Often called the Wimbledon of tarpon fishing, the prestigious Gold Cup Invitational Tarpon Tournament is set to kick off Sunday, June 15, with a welcome party and anglers meeting at 5 p.m. at Uncle's Restaurant, mile marker (MM) 80.9 oceanside in Islamorada.

The tournament pits 25 anglers against the tenacious tarpon of the Keys for five straight days of fishing. Experienced tournament anglers and novices are welcome to compete.

The Gold Cup is a fly-only, all-release tournament that limits fly tippets to 16-pound test, making the battle between angler and tarpon a test of strength and finesse, endurance and technique.

The grand champion's name will be engraved on the perpetual trophy, currently on display at the Worldwide Sportsman store, MM 81.5 bayside in Islamorada.

Entry fee is $1,250 per angler, which includes all social functions for the angler and guide. Guide fees are the angler's responsibility.

The Gold Cup Invitational Tarpon Tournament began in 1964 as a spin, plug and fly tournament and changed to the current all-fly format in 1972. One of the founders was baseball great and avid fly-fisherman Ted Williams.

Proceeds from the event are earmarked to support the Florida Keys Voices for Children.