Bobby Everett of Key Largo, Fla., caught a 32.3-pound dolphin to take grand champion honors in the 21st annual Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby that ended June 27.
Everett caught the dolphin while fishing on the private boat Nuff Said. In addition to his personal win, he helped power the Nuff Said to second place in the tournament’s team division.
The anglers aboard Reel Conch took first place in the team division, scoring the tournament’s largest aggregate weight of two dolphin with 51.3 pounds. Key West angler Randy Sterling, Sr., caught a 30-pound fish while teammate Shane Curry, also of Key West, captured a 21.3-pounder.
Sterling and Curry placed first and third, respectively, in the men’s division. Reel Conch was captained by Randy Sterling Jr.
Women’s division honors went to tournament veteran Lara Rutskin of Key West, who caught a 21.4-pound dolphin. She fished on Equity II guided by her father, Captain Pete Rutskin.
Thirteen-year-old Collin Holzberger of Lutz, Fla., won the junior division with a 6.2-pound dolphin. The young angler fished aboard Aqua Therapy.
The derby’s largest wahoo was caught by Danny Coll of Cudjoe Key, Fla. He boated the 15.2-pounder while fishing on Risky Business.
Chip Veach of Key West was named the tournament’s top charter boat captain.
In addition to the prize-winning fish, an 88.9-pound yellowfin tuna was boated by Tim Hampson of Tavernier, Fla., during the derby.
The tournament drew 77 participants fishing on 22 boats.
Proceeds from the Gator Club Dolphin Derby benefit Gator Club scholarship funds for local students attending the University of Florida.By: Andy Newman/Carol Shaughnessy
