Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament to ‘Hook’ Angling Teams June 4-6
BIG PINE, Florida Keys — Angling teams can compete for more than $35,000 in cash and prizes while vying to land the largest dolphin fish June 4-6 in the waters surrounding the Lower Florida Keys.
The Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Dolphin Tournament, now in its 28th year, features a $7,500 first prize in the open division for boat teams, as well as a trophy. Cash and trophies also await the second- through fourth-place teams.
If the winning dolphin weighs more than 50 pounds, an additional $20,000 is awarded. Only anglers on the first 50 boats to register are eligible for the $20,000 prize.
In the tournament’s junior division for participants age 15 and under, prizes and trophies are to be presented to the top three anglers.
Presented by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, the tournament is headquartered at Kiki’s Sandbar, located at 183 Barry Ave. on Little Torch Key.
Events are to kick off at 5 p.m. Friday, June 4, with a registration event at Kiki’s featuring hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. A mandatory captains meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m.
Angling action commences at 7 a.m. each of the next two days.
Saturday’s weigh-in is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. Sunday’s fishing is to conclude with a 3-5 p.m. weigh-in followed by a social gathering and 6 p.m. dinner and awards ceremony.
Organizers stress that all participants are to follow local coronavirus health directives, wear facial coverings when required and take personal responsibility to minimize the potential spread of the virus.
Tournament entry fees are $450 per boat if received no later than May 30 and $500 per boat thereafter, and include four passes for Sunday’s awards dinner. Additional social passes for the awards dinner are available for $25 per person.
Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce.
Event information and registration: lowerkeyschamber.com/chamber-events/
