The fifth annual PBA Dolphin Fishing Tournament took place June 27-29 at Oceans Edge Resort & Marina on Stock Island and raised $25,000 for the Autism Society of the Keys.
Organized by Key West Police officers Frank Betz and Mike Pettee, the tournament’s entry fees, silent auction and donations raise money for the Autism Society of the Keys and the KWPD’s Love Fund, which helps officers and their families experiencing financial hardship.
A captains meeting took place on June 27, with fishing and weigh-ins on June 28 and 29. An awards ceremony on June 29 ended the tournament and included the presentation of trophies and bragging rights.
For more information or to get involved in next year’s tournament, email keyspbadolphintournament@gmail.
The winning mahi, worth $7,500 in prize money, weighed 24.04 pounds, was caught by Joe Trotta of Key West with Capt. Mike Macko on the vessel Diggin’ Life.
Additional winners were as follows:
2nd place dolphin – $3,000
17.50 pounds
Caught aboard: Gray Eagle
Captain: Rob Harris
Angler: John Timura
From: Islamorada
3rd place dolphin – $1,500
15.70 pounds
Caught aboard: No Doubt
Captain: Desi Perez
Angler: Desi Perez
From: Key West
4th place dolphin – $750
11.68 pounds
Caught aboard: Halftime
Captain: Fred Deno
Angler: Justin Deno
From: Ramrod Key
TOP JUNIOR ANGLER — $500
6.16 pounds
Caught aboard: Halftime
Captain: Fred Deno
Angler: Justin Deno
From: Ramrod Key
TOP FEMALE ANGLER — $1,000
12.46 pounds
Caught aboard: Fin Crusher
Captain: Murry McDonald
Angler: Elizabeth Goeman
From: (Not provided)
TOP PBA MEMBER — $1,250
9.28 pounds
Caught aboard: PBA – Leviathan
Captain: Frank Betz
Angler: Frank Betz
From: Key West
BIGGEST TUNA (blackfin or yellowfin) — $500
17.42 pounds
Caught aboard: Fin Crusher
Captain: Murry McDonald
Angler: Hope Drewry
From: Ponce Inlet
