Lights Out Boston Enjoys a Rewarding Evening at the First Annual SFC Awards
Lights Out Boston AC Team Owner Drew Dolben, center, accepts the award for Angling Club of the Year, flanked by, from left, Rob Carmichael, Jackie Hayes, Capt. Tyler Dufresne, and Ray Rosher. WATCH on INSTAGRAM.
The crew from Lights Out Boston joined the rest of the league at the First Annual Sport Fishing Championship Awards, held at SFC's Studio Headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, the show aired Christmas night, Dec. 25 on the all-new ESPN App.
The ceremony, attended by Lights Out Boston Team Owner Drew Dolben, Rob Carmichael and Jackie Hayes, owners of the Viking 62 Lights Out, Capt. Tyler Dufresne, Angler Ray Rosher, and others, brought together representatives from all teams in both the Atlantic and Gulf Divisions, to celebrate the 2025 SFC season.
Lights Out Boston won two awards at the ceremony. Rob Carmichael was selected for Catch of the Year, thanks to his performance at The MidAtlantic in August. Here’s the SFC’s description of the winning catch: “Few moments swing seasons, and Rob Carmichael’s quadruple white marlin release at The MidAtlantic did exactly that. Competing for Lights Out Boston, Carmichael’s performance flipped the leaderboard late in the tournament, securing both the event win and the Atlantic Division title. The effort earned Catch of the Year, edging out a field of dramatic, season-altering feats that included walk-off wins, record-setting releases, and championship-deciding blue marlin. Carmichael’s calm execution under pressure embodied the razor-thin margins that define SFC competition.”
Rob Carmichael accepts the 2025 SFC Catch of the Year Award. WATCH on INSTAGRAM.
True to form, Rob graciously accepted the award. “Not a public speaker but I would like to thank the SFC—Mark and Courtney, for everything you guys do, and all the rest of the staff—I’d like to thank Drew Dolben for putting this together. Our entire crew—I’ve got to name Tucker Carmichael and Kyle Paparelli, the best two mates in the industry—sorry guys, the rest of you guys are great—and certainly my wife Jackie for doing this—gonna get choked up—and for driving our competitive spirit also. Thank you very much!”
In crowning Lights Out Boston with Angling Club of the Year, the SFC said: “Dominance across the Atlantic Division translated into Angling Club of the Year honors for Lights Out Boston. The club combined elite results with a strong presence ashore, highlighted by a record-setting 47 white marlin releases at the Oak Bluffs Bluewater Classic and consistent podium finishes throughout the season. Lights Out’s success was emblematic of the professionalism and preparation now expected at the highest level of SFC competition.”
Team Owner Drew Dolben accepted the honor. “It's because of all the people behind me [Rob Carmichael, Jackie Hayes, Tyler Dufresne, and Ray Rosher] that made this team the winner of this season and I'm eternally thankful for the league and everyone involved. Congratulations guys … team is what we're all about and we're looking forward to taking it to all the rest of you next year! Thank you!”
Other awards given by SFC included Angler of the Year, won by Gregg Trenor of the Third Coast Renegades Angling Club. Jaselyn Berthelot of the Mississippi Blues Angling Club won both Female Angler of the Year and Moment of the Year. Jarrett Birch of the New Jersey Sea Birds Angling Club won the Mate of the Year award. Sportsman of the Year honors went to Dusty Adinolfe of the New York Granders. The Captain of the Year award went to Landon Bell of the Third Coast Renegades. SFC also gave an award for Tournament of the Year, which was won by the Walker’s Cay Open.