This Father’s Day weekend, give Dad what he really wants: permission to go fishin’ at the 39th annual Father’s Day Dolphin Derby, set for Saturday, June 14. The popular Marathon tournament brings together families, friends and fishing fanatics for a laid-back celebration of dads and dolphinfish, with big prize payouts for anglers.
Hosted by captain Jack Carlson of Two Conchs Sportfishing Charters, the event kicks off with final registration and a drop-in captain’s meeting on Friday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Two Conchs, 11499 Overseas Highway in Marathon. Lines go in at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 14, and it’s game on for dolphin in waters from Key West to North Key Largo until 3:30 p.m.
These acrobatic, fast-growing pelagic fish, also known as mahi-mahi or dorado, are showing up in better numbers and bigger sizes, lighting up the deep blue with their signature electric greens and yellows. And with the Gulf Stream hugging the reef and bringing nutrient-rich waters, the big fish are within striking distance, with reports of some bulls tipping the scales at 30 or more pounds. From seasoned offshore captains to weekend warriors, the word is the same: “Dolphin are running strong and the bite is hot.”
Participants weigh their catch from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Two Conchs Bait, Tackle & Marina, 11587 Overseas Highway, followed by an awards banquet at 6 p.m. at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, 11710 Overseas Highway, with cash prizes for the top four adults and rod and reel combos for junior anglers. Anglers can register at fathersdaydolphintournament.com. The entry fee is $195 per person. Registration for junior anglers age 15 and under is $50. For more information, contact Carlson at twoconchstackle@gmail.com or 305-481-0495.
