Save The Date: Spanish Fly Shark Tournament April 8-10th 2027

Last Updated: August 31, 2026By Tags: ,

Save the Date: Shark Tournament:
April 8th-10th 2027

4th Annual Spanish Fly Shark Tournament

The Spanish Fly Shark Tournament is more than a fishing competition—it’s a celebration of community, conservation, and the enduring legacy of Captain Jose Wejebe.

Inspired by Jose’s passion for fishing, conservation, and bringing people together on the water, the Spanish Fly Shark Tournament was created to offer something different in the Florida Keys. What began as a bull shark–focused event has grown into a unique competition celebrating a variety of shark species and the anglers who pursue them.

Now in its 4th year, the tournament continues to bring together anglers, captains, families, and friends for an unforgettable experience on the water. Teams compete in both offshore and inshore divisions while practicing ethical catch-and-release fishing that keeps these incredible apex predators in our waters.

At the heart of the tournament is purpose. Proceeds support the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation, helping make fishing dreams come true for foster children, veterans, and families facing life-changing challenges.

Every shark released, every story shared, and every person brought together on the water helps carry Jose’s legacy forward.

More details, registration information, rules, and tournament updates coming soon.

This is more than fishing. It’s legacy, connection, conservation, and healing on the water.

Tournament Event Details

Pre-registration available for $475 until March 27, 2025 online ONLY

Rules & Information

Pre-registration available for $475 until March 27, 2025 online ONLY

April 3 on site $500 Cash, Checks, or Online. Checks made payable to Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation

No entries will be accepted after the conclusion of the mandatory Captain’s Meeting Thursday, April 3 at 7pm

Additional social passes for Award Ceremony and Dinner can be purchased

All competing boat owners/operators are required to possess a valid HMS Permit, with Shark Endorsement. This permit covers all team members aboard each vessel. HMS Permits with Shark Endorsement must be submitted at the mandatory captains meeting in-order to compete.

Required HMS Permit, with Shark Endorsement can be obtained at hmspermits.noaa.gov. The process takes approximately 45min, and costs $26.

All participation anglers must possess a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License, where required.

Teams may include a max of 4 anglers excluding the captain. Captains are not required to be USCG qualified. Captains are permitted to fish.

Only competing team members aboard each vessel are permitted to fish.

No changes or substitutions are permitted except for the captain if he is not fishing. Members of the Tournament Rules Committee are not eligible to compete.

For registration, scoring, and check-in purposes, competing teams are required to use the WPTM via https://jwsfmf.profishingtournaments.com. There will be a tutorial available online and at the Captain’s Meeting.

Multiple anglers can log their catch on their phones if they have a WPTM account and must be linked to their team. This will also be covered in the tutorial.

The Spanish Fly Shark Tournament will consist of an inshore division (25 teams), and an offshore division (25 teams). Same rules apply to both divisions. Teams may NOT compete in both.

Bull sharks are the only species of fish eligible for scoring.

Once the shark takes the bait and the reel is engaged only one angler can touch the rod and reel and catch the fish for them to score.

All anglers/captains must comply with state and federal boating and fishing regulations with appropriate licenses and necessary documentation.

No chumming/fishing before 8am (Lines in). Honor system expected. Complaints/proof of such act will result in disqualification. All forms of legal chumming and live/dead baiting is permitted.

Rod and reel only, electric reels are not permitted. Only in-line, non-stainless circle hooks are permitted. Only ONE hook can be used per rig. Any size leader configuration is allowable. There are no restrictions for line tests.

It is suggested that there are photos taken on more than one phone, and more than one angler has a WPTM account linked to the tournament. We’ve all lost phones to the ocean.

It is suggested that a brief video of the hook up, and release are documented in the event there is a protest of any kind to be used as evidence.

Anglers are encouraged to “quick release”, with boat at idle speed. NO handling of the shark is permitted, only the leader may be touched prior to release. Wire leader should be cut close to the hook as possible. The shark’s gills must remain wet at all times.

Fishing boundaries are to include all waters surrounding the Florida Keys, excluding designated swim areas. Captains are expected to stay well clear of any dive boats or known areas where people swim and assume all liability for their decisions.

There is no weather committee. Fishing is up to the decision of the captains who assume all liability for their decisions.

Any team that purposely kills a shark by any method will be disqualified.

Any protest concerning the conduct of the angler or team with a rules violation must be filed in writing with the Tournament Committee the day of the alleged violation, no later than 6pm. A refundable fee of $150 is required with proof of said violation.

Whichever team catches the most Bull Sharks is eligible to place. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be awarded. Scoring is based off the successful catch and release of Bull Sharks ONLY. Each qualifying catch photo uploaded to WPTM will count as 100 points.

A qualifying catch counts ONLY with photo evidence. Photo must include entire shark boat side, with leader in hand, and supplied key identifier. Photo MUST then be uploaded to WPTM the day of to qualify.

There are no shark size limitations. Sharks hooked before 4pm and caught afterward count, ONLY with timestamped photo/video evidence prior to lines-out, 4pm. Team results are to be uploaded (with-in cell range) to WPTM no later than 6:30pm to qualify.

Each picture taken will be individually approved by Tournament Committee. Because WPTM has a LIVE LEADERBOARD available for anyone to view, we must ensure that no inappropriate photos are published, and that the picture taken is identifiable as a bull shark. Tournament Committee can approve or deny any submission for any reason.

A key identifier will be messaged to you…or write the key identifier word on any teammates hand or piece of paper. The key identifier must be pictured in the photo of the shark to be uploaded to WPTM. Key Identifier will change each fishing day. You will be sent a message via text, and through the WPTM the day of with what the Key Identifier is for that day.

In the event of a tie, the last shark caught first wins. This timing will be based off when the qualifying photo is uploaded to WPTM.

In-person check-in during fishing days is NOT required. Instead, teams must check in via WPTM promptly after lines-in. Teams can depart from any location within stated fishing boundaries in the morning of each fishing day and can be on their “spot” before lines-in.

Honor system expected.

Winning teams will be subject to a polygraph test. Keep in mind, at least one team member must remain alcohol-free/sober to take this test.

Teams are encouraged to participate in a separate cash Calcutta as a competitive benefactor. Calcutta payout will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams. First place receives 45%, second place receives 25%, and third place 15%. The remaining 15% will benefit the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation.

The Calcutta buy-in is separate from the $500 registration fee. The Calcutta cost per team will be voted on by those willing to compete at the mandatory captains meeting.

W9 Forms will be supplied to submit to the IRS.

Both inshore and offshore divisions will have separate Calcutta’s. Only competing teams that buy-in are eligible for pay-out. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pay-outs will be based off score.

Last Tournament

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