Fishermen reel in the dollars for student scholars at the 11th Annual FIU Fishing Tournament

It was a good day on the water for Team Dolphin Hunters.

Luckily, it poured sunshine instead of rain Saturday, June 1, as fishermen raised dollars for scholars at the 11^th Annual FIU Fishing Tournament and Dock Party benefiting the FIU Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. For the first year, the dock party was open to the public, and FIU invited the entire community to join the festivities.

More than 300 attendees came out to bask in the good weather and cheer on 33 fishing teams that departed in the morning and came back with the day’s catch just in time for the afternoon dock party. The Fishing Tournament weigh station then stole the show, as fishermen ran down the dock carrying 20-pound dolphins.

Party-goers enjoyed paella, clams and other food courtesy of Casablanca, drink samples courtesy of Kona Brewing and Botran Rum, music by Pinchadiscos 305 and fun activities. Children got to check out a sea-creature touch tank and participate in a dry-land kid’s “fishing tournament” (think kiddie pool filled with plastic fish) while adults enjoyed the steel drum band, drinks and socializing.

“This tournament has been a success because of the effort and support of everyone who has ever come out and participated, by either signing up to go out fishing or joining us at the marina for the dock party,” said Duane Wiles, the FIU Alumni Association’s executive director. “It’s a great way for our alumni and friends to show their Panther pride while leaving a legacy through student scholarship support.”

Members of the fishing teams agreed with Wiles about the good cause. Team DWI, which caught the largest dolphin by weight, even donated their total winnings of $2,750 back to the FIU Alumni Association in support of the Scholarship Fund.

“Duncan Williams, Inc. is proud to be a part of this wonderful tournament that provides scholarships to deserving young men and women,” said Jared Maddux of Team DWI. “This is a first-class tournament, and we plan to be a part of it for many years to come. We also want to thank Danny Diaz and Ramon Ferran from TotalBank for getting us involved. We are looking forward to next year already.”

To date, FIU’s Annual Fishing Tournament has awarded more than $73,000 for scholarships. This year, the fishing tournament raised funds that will be awarded in 2014 for Legacy ($1,000) and Panther Pride ($750) scholarships.  That amount includes the 2013 winnings that Team DWI donated back to FIU.

Scholarship recipients Rebecca Merek, Vanessa Franco, Michael Aquino, Nicole Fowler and Mary Corbin were recognized at the Dock Party. Not pictured: Jenesis Negron, Paul Mengelkoch, Robert Grimal, Meliza Frias, and Angelica Pardo.

To learn more about the FIU Alumni Association Scholarship Fund and make a donation visit: https://fiualumni.com/saa-scholarship-campaign

Team DWI

This year’s FIU Scholarship Fishing Tournament winners were:

Most Aggregate Dolphin Weight: Team DWI ($2,500 and a framed Guy Harvey signed print courtesy of the Guy Harvey Foundation)

Largest Dolphin: Team Casablanca ($1,000 and plaque)

Largest Fun Fish: Team DWI ($250 and plaque)

Largest Ladies Dolphin: Team Casablanca ($250 and plaque)

Largest Junior Dolphin: Team Casablanca ($100 gift certificate to Dave & Buster’s)

2nd Place Most Aggregate Dolphin Weight: Team La Buena Vida ($500)

2nd Place Largest Dolphin: Team Dolphin Hunters ($250)

2nd Place Largest Junior Dolphin: Team Rafters ($50 gift certificate to Dave & Buster’s)