MARATHON, Florida Keys – Skip the necktie this year because the 24th annual Father’s Day Dolphin Derby is gearing up to give dads plenty of angling action and excitement instead. The event is set for June 18-19 in Marathon with an expanded format. The popular one-day tournament includes a $3,000 pro/semi-pro division, $2,000 amateur division and father-son or -daughter team awards in addition to other prize levels and cash awards. “What better way to spend quality time with dad than a memorable day on the water fishing?” said Captain Jack Carlson, one of the tournament’s organizers. Early registration is encouraged by Thursday, June 17. The captains meeting and final registration are set for Friday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Sparky’s Landing, located at Key Colony Beach Marina off U.S. Highway 1 at mile marker (MM) 53.5 oceanside. Lines-in runs from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 19. Final weigh-in is at 6 p.m., and awards ceremonies follow at 7 p.m. at Boatman’s Sombrero Resort, 19 Sombrero Blvd. at MM 50. The fee of $125 per angler includes entry, a tournament T-shirt and one meal ticket for the captains meeting and awards banquet. The pro division requires a three-angler minimum, with a two-angler minimum for the amateur division.

To register, call 305-289-0199 or click here. For lodging rates at Boatman’s Sombrero Resort & Lighthouse Marina, call 305-743-2250 or click here.

To find out about other area accommodations, call the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce at 305-743-5417 or 800-262-7284, e-mail or explore this website.