Anglers can register to enter the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s May 4 Dolphin Derby and get the chance to win a $25,000 prize.
Registration is open for the 19th annual derby and signups conclude May 2 in Red Hook at the captains’ meeting. The entry fee is $250 for member boats, which includes four anglers and four rods, with a $50-fee for an extra rod. Nonmembers pay $300, with $60 for an extra rod. Late registration will be available May 3 at Neptune Fishing Supplies in Red Hook.
The lucky boat that lands the heaviest dolphin – or mahi-mahi – weighing in at more than 55 pounds, will win a special $25,000 prize, according to the game fishing club, which runs the tournament with the sponsorship of Budget Car and Truck Rental.
“We moved the tournament back a couple of weeks to be right in the thick of the spring dolphin run and to coincide with the full moon,” said Craig Friedenberg, who codirects this year’s tournament with Karl Gartner. “The dolphin are already being caught out there, so this should be a great tournament and a great opportunity for some lucky angler to catch the big one!”
A total of more than $30,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs. Cash prizes will be awarded to anglers who catch the 10 largest dolphin by weight. Ties in weight will be broken by length.
The best boat award will be given to the vessel with the most dolphin by weight with ties broken by count.
Last year Tamika Turbe fishing aboard Emanuel, caught the largest dolphin, a 34.49-pounder. The best boat award went to Emanuel, a 34-foot Calypso, with 19 dolphin weighing a total of 368.07 pounds.
Fishing will begin with lines in the water at 6 a.m. May 4. All boats must be past the ‘P’ dock at IGY American Yacht Harbor Marina by 4 p.m. Weigh in will take place at the marina. The awards dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. May 5 at the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club.
Further information can be obtained by calling 1-340-775-9144 or sending email to usvigfc@gmail.com.
