More Than $35,000 at Stake in June 8-10 Lower Keys Dolphin Tourney

 

 

BIG PINE, Florida Keys — Anglers targeting dolphin fish also can “catch” cash and prizes totaling more than $35,000 in the 19th annual Big Pine & Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament.

The long-running tournament's action is set for Friday through Sunday, June 8-10. Events are to be headquartered at Boondocks Grille, Draft House & Miniature Golf at mile marker 27 bayside on Ramrod Key.

Any tournament angler who catches a dolphin weighing more than 50 pounds is to earn a cool $20,000.

In the open division, a guaranteed first prize of $7,500 cash awaits the angler who catches the tournament's largest dolphin. Second- and third-place winners and the top female angler are to receive cash awards as well. Entrants who catch the largest wahoo and tuna can expect prizes

Awards in the tournament's youth division, created for anglers age 15 and under, are to include rods and reels and trophies through third place.

Presented by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, the tournament is set to kick off at 5 p.m. Friday, June 8, with a registration party featuring hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar at Boondocks. A mandatory captains meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m.

Anglers can begin their pursuit of dolphin at 8 a.m. the next two days. Scheduled weigh-in times are 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 9, and 3-5 p.m. Sunday, June 10.

The tournament dinner and awards ceremony follow the close of Sunday's fishing.

Entry fees are $150 per angler in the open division and $50 per angler in the youth division. Proceeds from the event benefit the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce.

Event information and registration: www.lowerkeyschamber.com

Lower Keys visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/lowerkeys or 305-872-2411

Florida Keys fishing: www.fla-keys.com/fishing

Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest · twitter.com/thefloridakeys · youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV