Key West Angler’s 43.48-Pound Fish Wins Florida Keys PBA Dolphin Tournament

TOCK ISLAND, Florida Keys — Captain Jimmy Johnson of Key West, Florida, caught a 43.48-pound mahi-mahi to win the Florida Keys PBA Dolphin Tournament that concluded June 25. The monster mahi, caught while Johnson fished on his boat Double J, far outweighed all others during the annual challenge. 

The tournament is hosted by volunteers on behalf of the Florida Keys Police Benevolent Association. 

Second place went to Scott Duling of Virginia Beach, Virginia, for his 11.44-pound dolphin fish. Duling fished on the Ocean Daze with Captain Tom Duling, also of Virginia Beach. 

Harrel Roy, fishing on Mama’s Money with Captain Cecil Harrell of Odessa, Florida, took third place with a 7.46-pound mahi. 

Tori Hicks was named top female angler for her 7.44-pound fish caught on the You & Tequila with Captain Richard Hicks. Both are from Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Sixteen-year-old Joshua Lewis brought in a 6.6-pound mahi-mahi while fishing on the Natural II with his father, Captain Reese Lewis, to earn the title of top junior angler. Father and son live on Little Torch Key, Florida. 

The top PBA member award went to Jack Gruba of Key West. He fished with Captain Frank Betz, also of Key West, on the Leviathan. 

Tournament proceeds benefit the Autism Society of the Keys, dedicated to improving the lives of people affected with autism and their families, and the Love Fund that assists families of officers injured or killed in the line of duty.