VERO BEACH — Ashley Russell, fishing aboard Captain Mike Bertin’s boat”Ambush” reeled in the 33.0-pound dolphin that won the top $5,000 prize, the Lady Angler title, and the Mahi Moolah at the 35th Annual Exchange Club Blue Water Open Dolphin Mania Charity Fishing Tournament.
The dolphin-only tournament weigh-in was held Saturday, May 21, at the Fort Pierce City Marina. Twenty of the 63 boats fishing weighed in fish. Kadri Benton won the second prize of $2,000 with a 26.7-pound dolphin; he fished on Ted Ragan’s “Husky Dusky.”
Captain Carl Lachnitt’s 23.0-pound dolphin, caught aboard his “Strictly Business,” captured the $1,000 third place prize.
David Foyle on “My Mistress,” Todd Cool on “Miss Alice II,” Garrett Hancock on “Down Time,” Spencer Porteous on “Ambush,” and Lisa Carra on “Shadrack” weighed in dolphin ranging from 22.5 to 19.45 pounds to win the five Bounty Booty prizes, earning $400 each for fourth through eighth place fish.
“Knot Scared’s” Tyler Lafferty earned the Junior Angler award, provided by DeBrooks Fishing Center, with a 14.45-pound dolphin in the fourteen years and under category. Marllyn Justice CPA sponsored the Lady Angler award.
According to tournament chair John Binkley, all the proceeds – 100% – of this popular tournament benefit projects for the prevention of child abuse in the local community.
For additional information about joining Exchange Club of Indian River, working for prevention of child abuse, or donating to the Foundation call Club president Andrew Molloy at 772-473-4416, email DolphinMania@bluewateropen.org, or visit www.bluewateropen.org, the tournament website, or www.exchangeclubofindianriver.org.