Lazy Days Islamorada emerged victorious in the fourth annual Bartenders Dolphin Tournament, an event that saw 54 bar and restaurant employees compete. The tournament kicked off with a gathering and food at the Whistle Stop Bar and Grill in Islamorada on August 16.

Tournament Details

The following day, August 17, twelve boats set out for the competition under clear skies and light winds. The winning establishment was determined by the combined weight of three dolphinfish caught by each team. Lazy Days anglers Jasmine Torres, Javier Sandoval, Maricela Sandoval, and Chelsea Salatowski, fishing from the Kalex out of Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, presented a total of 31 pounds from their three dolphinfish.

The team took home the King Sailfish Mounts custom-made trophy, a $1,000 check and the first-place bar plaque, all sponsored by Key Largo Watersports in Islamorada.

Chelsea Salatowski was also recognized with the top angler award for her 15-pound mahi, receiving a $250 check, a trophy, and a pink fishing rod sponsored by the Green House. The Outstanding Captain award, including a $500 check, was presented to Alex Adler, sponsored by Doug Lewis in memory of Foxy Lewis. Mason Smith and Hunter Proctor received the Top Mate award, which included a fishing rod sponsored by Live Action Charters.

Runner-Up and Other Awards

Second place was claimed by the team from Wahoo’s Bar and Grill, comprised of anglers Dominica Bevevino and Stephanie Benseman, fishing aboard the Whiskey Bent. They weighed three fish totaling 26.4 pounds, earning them the Alina Davis Realtor-sponsored second-place trophy and a $500 check. Bevevino also secured the Deep Eddy’s vodka second-place angler award for her 12.9-pound mahi.

Snappers Waterfront Saloon’s team, consisting of anglers Skyler McGarry, Kirk Weatherly, Stephanie Bryant, and Megan Pearce, secured third place. Fishing on the Contagious with captain Justin Matson and sponsored by Bill’s Liquors, they weighed a total of 24.6 pounds. Their prize included a $250 check and the third-place trophy, sponsored by the Islander Resort. Hayden Gotsch, fishing with captain Matt Davis on the Tan Man for Dillon’s Pub and Grill, earned third-place angler honors with a 10-pound fish.

The Hard Luck award, a basket of alcohol from the Whistle Stop, was given to team Lorelei II aboard the Poon Toon. Although one angler experienced an unplanned swim, the team returned safely to the boat. They encountered dolphinfish, but the fish were too small to be weighed in.

The fifth annual Bartenders Dolphin Tournament is scheduled to take place at the Whistle Stop on August 15-16, 2027. Further details can be found on the Islamorada Bartenders Tournaments Facebook page. For more local news and updates, visit Keys Weekly.