US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association

Catch a whopper dolphin (mahi-mahi) over 55-pounds and win the top prize of $25,000 when you enter the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s 21st Annual Dolphin Derby on April 24, sponsored by Budget Car and Truck Rental.

“Fifty-five-pound dolphin have been caught here in waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, just not in the tournament. This might be the year it all comes together for a lucky angler,” said tournament director Lori Bailey.

Up for grabs is a total of over $30,000 in cash and prizes. Cash prizes will be awarded to anglers who catch the 10 largest dolphin by weight. Ties in weight will be broken by length. The Best Boat award will be given to the vessel with the most dolphin by weight, with ties broken by count.

“This is a very popular tournament and we have great participation from the local community. However, we would also like to invite our hotel guests to participate. There are several charter boats available,” invites Bailey.

Register for the tournament at the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club in Red Hook on Friday April 22 at 6:30 p.m. The fee is $275 for member boats, which includes four anglers and four rods, with $50 for an extra rod. Non-members pay $325 with $60 for an extra rod. The Captain’s Meeting will follow registration.

Fishing begins with lines in the water at 6 a.m. on April 24. All boats must be past ‘P’ dock at IGY American Yacht Harbor Marina by 4 p.m. Weigh-in is held at the marina. The Awards Dinner will take place on April 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club in Red Hook, St. Thomas.

For more information, call 340-775-9144 or e-mail usvigfc@gmail.com.