For the top bonefish anglers in the world, participating in the Bonefishing World Championship/Islamorada Fall All-Tackle Bonefish Tournament, or the "Fall All-Tackle," as it's called in bonefishing circles, is what separates the truly great bonefish anglers from the wannabes.

Now a three-day event, the 43rd annual challenge is scheduled Monday through Wednesday, Oct. 12-14, in Islamorada. Only 25 anglers are accepted to compete -- one angler per boat with a licensed captain.

All bonefish entered for division winners' trophies must be a minimum of 8 pounds. There is no minimum weight requirement for catches that count toward trophies for the most releases.

Bonefish counted as release fish must be a minimum of 18 inches long when measured from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail.

All weight fish must be released alive, with the release witnessed by the tournament weighmaster outside tournament headquarters.

A rules meeting and kick-off cocktail party are set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at Uncle's Restaurant, mile marker 81 bayside.

The Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, mile marker 82 bayside in Islamorada, is to host breakfast for anglers and their guides Tuesday and Wednesday. Weigh-in is to take place at the Islamorada Fishing Club, as is the awards dinner starting with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Entry fee is $750 per angler. Social entries are available for the kick-off dinner and awards banquet for $25 per person for each event.

For more information and registration, e-mail Charlotte Ambrogio at csasun@aol.com or write to P.O. Box 1063, Islamorada FL 33036.

To find out about area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at (800) 322-5397 or (305) 664-4503, or visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at www.fla-keys.com.