Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo Set for May 3-5 in Upper Keys

Heralding the start of the much-anticipated Florida Keys dolphin fishing season, the 17th annual Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo is set for Friday through Sunday, May 3-5, in Tavernier. 

The family-friendly angling challenge is named in honor of Nick Sheahan, a beloved student at the Upper Keys’ Coral Shores High School who died tragically in a diving accident in 2004.  

The event is intended to raise awareness of shallow-water blackout and raise money for scholarships awarded to graduating seniors at Coral Shores High School through the Nick Sheahan Scholarship Fund. Since its inception, the tournament’s individual scholarships have totaled $408,000.

Events kick off Friday, May 3, with a dinner, silent auction and rules meeting planned at the tournament’s headquarters inside Tavernier Creek Marina, mile marker 90.8. Non-anglers who want to attend and participate in the auction and festivities can purchase tickets for $40 per person.

Adults and junior anglers ages 12 and under are to fish Saturday, May 4, from lines-in at 7:30 a.m. to lines-out at 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Each year, nearly 150 anglers compete in hopes of breaking the Florida state record of 81 pounds for the largest dolphin fish to take the grand prize of $25,000.

If the state record goes unbroken, the first-place angler with the heaviest dolphin fish receives $5,000, with second- and third-place participants receiving $2,500 and $1,000, respectively. First- through third-place trophies are slated for the top junior anglers, and prizes are to be bestowed for the largest wahoo and tuna as well.

Entry fees are $200 per adult and $75 per junior angler until April 29. Anglers must register online for advance pricing at nicksheahan.com/dolphin-rodeo/#register. Walk-up registration, priced at $225 for adults and $100 for junior anglers, is available May 3 at the rules meeting and dinner.

Tournament information: nicksheahan.com

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