Jeremy Threlkeld of Big Pine Key took first place in the 17th annual Big Pine and Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament that ended June 13.
Threlkeld, who fished aboard Strike Force guided by his uncle, Captain Larry Threlkeld, earned the top spot and $10,000 for a dolphin weighing 32.55 pounds.
Close on his heels was Rae Ann Burns of Cudjoe Key, Fla., who caught a dolphin weighing 32.10 pounds to end the tournament in second place. Burns fished aboard On the Fly with Captain Jeff Burns.
Tommy Gomez of Ramrod Key, Fla., placed third with a dolphin weighing 28.20 pounds. He was guided by Captain Rudy Krause on the boat Tater Juice.
The tournament’s top female angler was Anna Mae White of Summerland Key, Fla. She caught a 23.75-pound dolphin while fishing on Captain William “Pete” White’s Bullship.
In the youth division for anglers age 15 and under, Grant Messenger of Thompson, Ga., took first place. Fishing on Gas Passor skippered by his father Mark Messenger, the 13-year-old angler caught a 35.65-pound dolphin — the largest one in the tournament.
Additional prizes were awarded to the anglers who caught the heaviest tuna and wahoo. Steven Thompson of Marathon, Fla., was recognized for a 9.65-pound tuna, while Big Pine angler Tom Fricke took top wahoo honors with a fish weighing 26.40 pounds.
The tournament drew 196 participants fishing on 73 boats.By: Andy Newman/Carol Shaughnessy
