ESPN Saltwater

Buoyed by optimistic reports of prime-time fishing, 32 of the top fly- and light-tackle champions, derived from a variety of qualifying tournaments held in 2008, will descend upon picturesque Islamorada, Fla., for the 2009 Florida Keys Outfiiters IGFA Inshore World Championship this week.

What the Bassmaster Classic is to bass fishing, this tournament is to inshore saltwater fishing. To boot, the prestige is matched with the handsome backdrop of Islamorada, considered an angler's paradise. With tournament director Sandy Moret, owner of the Florida Keys Outfitters, predicting prime conditions, the championship event is poised to offer anglers with a bevy of strategy options.

It's kind of like choosing from a ritzy desert menu. Everything looks good and you're not quite sure you are going to be able to choose just one. Five species — tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and redfish — will be in play for the participants, which will be divided into two divisions, fly and light tackle. Anglers will receive varying degrees of points for each species and additional points for all SLAMS — catching all five species — landed. A grand champion will be awarded in each division.

"This event is the pinnacle of all the events I fish," said Mark Cooper, ex-Denver Bronco and frequent participant on the Redbone Series. "The thing about it is that Islamorada has so much to offer. It's centrally-located and the options are limitless. Some anglers will run to Biscane Bay and some will go to Marathon. Some will go to the West side of Florida. Guys will make three-hours runs if they know they have the right spot. There is so much to think about."

With ESPN aboard — the tournament has been integrated into the ESPN Outdoors Saltwater Series presented by TakeMeFishing.org — and its multi-media platforms, the media attention should be robust exposing the premier tournament to new eyes. ESPNOutdoors.com will be the coverage home for the event and will include daily stories accompanied with video in addition to photo galleries.

Of the 32 competitors, the pre-tournament favorite would be Robert Collins. He is the defending champion of this event and is fresh off scoring victory at the IGFA Offshore World Championship.

"I'll approach it the same as in past years," said Collins. "Deciding which species I can get in the least amount of time and go from there."

Like most anglers, Collins is a proponent of a recent change executed by the IGFA. Instead of experiencing a rotating set of guides, competitors will be paired with one guide who will last throughout the competition allowing them to develop a sound strategy and perhaps most important, a strong rapport.

"It really comes down to the guide, the weather and the tides," said Cooper. "Finding the easiest species to pick off and then moving on. The weather will dictate how you approach things. But working as a team with the guide and having the same person with you all three days allows you to work as a team and really establish a groove."

The scoring standard is as follows:

Minimum Length by Species:

Bonefish — 18"
Tarpon — 36"
Permit — 18"
Snook — 24"
Redfish — 18"

Light Tackle Championship Points

Fly Points