Dream Weaver Takes Top Prize at 11th Annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys (June 23, 2025) — Anglers from across Florida and beyond competed in the 11th Annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament, held May 30 to June 1 out of Skippers Dockside Restaurant in Key Largo. With 63 boats and 231 anglers on the water, teams vied for more than $100,000 in cash prizes and custom King Sailfish Mounts trophies.

The tournament allowed teams to weigh two dolphin per day, with the best three-fish total deciding the winners. In the end, it was Team Dream Weaver from Naples, Florida, that claimed the top prize.

Anglers Brian Weaver, Gerry Kelly, Sam Pence, and Digger Rodamer (all of Naples), along with Raleigh Kelley (Austin, Texas), brought in a combined 63.3 pounds of dolphin to secure first place and a payout of $33,360. Their winning stringer included a 34.1-pound bull caught by Brian Weaver, which also earned the team an additional $9,130 for the largest fish of the tournament on Saturday.

Second place went to Team Reel Deal, captained by Alex Debogory. Anglers Sean Lue (Medley), Richard Williams (Southwest Ranches), Luis Jimenez (Homestead), and James and Marina Daniel (Key Largo) posted a three-fish total of 56.7 pounds, winning $18,770. Richard Williams took home another $3,000 for the second-largest fish on Sunday (24.5 lbs), and $1,000 as the top Senior Angler for his 29.4-pound catch.

Team Pescadito, made up of Alex Sawley (Key Largo), Fernando Larrosa (Homestead), and Miami-based anglers Javier Martinez and Milton Tinoco, took third place with 55.4 pounds and earned $5,000.

Fourth place honors went to Team Capcon, captained by Carlos Padron with anglers Nicholas Perez, Manny Lemus, and Alex Murphy (all of Miami). Their total of 53.6 pounds earned them $6,180, and Perez added $4,395 more for the third-largest fish on Saturday.

Team Nuff Said, led by Cecil Everett and featuring anglers Brandon Kaskie, Bobby Everett, Jimmy Moore, Hanna Barkley (Inverness), and Travis Phelps (Citrus Springs), landed 52 pounds for fifth place and took home $3,090.

Sixth place went to Team Mahi Mania, captained by Mark Miller (Key Largo) with angler John Mayo (New Baltimore, Michigan), who caught a total of 45.8 pounds for a $500 prize. Mayo also earned $500 for the third-largest fish on Sunday, a 22.5-pound dolphin.

Other notable catches included:

• Joe Maura (Princeton, FL) won $6,830 for the second-largest fish overall at 22.9 pounds, caught aboard Charisma, captained by Chris Dillon.
• Melissa Hughes (Deland, FL) earned $2,000 for the largest dolphin by a lady angler (20.6 lbs) aboard Locked In.
• Stephanie Schank (Coral Gables, FL) took second in the lady angler category, winning $1,000 on H-Blue O.

The Junior Angler Division featured tight competition:

• 1st Place: Mason Carlton (Thomasville, GA), 15.9 lbs on Hurricane II – $500
• 2nd Place: Mason Born (Key Largo, FL), 15.8 lbs on Deep Green – $250
• 3rd Place: Marina Daniel (Key Largo, FL), 15.9 lbs on The Reel Deal – $100

Anglers also competed in the “fun fish” category:

• Brayden Daubs (Key Largo, FL) of Zero Line Fishing caught a 14-pound wahoo.
• Shawn MacMullin (Key Largo, FL) of Prime Time landed a 16.8-pound tuna.

Both anglers received $750 and a King Sailfish trophy. No kingfish were recorded, so the designated prize will be donated to Mote Marine Laboratory.

The weekend kicked off with a seafood-filled welcome party sponsored by Gus’ Toy Box. The awards celebration featured whole roast pig and classic Keys hospitality, closing out another unforgettable tournament at Skippers Dockside.

For full results and future tournament updates, visit SkippersTournaments.com.

High-resolution images and captions are available at this link.  

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