Miami Dolphins Celebrate 25th Annual Fins Weekend with Record-Breaking Blackfin Tuna Catch
Unforgettable Two-Day Celebration and Fundraiser
MIAMI — The Miami Dolphins recently concluded the 25th edition of Fins Weekend in Coconut Grove, uniting NFL players, coaches, alumni, cheerleaders, and fans for an unforgettable two-day celebration and fundraiser.
Historic Blackfin Tuna Catch
The standout moment this year was an unofficial world record-breaking catch of a 50.1-pound blackfin tuna, certified by an IGFA biologist—marking a first in the tournament’s history. Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Dolphins head coach Jimmy Johnson, who played a pivotal role in launching the event in 1997, was on hand to commemorate this historic achievement.
Weekend Events
Captains Meeting at Ritz Carlton
The weekend of events kicked off on Friday with an invite-only Captains meeting at the Ritz Carlton in Coconut Grove, where 31 teams gathered for a night of festivities and camaraderie before the competition began.
Tournament Recap
On Saturday, anglers, along with Miami Dolphins players, coaches, and alumni, set out from Grove Harbour Marina for a day of fishing, vying for their piece of a $155,500 purse, which included a prize of $20,000 awarded to the team with the largest catch of the tournament.
Returning to the marina, contestants weighed in their catches on the stage at Regatta Grove. In third place was team SO RARE, led by captain TJ Guesstyn Vaughns. They brought in two dolphin, two kingfish, and three tuna, totaling 101.2 lbs, to earn them third place in the Team Division, second and third place in the Heaviest Dolphin Division, and third place in the Combined Weight – 50/30/20 Calcutta, for a payout of $11,160.
Next, in second place, team Macdaddy, captained by Mac Herman, reeled in three kingfish and three tuna for a total weight of 142.2 lbs. Earning the team second place in the Team Division, first, and second in the Heaviest Kingfish Division, first place in the Big Fish – Winner Take All Calcutta, first and second place in the Big Fish – 50/30/20 Calcutta, and second place in the Combined Weight – 50/30/20 Calcutta for a payout of $40,010.
Finally, in first place, team Seapremacy, led by captain Alex Burgess, on their 29’ center console, the smallest boat in the tournament fleet, hit the scales with three kingfish and three tuna for a total weight of 165.9 lbs. Earning the team first place in the Team Division, second place in the Heaviest Tuna Division, third place in the Heaviest Kingfish Division, first place in the Combined Weight – Winner Take all and 50/30/20 Calcuttas and third place in the Big Fish – 50/30/20 Calcutta for a payout of $31,780.
But the fish that stole the show was the unofficial world record 50.1 lb blackfin tuna, verified by an IGFA biologist. Angler Bob Kowalski, along with the Sinnick family led by Captain Gareth Haddam of Miss Britt 34 Express hailing from Grove Harbour Marina in Coconut Grove, reeled in the fish to earn the team first place in the Heaviest Fish Overall Division along with 1st Place in the Heaviest Tuna Division and a $30,000 payout.
Longtime Dolphins fans from Chicago, Pete Sinnick and his family, have chartered a boat nearly every Fins Weekend since its inception, fishing the tournament 21 out of its 25 years of existence.
A stellar lineup of Miami Dolphins players and coaches turned out in force for this year’s highly anticipated event. Among the prominent attendees were defensive tackle Zach Sieler, running back Raheem Mostert, and quarterbacks/passing game coordinator Darrell Bevell.
To see all official tournament results, visit Fins Weekend Live-Scoring Leaderboard
Fins Weekend Celebration
The culmination of Fins Weekend unfolded on Saturday evening with the much-anticipated Fins Weekend Night Party at Regatta Grove. A remarkable turnout of over 70 Dolphins players and coaches graced the event, lending their support to the festivities. The celebration underscored the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define the Dolphins community.
Supporting South Florida Youth Athletics Through the Baptist Health Foundation
Fins Weekend continues its legacy of giving back by directing all proceeds to the Baptist Health Orthopedic Institute Youth Athletic Outreach Program. This initiative provides invaluable support to youth and high school athletics across South Florida. Through the program, athletic trainers are deployed to youth and high school football games, ensuring the safety and well-being of young athletes. Additionally, voluntary EKG screenings are offered to high school athletes in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, prioritizing their health and wellness. The program facilitates ongoing education in sports medicine for high school athletic trainers, coaches, and athletes, emphasizing a holistic approach to athletic development and safety.
About Bluewater Movements
Bluewater Movements, Inc., is a sports marketing company based in South Florida, the sport fishing capital of the world. Throughout the past 30 years, our team has developed some of the most successful competitive fishing events in the industry. Our background in tournament fishing, coupled with our expertise in event marketing, has enabled a premium experience for tournament anglers and sponsors. Within our portfolio, there are seven wildly popular fishing tournaments, all hosted at various venues across South Florida.
For media inquiries, images, and additional information, please contact:
Chris Caravello
Phone: 954-725-4010
Email: Chris@bluewatermovements.com
