Washington Angler Wins Del Brown Permit Tournament in Florida Keys

The 2022 Del Brown Permit Tournament came to a close on July 13, with Mike Ward of Spokane, Washington taking home the title of grand champion angler. Ward and his captain, Brandon Cyr of Key West, Florida, caught and released a total of six permit during the course of the tournament, with their largest fish measuring 28.25 inches.

In second place was Robert Dougherty of Dallas, Texas, who released two permit on the first day of fishing and one each on the second and third days. His largest fish measured 30.25 inches. Clint Packo of Littleton, Colorado was third, with three permit released on the second day of fishing.

Tom del Bosque of Boca Raton, Florida was the only angler to catch a bonefish during the tournament. A total of 19 permit and one bonefish were caught and released by the 17 boats that participated in the event.

Named for the late Del Brown, who is credited with popularizing permit fishing with a fly rod, the tournament is an internationally acclaimed event that attracts anglers from all over the world.