As passionate about fishing as he is about football, former Miami Dolphins star player and current Dolphins color analyst Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich is to host the third annual Publix Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic in Islamorada Oct. 22-23.
A top boat prize of $5,000 cash is to be awarded for the greatest cumulative weight of the tournament’s target species. A maximum of three fish per species per boat is allowed.
Second-place team is to win $1,000, while $500 each awaits the anglers who score the heaviest catches in each of four target species: dolphin, kingfish, tuna and wahoo. The tournament also offers “Weekend Warrior” awards for the heaviest snapper and grouper, and trophies to the top individual angler, top lady and top junior angler.
New this year is the Caribee 15k Kingfish Hook-up challenge — meaning $15,000 to the first registered angler to weigh in a kingfish of more than 50.10 pounds. The challenge is limited to the first 200 entrants.
The tournament’s scheduled kick-off party is set for 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, at Mandich’s own Ziggie & Mad Dog’s Restaurant, mile marker (MM) 83 bayside, and includes a silent auction fundraiser, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Anglers can register until 8 p.m. Captains should be present for the tournament rules meeting at 6:15 p.m.
The following day, boats are free to blast out to their desired fishing sites at 7 a.m. when teams check out with the committee. Fishing is to continue until 3:30 p.m.
All fish must be weighed in by 6 p.m. at the weigh station at the Chesapeake Resort, MM 83.5 oceanside.
A 4-6 p.m. party with cocktails is planned at the Chesapeake. Dinner buffet and live music are to start at 6:30 p.m. under a party tent, with awards scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Registration is $450 per boat for four anglers, and includes the cocktail party and dinner. Anglers registered by Oct. 15 can save $50 on registration fees. Additional social tickets are $60 per person.
A portion of the tournament proceeds benefits the Florida Keys’ Mariners Hospital.
For entry information call 305-667-0399.
For information about special tournament room rates at Chesapeake Resort, call 800-338-3395.
For additional area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at 305-664-4503 or 800-322-5397.By: Andy Newman/Carol Shaughnessy
