BIG PINE, Florida Keys — More than $40,000 in cash and prizes awaits anglers targeting dolphin in the 17th annual Big Pine and Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament. The contest is scheduled Friday through Sunday, June 11-13, with events headquartered at Boondocks Grille & Draft House at mile marker (MM) 27 on Ramrod Key.

The first 300 registered anglers 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 $10,000 cash, will be presented to the angler who catches the heaviest dolphin. Second- through fourth-place winners and the top female angler are to receive cash awards as well.

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

While dolphin is the only species of fish eligible for cash awards, other prizes are to be presented for the heaviest wahoo and tuna caught. Presented by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, the tournament is set to kick off Friday, June 11, with a 5 p.m. final registration party featuring hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. A captains meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Anglers can begin their pursuit of dolphin at 8 a.m. the next two days. Weigh-ins are to take place 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 12, and 3-5 p.m. Sunday, June 13.

A banquet and awards ceremony follow the close of Sunday’s fishing.

Tournament entry fees are $150 per angler in the open division and $50 per angler in the youth division. Admission to all social events is included in the entry fee.

Additional social passes for the banquet can be purchased for $20 per adult and $15 per youngster age 15 and under.

Registration forms for the Big Pine and Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament are available at the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, MM 31 oceanside on Big Pine Key and on Cudjoe Key at Cudjoe Sales Fishermen’s Warehouse, MM 22.5.

For information about the tournament or about accommodations in the Lower Florida Keys, call the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce at 305-872-2411. Accommodations information also is available on this Florida Keys website.