Star Studded Charity Fishing Tournament

The 9th annual World Sailfish Championship, set April 12-16 in beautiful Key West, expects to hit $2 million for charity and award $1 million to anglers in the prestigious competition.

Thousands are expected to attend the star-studded event taking place over five days and based in Mallory Square.

Among the celebrities expected to attend or compete are former Miami Dolphins and Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, legendary saltwater Capt. Norm Isaacs, newly inducted Hall of Fame wrestler "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds, revered fly-fisherman Stu Apte and many others.

The World Sailfish Championship is the world's most high-profile fishing tournament. Teams will fish 3 days, Wednesday and Thursday, April 13-14, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The tournament is a catch-and-release format with video documentation required for review.

Following a day off to prepare for the final round, teams will depart Saturday, April 16, for the last competition day. At stake will be cash awards, gold rings created by Josten's and a one-of-a-kind custom Iona crystal trophy. Teams are expected to attend from New York, Michigan, Alabama, Texas, Florida, Costa Rica, Guatemala and elsewhere.

Charities benefiting from the World Sailfish Championship include the Don Shula Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, Camp Boggy Creek, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Key West.

"We are very excited about breaking the $2 million mark for charity this year and we could not have done this without the generosity of our anglers, sponsors, contributors and volunteers," said Chris King, Chairman of the World Fishing Tour. "The goal of this event has always been to raise money for charity, show our anglers a great time and provide a world class venue for sponsors to showcase their products."

Team Barefoot, owned by Jim Sullivan and captained by Kris McKenney, won the 2010 World Sailfish Championship with 24 releases during the tournament. They edged Team Lights Out, owned by Bill Haugland and captained by Chester Sims, which released 23 sailfish.

For more information visit: www.worldsailfish.com.