The 8th annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament welcomed 69 teams and 270 anglers who competed for more than $80,000 in cash plus trophies from King Sailfish Mounts.
Team Dream Weaver, run by Brian Weaver and his seven anglers, entered the winner’s circle as they weighed in 57.5 pounds of dolphin. Anglers included Cody Darbie, Tyler Kelley, Joe Marino, Sam Pence, James Simcic, Digger Rodame, all of Naples, and Austin Baxter of Bartow. The combined weight of their largest three fish, at 20.5, 19.8 and 17.2 pounds, won $26,080.
Anglers were allowed to weigh three fish on June 5 for the combined weight to determine the winners. The potential tropical storm on June 3 did not deter anglers and friends from a kickoff party held inside Skippers Dockside restaurant in Key Largo. Although June 4 was a wash, teams rallied at Skippers Dockside once again for another great event. The weather lifted on June 5, giving the anglers an almost calm day to fish.
Deep Green from Key Largo finished second in the tournament with a combined weight of 50.3 pounds. The team, which won $10,000, weighed in fish at 14.2, 15.7 and 20.4 pounds. Third place went to team Chasin’ It, with anglers from Key Largo, catching a total of 40.3 pounds and winning $9,560. The largest fish, 29.3 pounds, was caught by angler Chase Caputo, winning him $5,000; the fish also won him first place in the junior angler category — for another $500.
Fourth-place team Dorados Locos brought home $5,040 with their catches weighing a total of 37.6 pounds. Dorados Locos’ Christopher Stark, of Chicago, caught the second-largest fish that weighed 26.3 pounds.
Fifth-place team was the Debaitable, captained by KJ Zeher with mate Pete Michalini. Anglers were Justin Baker, Jess Bright, Katie Lanigan, Mike Lanigan, Pete Michalini, Tom Walsh, Mike Walsh and Nick Zeher, all of Delray Beach. They caught a total of 35.3 pounds to win $2,520. Nick Zeher caught the third-largest dolphin, weighing 22.8 pounds.
Heather Born, fishing on Deep Green, won $2,000 for Ladies Largest Dolphin with a 20.4-pound fish. The second-largest fish for a lady angler was a 13.1-pounder caught by Judy Ptashinski of Bonita Springs.
Largest Senior Angler was Charles Cranford, of Stuart, fishing aboard Hop Along with Captain Justin Hopper, with an 11.3-pound dolphin. Second-place junior angler went to Aydan Harman, of Phoenix, Arizona, who won $250 with an 11-pounder. Third-place junior angler went to Andy Cone of Tavernier with a 9.8-pound dolphin.
Largest other species fish winners each took home King Sailfish trophies and $750. They include Miller Time’s angler Neil Carlson, of Key Largo, with a 10.8-pound kingfish; Deep Green’s angler Andrew Atwill, of Key Largo, who landed a 15.5-pound wahoo; and Washed Up’s Matthew Fernandez, of Miami, who caught a 13.8-pound tuna.
Skippers Dockside Restaurant showcased its fabulous food for the kick-off party, which was sponsored by Gus’ Toy Box and Contender Boats. The awards party included smoked brisket, pulled pork with all the fixings and desserts.
For information visit SkippersTournaments.com.
