Anglers targeting dolphin, also known as mahi-mahi or dorado, have a chance to win cash prizes while they raise money for Baptist Hospital Children's Cancer Center at the fourth annual Island Grill Charity Dolphin Tournament. Touted as a family-friendly event, the angling challenge is set for Friday through Sunday, June 13-15, in Islamorada.
A $5,000 first prize is to be awarded for the highest total combined weight of three dolphin caught on a single boat. Second and third prizes are to be $1,000 and $500, respectively. Prizes also are to be awarded for the most unusual catch and to top male, female and junior anglers.
Any angler who breaks the Florida state dolphin record of 77.12 pounds is to win a new sport-fishing boat from Performance Marine.
The tournament kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, June 13, with a welcome party at Island Grill, mile marker 85.5 oceanside in Islamorada. A captains meeting follows at 7 p.m.
Registered anglers are to fish Saturday, and part of their catch is to be prepared for the awards dinner. The dinner begins with cocktails at 6 p.m. Saturday and includes barbecued ribs prepared Island Grill style.
Sunday is designated Family Fun Day at Island Grill. Free boat rides for kids are to be provided by Watermark Marina. Live entertainment is scheduled and a barbecue lunch or dinner is to be available.
"We really want to promote this as a father-son and father-daughter fishing tournament to get the whole family involved," said Jack McCormick, owner of Island Grill.
Family Fun Day is open to tournament participants and the general public. There is no charge for admission.
Entry fee for the tournament is $150 per angler. Proceeds are to benefit the Baptist Hospital Children's Cancer Center. For more information and tournament registration, contact Island Grill at (305) 664-8400.
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