Dad & son spend magical day in Miami thanks to The News
FOR YEARS, fisherman Anthony Dimino’s most memorable catch remained a hubcap pulled out of Jamaica Bay. And then the Daily News sent the lucky Queens man on a fabulous Florida fishing getaway, flying him down to Miami and a day-long excursion on the high seas.
“Unforgettable,” said the 53-year-old prize winner after his once-in-a-lifetime experience, shared alongside his son Angelo. “Priceless.”
Anthony Dimino took his first fishing trip as a 9-year-old — and was immediately hooked. Most of his angling was done in and around the city, from the Crossbay Bridge to Sag Harbor.
He was randomly selected in May as the winner of The News’ “Fishing Adventure” giveaway.
Father and son were over the moon about their chance to fish the ocean waters off Florida’s East Coast. For neophyte Angelo, the Miami trip marked his first-ever fishing expedition.
And it was a chance for him to spend some quality time with his dad.
“We don’t get to spend much time together,” explained Queens resident Angelo. “He works. I go to school. Schedules are tough. I’m pretty excited.”
His pop was just as pumped up: “I wanna make sure he catches the biggest fish — at least a marlin!”
The excitement and anticipation only increased as the pair arrived at the Crandon Park Marina in Key Biscayne around 10:30 a.m.
Their host for the day was professional angler Peter Miller, skipper of the Yellowfin.
“Mi casa, su casa,” said Miller, welcoming the pair aboard with free apparel from Yeti and Salt Life. “Welcome to Miami.”
If the Diminos didn’t know what to expect, Michael Finiguerra sure did.
The production and marketing manager for trip sponsor Bass 2 Billfish predicted the News’ winners would enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
“Florida is the ultimate fishing destination,” said Finiguerra.
Even before the Yellowfin began its 20-mile journey to prime fishing waters, Anthony Dimino echoed Finiguerra’s sentiment.
“It’s like a dream,” he said, surveying the crystal blue water and tropical backdrop. “I’m bewildered. In a beautiful atmosphere, on a beautiful day. I’m looking forward to a special day.”
Anthony and Angelo, dressed alike in their new white long-sleeved T-shirts and visors, wore matching grins as Miller steered their craft into the Atlantic.
The weather would turn windy and rainy as the day went on, but their sunny smiles never waned.
At the 20-mile mark off Key Biscayne, the three-time world sailfish champion and Emmy-nominated television host headed south in search of a prime spot. When he spied a frigate bird circling in the sky above, Miller knew he was in the right place.
They were hoping for marlin. They settled for mahi mahi — starting with Angelo’s first cast. Miller helped the first-time fisherman reel in his first fish.
A beaming Angelo high-fived