Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament to Challenge Anglers June 2-4

BIG PINE, Florida Keys — More than $35,000 in cash and prizes awaits anglers targeting dolphin fish in the 30th annual Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Dolphin Tournament. The contest is scheduled Friday through Sunday, June 2-4, with events headquartered at Kiki’s Sandbar, 183 Barry Ave. on Little Torch Key. 

Anglers on the first 50 registered boat teams are eligible to win a $20,000 cash grand prize for weighing in the heaviest dolphin over 50 pounds. 

The first-place prize in the tournament’s open division, a guaranteed $7,500 cash and a trophy, is to be awarded to the boat team that catches the heaviest dolphin fish. Second- through fourth-place teams are to receive cash awards and trophies as well. Amounts are based on a field of 35 registered teams.

Prizes and trophies are to be presented to the first- through third-place anglers in the tournament’s junior division for entrants age 15 and under. 

Presented by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, the tournament is set to kick off Friday, June 2, with a 5 p.m. final registration party at Kiki’s Sandbar featuring hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. A mandatory captains meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. 

Teams can begin seeking dolphin fish at 7 a.m. the next two days. Weigh-ins are set for 4-6 p.m. Saturday, June 3, and 3-5 p.m. Sunday, June 4.

A social gathering, banquet and awards ceremony at Kiki’s follow the close of Sunday’s fishing.

The entry fee is $450 per boat if received no later than May 31 and $500 per boat thereafter, covering up to six anglers per boat. The fee also includes passes for Sunday’s awards dinner. Additional tickets for the awards dinner are available for $25 per person. 

Tournament proceeds benefit the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce and its programs.

Event information and registration: lowerkeyschamber.com/chamber-events/

Image 1

This article was updated on May 10, 2023 at 11:28 AM
Close
Close