Spanish Fly Shark Tournament 2026
The Spanish Fly Shark Tournament is more than just a fishing competition—it's a celebration of community, conservation, and the enduring spirit of Captain Jose Wejebe. Inspired by Jose's role in producing the Madfin Shark Tournament—a made-for-TV event that broke the mold—we wanted to create something equally unique. With so many well-established tournaments already in the Florida Keys, our goal was never to compete for anglers or captains, but to offer something different.
That vision came to life with the Spanish Fly Shark Tournament. What began as a bull shark–focused event has grown into a diverse competition where teams pursue a variety of shark species including tiger, bull, lemon, blacktip, and nurse sharks. The tournament showcases the thrill of shark fishing while promoting ethical catch-and-release practices that keep these apex predators in the water where they belong.
Thanks to our partnership with Outdoor America, the tournament is now televised—bringing the excitement of the Florida Keys to a national audience, just like the Madfin series once did. This exposure not only highlights the skills of our anglers, but also shares our message of conservation and education with viewers everywhere.
Tournament Highlights
- Divisions: Offshore and Inshore, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards in each.
- Scoring: Points are earned for catch-and-release sharks with photo/video proof uploaded daily.
- Species Diversity: From the powerhouse tiger shark (worth up to 750 points on fly) to the smaller nurse shark—every catch counts.
- Fly Fishing Bonus: Special scoring rewards sharks landed on fly tackle, honoring Jose's passion for pushing the sport in new directions.
- Optional Calcutta: Cash buy-ins for added excitement, with a portion benefitting the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation.
- Proceeds with Purpose: Tournament proceeds support the Foundation, helping fulfill fishing dreams for foster kids, veterans, and families facing life-changing challenges.
Every release, every point, and every story from the water carries forward Jose's legacy. This tournament isn't just about who scores the most—it's about coming together as anglers, friends, and stewards of the ocean.
https://keywestsharktournament.com/