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(Photo by Lew Matusow)
A 14-year-old high school student, Dylan Rubio — fishing only four years — stunned the fishing world by capturing first place in the Kiwanis Club of Homestead-South Dade’s 38th annual Dolphin Days Family Fishing Tournament on June 10.
Rubio took home the winner’s check of $3,500 — the youngest winner in tournament history — plus $100 for capturing the Junior Division.
Fishing in only his second Kiwanis tournament as part of Team Chiquis-Lesride, captained by Frank Revuelta, Rubio was one of the first anglers in and had to wait — along with his entire family — as teams weighed their catches
“I was pretty anxious, scared and not very hopeful,” he said, still stunned at his accomplishment.
“Because of a prevailing eastern wind, catches were smaller than usual this year,” said Air Force Captain Arnold Perez, Kiwanis president-elect, who also served as one of the official weighers. Rubio’s winning catch was 8.4 pounds; last year’s winner was 25.1 pounds.
“We didn’t find the big one, the heavyweight,” said Dayron Rubio, Dylan’s father, who owns Rubio Auto Sales and Rubio Auto Body in Homestead. “But everyone had the same opportunity and we came out of nowhere and won. That was the important thing for Dylan, not the money aspect, but winning an event like this.”
In second place behind Dylan was Alvaro Pastrone (Mission First) with a 7.9-pound catch, followed by Wayne Stockwell (Reel Deal), 6.1 pounds.
Mission First won Bucket of Bucks, Conner Cercy won the Pee Wee Angler division, Royce Fernandez won the new Edible Non-Dolphin category and Leslie Livingston — for the third consecutive year — won the Female Angler category.
Overall, 130 anglers entered the competition which featured a special charter sponsored by Miami-Dade District 9 Commissioner Kionee L. McGhee. The charter took out 20 kids, most for their first fishing experience.
“This was one of our most successful tournaments,” said event co-chair Erica Avila of Kiwanis. “The excitement of the Captain’s Party kickoff, which featured Burnie and the Miami Heat Dancers, carried over to fishing day. We want to thank our sponsors, donors, and the community — everyone really stepped up.
“Everyone had a great time and we were able to again achieve the tournament’s three goals; raise money for the Kiwanis Club of Homestead-South Dade’s Foundation, the Military Affairs Council to serve the military, and provide a free opportunity for children to learn and love the sport of fishing. This was a big win-win for the entire Homestead-South Dade community,” Avila added.
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