It’s time. The annual Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys fishing tournament always coincides with Mother’s Day. And it always targets dolphin.
“This is by far our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Habitat’s Chris Todd-Young. Already, more than 70 anglers are signed up to participate in the 13th annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament. She expects the field to swell to 200, with folks competing for more than $9,000 in cash prizes.
The tournament starts on Friday, May 10, with last-minute registration from 5 to 6 p.m. at Key Colony Inn. The captain’s meeting (mandatory) begins at 6 p.m. Then it’s lines in bright and early the next morning at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 11. Anglers haul their best catch dockside to Curly’s Coffee between the hours of 3:30 and 6 p.m. The awards party, beginning at 7 p.m. that same evening, will also be at Key Colony Inn.
There are four categories of anglers — pros, weekend warriors, ladies and juniors. Registration fees range from $200 to $75. Anglers who register before midnight on Thursday, May 9, will receive a $25 discount.
“All of the proceeds help us continue our hurricane repair program, as well as build new affordable homes in the Middle Keys,” Todd-Young said.
Members of the public are invited to drop by the weigh-in. (“That is — by far — the most fun,” said Todd-Young). Passersby can drop a donation in the bucket for a beverage and front-row view of the contest’s results.
For more information, or to register, visit www.mothersdaydolphintournament.com.
