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The Kiwanis Club of Homestead-South Dade’s 37th annual Dolphin Days Family Fishing Tournament, one of South Florida’s oldest family-fun fishing competitions, was one of the most successful in recent memory according to club officials.
The tournament, which kicked off with the Captain’s Party at the Champions Club at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on June 9 was followed by the June 11 fishing day/awards ceremony at Homestead Bayfront Park.
Benefitting the Homestead Kiwanis Foundation, the tournament — which featured more than $7,500 in prize money — was co-sponsored by the Military Affairs Council and attracted 29 boats.
“This year was a breath of fresh air as we organized a normal tournament again — our first not affected by a COVID-related matter — and the community’s response was a rousing success,” said Erica G. Ávila, Homestead councilmember, Kiwanis lieutenant governor and tournament co-chair. “The Captain’s Party was fantastic and we had great weather for the fishing itself. It was a win-win for everyone.”
Monetary awards and eye-catching trophies were presented in several categories including Overall Winner, Bucket of Bucks (for total top-three heaviest fish caught by all anglers on a boat), Junior Angler, Pee Wee Angler and Female Angler.
Colby Livingston topped the Overall Winner category with a catch of 25.1 pounds and took home first prize of $2,500. He was followed by Mike Rodriguez (15.3 pounds) and Livingston’s father, Craig Livingston (14.4 pounds). Livingston’s win is his second in the popular tournament; he captured the Pee Wee division 17 years ago.
“Bringing in the biggest catch was a thrill, especially using the Wild, Wild West flying fishing lures my dad and I made,” Livingston said. “I’ve been fishing in this tournament for nearly two decades and to win the Pee Wee and then 17 years later take home first prize overall is fantastic. Persistence pays off.”
Wild Wild West, which featured the Livingstons, easily won first place in the Bucket of Bucks category.
Shane Walker Jr. was the top Junior Angler, while his younger brother, Reese Walker, captured in the Pee Wee Angler division.
Finally, to make the tournament a “family affair,” Leslie Livingston, mother of Colby and wife of Craig, took home first prize in the Female Angler category.
