Huge Bull Caught at Celebrity Fishing Tournament

Coastal Ink Printing angler Tyler Webb caught a 42.8-pound male dolphin aboard the Sea Senorita to help secure victory at the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame and Museum Celebrity Fish Tournament in Islamorada.

In total, the team landed three fish for a total weight of 52.4 pounds. They received a check for $7,000 and a trophy, among other prizes. The fishing team consisted of Webb, who was named the top male angler, Kendra Paulson of Tavernier, Emalee Taylor of Clearwater and Alissa Keiler. The Sea Senorita is captained by Casey Yaworski.

On June 21, anglers were greeted by moderate winds and 2-metre seas as they set out to hunt dolphin fish, blackfin tuna, jacks and wahoo. The combined weight of three dolphins determined the winners.

While the fishermen were at sea, their families enjoyed a day of free entertainment for children and families at the Theatre of the Sea, sponsored by Judy Pantoja-McCabe of Morgan Stanley.

Captain Brian Cone’s Contagious team took second place with three fish for a total of 31 pounds. The team included brothers Don and Richard Deleon and Bruce Marchetti, all of Miami, as well as Tavernier angler Andy Cone, who weighed in a 7-pound fish to earn the top junior ranking.

Team Chupi angler Freda Valdes of Miami took top angler honors with a 12.6-pound dolphin.

Before the fishing began, a meet and greet was held June 20 at the Ocean View Inn & Sports Pub. More than 20 members of the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame, including Islamorada native Jimmy Johnson, attended the event.

The festivities continued on June 21, as La Siesta at the Islamorada Resort Collection hosted more than 350 fans and anglers alongside UM Hall of Famers. The beach was abuzz with raffles, auctions, vendors and giveaways thrown to the crowd by Canes mascot Sebastian the Ibis, marking the official start of the fishing tournament.

Legendary Hurricanes announcer Jay Rokeach announced the winners while Hall of Famer Mike Ward presented the awards June 22. The UM Sports Hall of Fame and Museum will return to Islamorada June 19-21, 2025 for the fan festival and fishing tournament. More information at canesfish.com.