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2016 Fins Weekend Tournament Recap

Top team scores tuna, kingfish and dolphin, and wins ride on Miami Dolphins team plane

By Photos by Scott Salyers and courtesy Miami Dolphins

Updated: May 23, 2016

Fins Weekend Fishing Tournament, Miami Dolphins Foundation

The Annual Fins Weekend Fishing Tournament kicked off on May 20th with fishing on the 21st. This event is hosted by the Miami Dolphins Foundation. Special thanks to Stan Rudman of Hook & Tackle for fielding Team Hook & Tackle/Beep Beep. Courtesy Miami Dolphins

Fins Weekend starts with the Hook & Tackle Captain’s Party. Notice the tent actually goes over the trees! Good causes bring out the best people! Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

Fins weekend is famous for great food and drink. Nikki Rapp enjoys a bite from one of the many sponsor food stations. Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

More strategy at the Hook and Tackle Captain’s Party. Here Head Coach Adam Gase shares a story with Kenny Sills and Jay Ajayi. Courtesy Miami Dolphins

Food and drink were flowing for the Hook & Tackle Captain’s Party. Quick hands make a great mixologist! Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

Finally! Our team Beep Beep is on the water and observing the morning buzz at Miami Beach Marina basin as teams make final preparations. Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

Instead of cast netting the bait, our team decided to throw the “cash net.” Buying bait can save time, but during tournament season, it can cost. Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

Beep Beep’s Colston Ketcham carefully transfers bait into the 34 Sea Vee Z’s transom well. Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

Beep Beep Captain Eddie Juan runs the boat while Colston shows ex-Miami Dolphin AJ Duhe where we are headed. Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

Owner of the Grin and Barrett, Hunter Barrett, keeps a watchful eye on his kite baits. Unfortunately today it’s like watching that proverbial pot of water waiting to boil. Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

Although the bite was slow, there were some boats that manages to find a fish or two. In this shot, Warrin’ Piece is hooked up and releases a sailfish. Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

Patience pays. 30 minutes before lines out we get our first real bite. Hunter finesses the fish boat side while Ketcham and Juan look on. Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

Ketcham prepares for the sailfish release. It doesn’t count as the tournament is a meat tournament, but its definitely a sight for sore eyes. Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

Back at the dock, there’s evidence that some folks got some fish to weigh. Here’s a nice blackfin tuna going to the scales. Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

A familiar site at Miami Beach Marina, Capt. Bouncer Smith cleaning just a few of his day’s catch. Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

So is it the Hooters girls who bring the crowds to the weigh station or is it the big fish? Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

Good times were had by most everyone. Capt Mark Maus is all smiles while cleaning his Yellowfin 32. Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

Scott Robbins’s Weeze in the Keys had a nice haul too. Courtesy Miami Dolphins

The winning team: Never Done. They found the tuna, kingfish and one dolphin. They will get to ride on the Miami Dolphins team plane for an away game next season. Courtesy Miami Dolphins

A live auction is always a fun time. Here Stan Rudman assists Paul Castronovo and Jeff Peck as they raise money for the City Year Miami. This great charity helps kids keep kids at risk in school through graduation. Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

Here Ketcham decided he would rather hang out with some new friends. Who can blame him? Scott Salyers / Sport Fishing

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