Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich, a former Miami Dolphins star player and current Dolphins color analyst, is to show his passion for a different sport when he hosts the Oct. 24-25 Publix Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic in Islamorada.

The tournament is to offer cash prizes for the top dolphin, kingfish, tuna and wahoo caught as well as "Weekend Warrior" prizes for the largest snapper and grouper.

A top boat award of $5,000 cash is to be awarded for the greatest cumulative weight of target species. A maximum of three fish per species per boat is allowable.

Second-place team is to win $1,000, while $500 each awaits the four anglers with the heaviest catch in each of the target species.

The tournament's scheduled kickoff is a party with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres set for 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at Ziggie & Mad Dog's Restaurant, mile marker (MM) 83 bayside. Anglers can register until 8 p.m.

Focused on fundraising as well as fun, the tournament's kickoff is to include a silent auction with fishing gear, sports memorabilia, exotic travel packages, electronic gadgets and artwork up for bid. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Florida Keys' Mariners Hospital.

Captains should plan to be on hand for the tournament rules meeting at 6:15 p.m.

On Saturday, boats are to blast out of Whale Harbor Channel at 7 a.m. when teams check out with the committee. Fishing is to continue until 3:30 p.m.

All fish must be weighed in by 6 p.m. at the weigh station at the Chesapeake Resort, MM 83.5 oceanside.

A 4-6 p.m. party is planned dockside at the Chesapeake with cocktails. Dinner and live music are to start at 6:30 under a party tent, with awards scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Registration is $450 per boat for four anglers, and includes the cocktail party and dinner. Additional social entries are $60 per person.

Anglers registered by Oct. 17 can save $50 on registration fees and be entered in a drawing for two round-trip airfare tickets to anywhere in the continental United States, Canada or Mexico.

Discounted room rates are available at Chesapeake Resort and Holiday Isle, where dockage discounts also are available. For information, call (305) 667-0399 or visit www.maddogclassic.com.