Ladies Dolphin Tournament of the Florida Keys Offers Cash Prizes and Community Impact

Tavernier, Florida Keys (May 21, 2025) — It’s time for ladies to grab their rods, rally their crew, and get ready for some friendly, competitive fishing with a purpose. Hosted by the Florida Keys Elks Lodge 1872 and presented by Townsend Plumbing, the 11th Annual Ladies Dolphin Tournament of the Florida Keys takes place Saturday, June 7, offering more than $8,000 in cash prizes for the top teams with the heaviest aggregate catch plus plenty of festive awards.

This spirited team tournament invites women anglers of all levels to compete for glory — and team tiaras — while raising funds for local charitable programs serving veterans, youth, and families in need across the Keys. The action kicks off on Friday, June 6 with final registration that starts at 5 p.m. and a captain’s meeting at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 92600 Overseas Hwy. 

Lines go in the next morning at 7 a.m. and then it’s game on for dolphin (mahi-mahi), with weigh-in scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. sharp. Each team is allowed to weigh three fish of legal size, with the winner determined by the combined weight of the three fish. Cash prizes are to be awarded for the first three teams and for the largest fish of the tournament. The day wraps up with a cocktail party and awards dinner that starts at 6:30 p.m., held in the Elks Lodge ballroom overlooking stunning Florida Bay sunset views.

Over the past 11 years, the Elks have raised approximately $200,000 through this event to support local student scholarships, the Elks Drug Awareness campaigns, the Vets on the Water program, a local children's therapy van, and camp scholarships to the Elks Youth Camp.

“The tournament has always been about comradery while raising money for good causes,” says event organizer Dianne Harbaugh. “This event promotes fishing but also teaches how to be proper stewards of our environment, encouraging the release of fish that aren’t weighed in, recycling fishing line, and other environmentally responsible actions. Many participants even donate their catch, which is prepared and served at lodge events — raising additional funds for Elks charities.”

The event has drawn upwards of 130 local and visiting participants across 60 vessel teams each year. Anglers can register online at floridakeyselks.com/registration-form. Early entry fees are $220 per person through May 31, and $250 thereafter. Junior anglers (16 and under) may register for $100. Whether you're in it to win or just fishing for fun, this is a chance to enjoy the legendary waters of the Keys, bond with fellow anglers, and support important programs.

For registration or sponsorship details, contact Dianne Harbaugh at (305) 522-4868 or ditournaments@aol.com. 

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