The Dolphin Rodeo began in 2008 in honor of Nick Sheahan. Nick died in 2004 tragically of shallow water black out in a diving accident in the Bahamas. He enjoyed fishing, diving and life in the Fabulous Florida Keys. He would have graduated from Coral Shores Senior High in 2006. We are also able to use the tournament to promote the dangers of “Shallow Water Blackout” and how to save someone in the situation.
The Dolphin Rodeo happens the first weekend in May opening up the dolphin fishing season. The community comes together in support of the event. All the proceeds benefit scholarships for graduating seniors of Coral Shores High School.
The kick-off party/captains meeting offers great food by local restaurants as well as beverages and live local entertainment. There is a silent auction with items donated by many local businesses such as artwork, jewelry, gift certificates and more as well a a 50/50 raffle. The actual tournament is a two day event with weigh in and awards ceremony. Cash prizes and trophies for Adults for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Juniors anglers receive trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. We also offer prizes for largest wahoo & tuna. The awards event also offers food, beverages.
In order to qualify for the Nick Sheahan Scholarship, students complete an application acquired through the CAPS counselor at Coral Shores High School (please refer to their link). The board and founders then meet to determine the recipients of the scholarship. Usually 10-15 students are chosen after all applications are reviewed.
Giving back to the community and especially offering opportunities to his peers would have been the way Nick would have wanted to be remembered. This tournament is a wonderful way to keep his memory alive and bring people together to celebrate the life he loved so much.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Fishing Day:
Saturday, May 3rd – Lines in 7:30am,*Lines out 4:30pm-Last weigh in 5:30pm
Sunday, May 4th – Lines in 7:30am, *Lines out 3:00pm – Last weigh in 4:00pm,
ENTRY FEE:
 
Adult $225 and Junior $100
Early Bird registration prior to 4/29 – Adult $200 and Junior $75
A junior angler is anyone 12 years and under on May 2, 2025. 
All eligible fisherman must register online no later than 9pm Friday May 2. 
Registration non-refundable.
PRIZES:
Heaviest Dolphin/Adults
1st Place - $5,000.00
2nd Place - $2,500.00
3rd Place - $1,000.00
Jr. Angler
1st Place – Trophy
2nd Place – Trophy
3rd Place – Trophy
Prizes will also be given for largest Wahoo, Largest Yellow Fin or Black Tuna.
$25,000 Cash Prize for angler that breaks the Dolphin State Record – All IGFA rules apply. Only one entry per species per angler will be allowed.
RULES MEETING & COOKOUT
 
FRIDAY May 2nd - Dinner 6pm at Tavernier Creek Marina. Free to all registered anglers. Guest tickets are $40.00 each (dinner included), children 10 and under free.
Rules meeting at 7:30pm
RULES
Rod and reel only – no hand lines or electric reels allowed.
Maximum test line: 30 lbs I.G.F.A. rules apply.
In the event of a tie, the first fish weighed in will be declared the winner. An angler is eligible for only one prize.
All fish presented for weigh-in must be fresh, in edible condition and caught the day of the tournament.
From the time the fish strikes the bait or lure, the angler must hook and fight the fish without aid of any other person. Any other person touching any part of the rod, reel or line, except the leader, will disqualify the fish.
Marine and fishing prizes will be given at the rules meeting. You must be present to win.
On Sunday, May 4th, prizes for the 18th ANNUAL NICK SHEAHAN DOLPHIN RODEO will be awarded approximately 4:30pm.
All winners may be subject to a polygraph examination. Any protests must be submitted in writing before the final weigh-in on the day it occurs. Any dolphin over 30 lbs maybe inspected.
All fish weighed in are subject to inspection by the tournament committee. Mutilated fish will not be eligible for point scoring.
RELEASE:
 All participants, sports fishermen, their companions and boats enter at their own risk, and hereby release, discharge and further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo (Nick Sheahan Scholarship Fund) and their sponsors, advertisers and other participants and any agents, employees, officers, directors, contractors and successors of the above mentioned organizations from any and all claims, losses, damages, demands, causes of action, suits and liability of over kind arising out of, connected to, or resulting from the NSDR event, including without limitation, any claim for loss, damage or destruction of property, or injury (including death), regardless of whether such loss arises in whole or in part from the negligence of NSDR, its officers, employees, agents, sponsors, directors, contractors, or successors for any loss arising out of, connected to, or resulting from this event. We also understand that this release binds our heirs, executors, administrators and assigns as well as ourselves.  By signing above, my team and I and our participants and attendees acknowledge that we have read and understand the release terms and conditions and agree to be legally bound by these terms and conditions. We also agree to authorize the Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo the freedom to use any of our likenesses in any video or print whether for advertisement or profit without compensation of any kind.
Information Source: Nick Sheahan Scholarship Foundation | eventbrite

Monroe County

United States

Tavernier

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18th Annual Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo | Tavernier Creek Marina: Tickets, Dates & Itineraries | Trip.com

Time:	May 2, 2025 (UTC-4) ENDED
Location:	Tavernier Creek Marina

18th Annual Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo | Tavernier Creek Marina

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