Team Coastal Ink Printing angler Tyler Webb reeled in a 42.8-pound bull dolphin aboard the Sea Senorita to help secure the win in the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame & Museum’s Celebrity Fish Tournament in Islamorada.
In total, the team reeled in three fish totaling 52.4 pounds. They received a $7,000 check and trophy, among other prizes. The angling team consisted of Webb, named top male angler, Kendra Paulson of Tavernier, Emalee Taylor of Clearwater and Alissa Keiler. The Sea Senorita is captained by Casey Yaworski.
Anglers were greeted with moderate winds and 6-foot seas on June 21 as they set out to catch dolphin fish, blackfin tuna, kingfish and wahoo. The combined weight of three dolphins determined the winners.
While the anglers were out at sea, their families enjoyed a free kids and family fun day at the Theater of the Sea, sponsored by Judy Pantoja-McCabe of Morgan Stanley.
Capt. Brian Cone’s Contagious team claimed second place with three fish caught for a total of 31 pounds. The team included brothers Don and Richard Deleon and Bruce Marchetti, all from Miami, as well as Tavernier angler Andy Cone, who weighed a 7-pounder to take top junior angler.
Team Chupi angler Freda Valdes, of Miami, took the top lady angler honors with a 12.6- pound dolphin.
Before the fishing began, a meet-and-greet was held on June 20 at the Ocean View Inn & Sports Pub. More than 20 University of Miami sports Hall of Famers, including Islamorada’s very own Jimmy Johnson, attended the event.
The festivities continued on June 21 as the Islamorada Resort Collection’s La Siesta welcomed more than 350 fans and anglers alongside UM Hall of Famers. The beach was abuzz with raffles, auctions, vendors and gifts tossed to the crowd by Canes’ mascot Sebastian the Ibis, marking the official start of the fishing tournament.
Hurricane legendary announcer Jay Rokeach announced the winners as Hall of Famer Mike Ward presented the awards on June 22. The UM Sports Hall of Fame & Museum will return to Islamorada on June 19-21, 2025 for the fan fest and fish tournament. More information is at canesfish.com.
