Second Annual "Mad Dog" Mandich Fishing Classic set for Oct. 16-17
ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich, a former Miami Dolphins star player and current Dolphins color analyst, is to show his passion for a different sport when he hosts the Oct. 16-17 Publix Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic in Islamorada.
The tournament is to offer cash prizes for the top dolphin, kingfish, tuna and wahoo caught as well as "Weekend Warrior" prizes for the largest snapper and grouper.
A top boat prize of $5,000 cash is to be awarded for the greatest cumulative weight of the target species. A maximum of three fish per species per boat is allowable.
The second-place team is to win $1,000, while $500 each awaits the four anglers with the heaviest catch in each of the target species.
The tournament's scheduled kickoff is a party with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres set for 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Ziggie & Mad Dog's Restaurant, mile marker (MM) 83 bayside. Anglers can register until 8 p.m.
Focused on fundraising as well as fun, the tournament's kickoff is to include a silent auction with fishing gear, sports memorabilia, exotic travel packages, electronic gadgets and artwork up for bid. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Florida Keys' Mariners Hospital.
Captains should plan to be on hand for the tournament rules meeting at 6:15 p.m.
On Saturday, boats are free to blast out to their desired fishing sites at 7 a.m. when teams check out with the committee. Fishing is to continue until 3:30 p.m.
All fish must be weighed in by 6 p.m. at the weigh station at the Chesapeake Resort, MM 83.5 oceanside.
A 4-6 p.m. party with cocktails is planned dockside at the Chesapeake. Dinner buffet and live music are to start at 6:30 under a party tent, with awards scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Registration is $450 per boat for four anglers, and includes the cocktail party and dinner. Anglers registered by Oct. 9 can save $50 on registration fees. Additional social tickets are $60 per person.
For information, visit www.maddogclassic.com/tournament_info.htm.
To find out about area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at (305) 664-4503 or (800) 322-5397, or visit the official site of the Florida Keys & Key West at www.fla-keys.com.
