The Greater Lantana Chamber of Commerce hosted fishing teams, family members and friends at Lakeside Anchor Inn in March to formally kick off the 25th Annual Lantana Fishing Derby.
Teams that register for the Derby by April 18 will save $50 on the entry fee.
The captain’s meeting and kickoff party for this year’s Derby begins at 7 p.m. May 2 at the Lantana Recreation Center, 418 S. Dixie Highway.
Tournament fishing for kingfish, dolphin and wahoo will be May 4 — just as spring weather brings hungry fish to the waters off Palm Beach County. Teams will weigh their fish on the docks at the historic Old Key Lime House restaurant.
Following the tournament, team members will gather at the Lantana Recreation Center on May 5 for the awards party featuring live music and tasty food prepared by Park Avenue Barbecue.
The heaviest eligible fish caught in the Fishing Derby (kingfish, dolphin or wahoo) wins $2,500. D&D Automotive will pay a $500 “monster bonus” for any eligible fish over 60 pounds.
The Derby also pays $1,250 for the heaviest of each eligible species, $750 for the second-heaviest and $500 for third.
As tournament teams fish, volunteers will host the Kids’ Fishing Derby on the fishing pier at Bicentennial Park. Fifty underprivileged children will learn fishing methods and win prizes. (Every participant in the Kids’ Derby will take home a free rod, reel and tackle box.)
Teams can enter the Fishing Derby online and find tournament rules at www.LantanaFishingDerby.com. The entry fee is $200 by April 18 and $250 thereafter.
For more information about this year’s Fishing Derby, including sponsorship opportunities, contact Lynn Smith at (561) 585-8664 or email: Lynn@Lantanachamber.com.