Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo: Honoring a Legacy, Saving Lives, and Supporting Students

Few events bring people together quite like the annual Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo. Whether you knew Nick personally, love fishing, or simply enjoy supporting a meaningful cause, this tournament is for you. Far beyond just a fishing competition, the Dolphin Rodeo is a movement dedicated to raising awareness of shallow-water blackout.

Honoring Nick Sheahan’s Legacy

The tournament was founded in memory of Nick Sheahan, a beloved Coral Shores High School student who tragically lost his life at age 16 due to SWB while diving in the Bahamas in 2004.

What began as a way to honor Nick’s life has grown into a massive community effort. The first scholarships went to four of Nick’s closest friends, and each year, more of his friends return to fish, volunteer, and keep his legacy alive.

Scholarships That Make a Difference

Since its inception, the Nick Sheahan Scholarship Foundation has awarded $456,000 in scholarships to Coral Shores graduates. In 2024 alone, the foundation raised $48,000, providing $3,000 scholarships to 16 students.

2025 Dolphin Rodeo Details

📍 Location: Tavernier Creek Marina

📅 Dates:

• Friday, May 2 – Kickoff Party with DJ Dave & BBQ by Mike’s BBQ 101
• Saturday, May 3 – Day 1 of Dolphin Fishing
• Sunday, May 4 – Day 2 of Dolphin Fishing

🎟️ Social Tickets: $40 (includes dinner)

Cash Prizes & Divisions

🎯 Grand Prize: $25,000 for breaking the Florida state record for the largest Dolphin Fish

💰 If no record is broken, the top finishers will take home:

• 1st Place – $5,000
• 2nd Place – $2,500
• 3rd Place – $1,000

🏆 Junior Division: Trophies and exciting prizes 🐟 Special Prizes: For the largest wahoo and tuna

Silent Auction, Raffles & More

Back by popular demand:

• 🎨 Silent Auction with local art, jewelry, fishing gear, fuel cards, and more
• 🎟️ 50/50 Raffle
• 📄 Bidding is in-person (paper bids only)

Life-Saving Tips: Preventing Shallow Water Blackout (SWB)

• ✔️ Always dive or train with a buddy
• ✔️ Never hyperventilate more than 3–4 breaths
• ✔️ Drop your weight belt if in doubt
• ✔️ SWB can occur at any depth, without warning
• ✔️ Learn CPR adapted for shore, board, or boat rescues

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Presented by:

• Bucked Up Energy
• The Shane “Waterfront” Wilson Real Estate Team
• Mac Tools Dewalt Overseas Tools

Special thanks to Tavernier Creek Marina, Becky Bohnstedt, Joe Biondoletti, Jaime Snyder, Brandy Smith, Michael Borguss, and the many generous sponsors, volunteers, and donors.

Join the Movement – Be Part of the Dolphin Rodeo!

Visit 👉 NickSheahan.com to register, donate, sponsor, or volunteer for the 18th Annual Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo.