Big Pine & Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament to 'Hook' Angling Teams June 2-4

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 2-4 in the waters surrounding the Lower Florida Keys.

The Big Pine & Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament, now in its 24th 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- and third-place teams.

If the winning dolphin weighs more than 50 pounds, an additional $20,000 is awarded. Only the first 50 boat teams to register are eligible for the $20,000 prize.

The challenge's leading lady angler is to receive a cash award and trophy, while prizes and trophies are slated for the top three anglers in the youth division for participants age 15 and under.

Presented by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, the tournament is headquartered at the Sugarloaf Key KOA, located off U.S. Highway 1 at mile marker 20 oceanside on Sugarloaf Key.

Events are to kick off at 5 p.m. Friday, June 2, with a registration party featuring hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar at the Sugarloaf KOA Tiki Bar. A mandatory captains meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m.

Angling action commences at 7 a.m. the next two days.

Saturday's weigh-in is scheduled for 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday's fishing is to conclude with a 3-5 p.m. weigh-in followed by a social gathering, dinner and awards ceremony at 6 p.m.

Tournament entry fees are $450 per boat if received by May 26 and $500 per boat thereafter, and include four passes for Sunday's awards dinner. Additional social passes for the awards dinner are available for $20 per person.

Proceeds from the tournament are to benefit the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce.

Event information and registration: lowerkeyschamber.com/tournaments.php

Lower Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com/lowerkeys or 305-872-2411

Florida Keys fishing information: fla-keys.com/fishing

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