. 1 in Islamorada

The fun-filled backcountry fishing challenge known as the Swamp Guides Ball is set for Jan. 31 through Feb. 1 in Islamorada. The 35th annual all-release tournament targets redfish, snook and bonefish.

All anglers are welcome to compete and are not required to hire a professional guide to participate. Many Keys backcountry guides climb down from their poling platforms and pick up fishing rods each year to join fellow angling competitors.

Headquartered at the Safe Harbor Angler House, mile marker 80.5, the event benefits the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Foundation and the Guides Trust Foundation — organizations that assist fishing guides who can’t work because of serious injury or illness.

The registration and kick-off party is set for Friday, Jan. 31, at the host location, beginning at 5 p.m. with the pick-up of scoring packets and measuring devices. Participants can enjoy refreshments, visit the online silent auction and listen to live music.

The online auction is to feature fishing and boating gear, artwork, guided fishing trips and other items that appeal to anglers and landlubbers alike. Tournament participants and the public can start bidding on items when the auction link, 32auctions.com/SGB2025, goes live Jan. 29, according to organizers.

Lines-in for anglers is 7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, and they can launch from anywhere between Key Largo and Marathon, excluding Flamingo. Lines-out is to be called at 3 p.m. and final check-in with the scorekeeper is set for 5 p.m.

The awards “ball” begins Saturday at 6 p.m. with cocktails, followed by the awards program at 7 p.m. at Safe Harbor Angler House.

Tournament registration information can be found at fkfga.org/swamp-guides-ball/#!form/2025SGB. Entry fee is $400 per two-angler boat team, $200 per two-angler youth (age 17 and under) team and $300 for a team of junior angler plus adult.

Tournament information: fkfga.org/swamp-guides-ball/#!form/2025SGB

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