Florida team wins Gator Club Dolphin Derby

The Ruckus team from St. Petersburg, skippered by Tampa’s Captain Kenny Hyatt, caught two dolphin fish totaling 59.2 pounds to win the Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby that ended June 22. Tournament rules mandated that each team could post one fish caught and recorded on each of two fishing days.

Ruckus teammate Scott Dutton caught a 33.65-pound fish on the tournament’s first day, while Gary Eng scored a 25.55-pound dolphin on the second day. Dutton also earned an award for catching the tournament’s second largest fish.

The team on New Mystery, guided by Captain Ray Eggert of Key West, earned second place for two dolphin that totaled 54.95 pounds. Team member Dan Eggert caught both fish, a 25.2-pounder and a 29.75-pounder. Third-place team honors went to Big Sex Sea, captained by Heath Calfee of Key West, with a two-fish weight of 43.3 pounds. The team included 14-year-old angler Colton Hoff, who caught a 16.7-pound dolphin that contributed to the total.

A.J. Davila of Key West took top honors for the tournament’s largest dolphin, weighing in at 38 pounds. Davila fished on Bottom Line III with Key West’s Captain Carl Masiello.

The tournament drew 162 participants on 25 boats. Proceeds benefit Gator Club scholarship funds for local students attending the University of Florida.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]