VI Game Fishing Club Postpones Dolphin Derby Until May 19

2017 Top Boat winner, Emanuel, with Captain Alvin Turbe at the helm. (Credit: Dean Barnes)

Weather has caused the postponement of the 2019 Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s Dolphin Derby from April 14 to May 19. The date is the only change.

On May 19, catch the largest dolphin (mahi-mahi) over 55-pounds and win $25,000!

Additionally, cash prizes will be awarded to the anglers who catch the next four largest dolphins by weight. Ties in weight will be broken by length. The vessel with the 10 largest dolphins by weight will win the Best Boat award.

In 2017, the last year the tournament was held due to hurricane aftermath, 67 anglers aboard 17 boats reeled in a total weight of 544.64-pounds of dolphin. St. Thomas’ Angela Berry earned Top Angler by catching a 34.06-pound dolphin from aboard the 45-foot Wilbur, Family Ties. The Best Boat prize went to Emanuel, a 37-foot Calypso, with Captain Alvin Turbe at the helm, with 184.49-pounds of dolphin.

Register for the tournament at 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 17, at the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club in Red Hook. The fee is $300 for four rods with $50 for an extra rod. The Captain’s Meeting will follow registration.

Fishing begins with lines in the water at 6 a.m. on May 19. All boats must be back at American Yacht Harbor’s “P” dock by 4 p.m. to the weigh-in. The Awards Ceremony will take place on May 20 at the VIGFC with doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club appreciates the sponsorship of Budget Car and Truck Rental and Presidente, Bud Light and Bacardi Rum, distributed by the West Indies Company.

The Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club in a 501c3 non-profit organization. Proceeds from the Dolphin Derby will benefit local charities.

For more information, call 775-9144 or email: usvigfc@gmail.com