Greetings from IGFA! We are excited to bring you this update on the 2006 ROLEX/ IGFA Inshore Championship Tournament. Please find attached the list of tournaments approved as qualifying events for the ROLEX/IGFA Inshore Championship Tournamentscheduled for July 9 - 12, 2006 in Islamorada, Florida. These tournaments represent over 2,500 anglers, 8 countries and 14 states.

Islamorada in the Florida Keys, "fishing capital of the world", will once again be the site of the championship. The beautiful Islander Resort with its panoramic view of the Atlantic has been chosen for the third year as host resort and headquarters for the championship. When you mix the bountiful flats of the Keys, the amenities of the Islander, the unmatched facilities of Worldwide Sportsman and the Islamorada Fish Company coupled with the world’s best light tackle and fly fishermen and guides you truly have a world class event.

There have been questions from several of the qualifying tournaments and anglers that apply to everyone. The following is an update:

1. The Rolex/IGFA championship will be a 3-day fishing event. Any practice days will be at the expense of the angler. (guide list on request)
2. We will have a fleet of flats boats (backcountry types) and professional guides selected for the tournament. A drawing will be held Sunday evening at the Captains' Reception for the guides for each angler. Anglers will change boats/guides each day in this rotating format.
3. The cost will be $1800. This includes the registration fee, three days of fishing with boat and guide, angler bag, and all social events. Social event passes for family and guests are available for entire package ($150) or single event ($50).
4. All anglers must be pre-registered with the IGFA by April 15, 2006. All fees must be paid in full before an angler competes in the Rolex/IGFA Inshore Championship.
5. The weather in July is almost perfect, with temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees. Please don’t forget your polarized sunglasses, hats and sunscreen for the Florida Keys sun! A light raincoat is always a good idea for passing showers.
6. All Championship Tournament events are casual, including the awards party.
7. Hotel expense and meals, other than those at the social events are the responsibility of the angler. The Islander Resort offers all Rolex/IGFA Championship Tournament guests ' special room rates July 2 - 16, 2006.

Studio Lanai Villa's - $99 - $129 per night

Ocean Front One Bedroom Suites - $169 - $225 per night

Reservations should be made as early as possible for choice room selections. Please contact The Islander Resort anytime Monday through Friday and ask for Shannon O'Berry, Reservations Manager at 1-800-753-6002. Please identify yourself as Rolex/IGFA Championship Tournament guests.

1. Targeted species are Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Redfish and Snook in this 100% release format . . . A point system will be used with points allocated based on the use of fly, bait, or artificial lures. Florida State regulations apply on lengths of each species with the exception of tarpon (36"). Complete rules will be included in the next update.
2. Good tackle will be available for the angler, or the angler may bring his/her own tackle.
3. There will be a Grand Champion, the angler who accumulates most number of points for all targeted species (5). The angler catching the most slams and/or largest portion wins. There will also be a Total Release Champion, the angler who accumulates the most overall points regardless of species within the three divisions. There is also a Runner-up Grand Champion and Runner-up Release Champion. These four categories will earn Rolex watches, trophies and merchandise. There are also trophies and merchandise for the top divisional winners - fly, spin and bait - as well as the top three guides.
4. For those of you not familiar with the Florida Keys, summer is a beautiful time with temperatures in the 80-95° range and light winds. In the spirit of the Keys, all events will be casual. Anglers are encouraged to wear shirts from the club or tournaments you are representing.

We wish to thank the following sponsors for their generous support towards last year’s Rolex/IGFA Inshore Championship:

The IGFA staff, trustees, representatives and a host of volunteers are looking forward to hosting you at ICT 2006. Please contact Michael Myatt or Denise Hartman at (954) 927-2628 with any questions or comments. Until the next update – Good Fishing

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