The 2024 MARCH MERKIN INVITATIONAL PERMIT TOURNAMENT dates are March 11-14, 2024.
The tournament events are being held at Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina and each fishing day starts and ends at Oceans Edge Resort & Marina. Oceans Edge is located at 5950 Peninsular Avenue on Stock Island.
On each fishing day, anglers should check in at Marina dock at 7:00 AM. Boats may leave the dock at 8:00 am and begin fishing anytime thereafter. Fishing ends at 4:30 pm. Boats must return to the Marina and check in at the scorekeeper’s table by 5:30 pm.
Please note that to-go lunch will be handed out each fishing day for tournament participants. No box breakfasts are provided. There will be coffee and pastries available at lunch pick-up.
Also, the rules require that each fish be photographed with a digital camera which must be provided by the Angler or the Guide. At the close of each fishing day, a Daily Catch Form, marked tape and tagging data sheet must be submitted to the Scorekeeper if one or more fish are caught.
The Scorekeeper must also be shown a photograph on the screen of the digital camera of the fish on the IGFA measuring device in proper place.
All proceeds from the tournament after the deduction of direct tournament costs will be donated to the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and to the Lower Keys Guides Association.
The members of the Tournament Rules Committee are: John O’Hearn, Scott Christian, Doug Kilpatrick, Don Gable, Scott Christian, and Clint Packo.
The Scorekeepers are: LKGA Tournament Subcommittee members
Monday, March 11th – This is a practice fishing day. Captain’s meeting is at 6PM. The silent auction will open at 6PM. Please visit Permit2024.givesmart.com to register, view and bid on our items.
Tuesday, March 12th – Following fishing there will be Hors D’oeuvers and cash bar for participants.
Wednesday, March 13th – Following fishing there will be Hors D’oeuvers and cash bar for participants.
Thursday, March 14th – Following fishing there will be an awards banquet for participants. Awards will be immediately following last boat in.
Awards
Grand Champion
Guide to Grand Champion
1st Runner-Up
Guide to 1st Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
Guide to 2nd Runner-Up
Largest Permit
Guide to Largest Permit