Event Flyer. The 2021 Ding Darling Doc Fords Tarpon Tournament was a great success! This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Centrally located on the island - and just a few steps away from one of South Carolina's beautiful beaches - the Racquet Club has eight Fast-Dry clay courts and six permanent pickleball courts. 2021 #17 CLASSIC. More than 40 species of fish are targeted during the multimonth tournament, with divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). The tournament participants range from the expert to the novice who is trying to improve his fishing skills. The Project Tarpon Texas Tournament Series has continued the legacy of Texas tarpon tournaments for fifteen years. . The second and third amateur tournaments will be week-long tournaments during the fall. Thanks to the contributions from our friends at Hooters, the tournament got off to a fast start which helped propel the tournament into one of the more popular tournaments in the area. 2015 Thane Morgan with Captain Dustin Huff. Craig Brewer with a fish weighing approximately 139 pounds. The Gold Cup has been referred to as the Wimbledon or World Series of tarpon fishing. The Largest Tarpon Award was earned by Angler Ned Johnson from Charleston, SC and his Guide, Capt. For more information please contact William Woodroffe at (813) 310- 1609. Preston says, Its humbling to even be invited to fish the Gold Cup, and Capt. Originally called the Tarpon Tomorrow Texas Tournament Series, Project Tarpon has carried the Texas Tournament Series banner for nearly a decade. The tarpon, also known as the Silver King is the top sportfish in the area. The ninth annual Ding Darling & Doc Fords Tarpon Tournament on May 14 netted $180,000 from event sponsorships and donations. Making a charitable contribution is easy and tax deductible. Talented Fly-Anglers were able to pull in a total of 103 fish during the five-day stretch, consisting of 70 Release and 33 Weight Fish, the best tarpon fishing during this prestigious tournament in some time. July 28 - 30, 2022. @ Joyland We would like to congratulate the following teams: Like the Fingers OBannon Memorial Fishing Tournament, the Cabbage Key Open is an invite only tournament. (239) 283-3999or Make a Reservation, 13771 Waterfront Dr, Bokeelia FL 33922 All of the winners of the 2021 tournament are featured in this painting. Luis Cortes. As always, we look forward to your participation again this following year. The Hawley was the first tarpon . Latitude N 26 39' 562" The 2020 population of Tampa is 392,890. REFUGE/DDWS Team Doc Ford's with its catch of the day. The tournament will fish out of the Lor-e-lei restaurant and marina in Islamorada. The 59th Annual Gold Cup Invitational Tarpon Fly Fishing Tournament, one of the most revered fly fishing tournaments in the world, is known wherever anglers pursue the Silver King with a fly. The 59th Annual Gold Cup Invitational Tarpon Fly Fishing Tournament, one of the most revered fly fishing tournaments in the world, is known wherever anglers pursue the Silver King with a fly. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, making a real difference. It's time to fish! "Ding" Darling and Doc Ford's 9th Annual Tarpon Tournament is coming up on May 14th, and I'm excited to sponsor the event this year. Charlie . The 93rd Annual Tournament is scheduled to begin on Saturday, May 6th, and continue through Sunday, June 11th. N 26 53.668 WORLD GREATEST KIDS FISHING TOURNAMENT: SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 3:00-6:00 PM. These are five of the most expensive saltwater fishing tournaments in terms of entry fee and overall winning pot. Also, if you would like to be a sponsor for next year, please contact us and we would love to provide you more information! First Runner Up Angler, Mike Criscola from Fair Haven, NJ, and Guide, Capt. It has no markings but tests silver, most likely sterling.Great patina but would shine up if buyer chose to. The Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament is known worldwide, wherever anglers pursue the Silver King with a fly. June 7 to June 11 in Islamorada 2021 Don Hawley Invitational Tarpon Tournament Using fly tackle with a 12 pound or 16 pound tippet, a maximum of 25 of the world's top fly rod fishermen test their skill and mettle in this grueling 5 day challenge. The Largest Tarpon Award was earned by Angler Ned Johnson from Charleston, SC and his Guide, Capt. They also caught fish every day, which is an oddity during the Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament. WORLD GREATEST KIDS FISHING TOURNAMENT: SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 3:00-6:00 PM. Miami, FL - Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) will induct Flip Pallot, Dr. Lloyd Wruble, and the late Captain Billy Knowles into the Circle of Honor on April 20, 2023, during BTT's 10 th Annual Florida Keys Dinner at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Florida.. Pallot, a pioneering saltwater fly-fishing guide, boat designer, and television personality, will receive the 2023 Curt Gowdy Memorial . Things like book signings, retail sales, and location specific events. 2017 Bart Beasley with Captain Perry Coleman. The 76th WIBC Championship Tournament ended June 12 at Tucson, Ariz., with champions crowned in four divisions and two team tournament records set . The Don Hawley Invitational Tarpon Fly Tournament was organized by Dick Pope, Jr. in 1975 to honor the great Don Hawley whom passed away in 1974. Tarpon Tournament. 3 (Pink Pony Courtyard) P.O. Focusing on sportsmanship, the Project Tarpon Texas Tournament Series is a friendly competition among the best tarpon anglers in Texas. Key West. Referral Program-Get Paid to refer a friend! Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament The Annual Outback Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament is a three day battle of up to 25 anglers against tarpon. 17th Annual Howl at the Moon. There are tarpon everywhere, more boat traffic but more . This was the #1 weigh-in station located on Bayshore Blvd. The 2021 "Ding" Darling Tarpon Tournament rewarded the winners a combined $56,500 in prizes, but more importantly, sponsorships and donations accounted for $180,000. More than 40 species of fish are targeted during the multimonth tournament, with divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). . Videos from the "Professional Tarpon Tournament Series". + Google Calendar + Add to iCalendar. Get in touch: 239-292-0566, Tax I.D. For a Entry Fee of just $150, anglers not only compete for an overall winner tile, but also, weekly, junior, ladies, fly, most releases, and His & Her Divisions winner. If you are a seasoned tarpon angler or a novice trying to become one, e-mail us for more information. The Gold Cup Invitational Tarpon tournament is the one of the oldest Tarpon tournaments in the United States. snapshots of boca grande. The quaint island of Grand Isle, with a population of 1,500 residents, swells to more than 25,000 festival-goers over the three days of the rodeo. His death on September 27, 1993 prompted many to take action to remember his legacy. Still, the celebration continues with the Epiphany Lecture Series 7 p.m. Friday at St. Nicholas cathedral, the Epiphany Golf Tournament on Saturday at Innisbrook, and the Epiphany Ball 6:30 p.m . The first tournament will be a weekend only . 2018 Julian Robertson with Captain Rob Fordyce. This fishing tournament raises almost $25,000 annually for Rotary International and local projects. threatened the area just days beforehand. Days. 2021 Gasparilla Island Kids Classic Tarpon Tournament. Second place team Fort Myers Marine, led by captain Bryan Waid, caught two fish and won $14,125. See official results page here. This page was last updated: June 12, 2021. For more information on the tournament, please visit the Ding Darling tournament website. The 28th Annual Fingers O'Bannon Invitational Memorial Snook Tournament. Attached is this year's tournament information including all sponsorships available. 2021 Results. PHOTO PROVIDED 2022 The tournament will be held in Islamorada in the Florida Keys. All of that money went to to support conservation efforts at the J.N. Beautiful pin from a Tarpon tournament in Mexico!! Telephone: 941.964.0568 Gasparilla Outfitters. Individual angler registration is free of charge and covered by the boat/team captain entry. Note the cars of the day & the Tampa population. The Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament is known worldwide, wherever anglers pursue the Silver King with a fly. Were extremely grateful to our fellow competitors, the tournament organizers, and the anglers and guides who have come before us to make the event what it is today.. Its kind of like the green Masters tournament jacket in golf. Vintage TERESA Hollywood Hair . Robert McCue) in the . We couldnt be more excited about this years tournament. Sign up for 'Ding' on the Wing email bulletins and receive info about Ding Darling Wildlife Society events and news. Join us for a fun summer of tarpon fishing! To come out on top in 2021 was the experience of a lifetime, and to be able to repeat and . Past Champions. The Ding Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge organizes the tourney with Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille as the title sponsor. With the winning fish caught in the last hour of the tournament on Friday afternoon, Preston credits not only his Hardy rod with the win, but also the support from the Hardy team, which was present throughout the event. Congratulations to Tanner, who now wears the coveted pink tarpon jacket, Doc Fords co-owner Marty Harrity, who introduced the jacket in 2017 as an added incentive for taking first place, said. All rights reserved. Angler Dave Preston and Capt. The Kick-Off Event this year will once again be held at Joyland, 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road in Sarasota on Wednesday night, May 3rd, check-in begins at 6:30 PM, dinner is included with your Entry Fee, and a cash bar will be available. Team Evinrude/Andros takes the lead and holdsfast with a 171 lb tarpon on the scales earning them a 1st place victory in week # 4's PTTS. Dave Prestons never failing positive attitude and passion for conservation has been evident over the 10 years that he has fished the tournament. The 59th Annual Gold Cup Invitational Tarpon Fly Fishing Tournament, one of the most revered fly fishing tournaments in the world, is known wherever anglers pursue the Silver King with a fly. They are one of one of the rare teams to catch the 5 weight fish limit by day 4, allowing the last day of fishing to consist of chasing release fish that are at least 4 feet long, instead of chasing the biggest fish that would count as weight fish. This reputable team caught 5 Release Fish and 2 Weight Fish weighing 94.5 and 78.1 pounds. It has been referred to as the "World Series" of tarpon fishing and consists of 5 days of honorable competition. Anglers receive 1,000 points for each fish measuring four feet or more caught and released, in accordance . You may not enter the tournament once it has started. All tarpon entered will be measured in the water laying flat on their side horizontally by girth only and measured to the . We would like to congratulate the following teams: The Fingers OBannon Memorial Fishing Tournament is a prestigious invite only tournament dedicated to the life and memory of the late Floyd Fingers OBannon. Preston says, Its humbling to even be invited to fish the Gold Cup, and Capt. Email Lily Taylor at info@bocagrandechamber.com with any questions. When the 2020 tournament was postponed until this year, the purse essentially . Read on and discover how lucrative participating in high-stakes saltwater fishing tournaments can be, and don't hesitate to leave a comment if I missed any big money saltwater fishing tournaments. Eric Herstedt, earned 5295 points. We are excited about giving all our local fly fishing enthusiasts a venue to share their thoughts, skills and passion for this wonderful sport. First place team captain Jesse Craddock and mate Kaelin Olayer on the Flyin Hawaiian with a team of Mary Brooker, Shawn Brooker, Erin Lykins and Laurie Burcaw caught the most fish . Angler Dave Preston and Capt. The tourney also handed out awards for female angler to Stephanie Miller of Team Tarpon Time, senior angler to Gary Biltgen of Team Chasin Poon, and amateur team to Team Jason & the Tarpon Knots. The 60th Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament will take place June 19-23, 2023. 23, 1995 | Updated Oct. 4, 2005. Office Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am to 3 pm, 2018 Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce. Anglers photo-recorded 15 tarpon catches this year. Focusing on sportsmanship, the Project Tarpon Texas Tournament Series is a friendly competition among the best tarpon anglers in Texas. May 15 - May 20, 2021 Marathon Key, Florida. Alt-Fish-Off: Sat., June 18, Southern Side of Stump Pass The 2021 tournament paid out $56,500 in prizes to five winning teams out of 55 registered teams. Camp ASCCA. P.O. P.O. The Tarpon Fly Fishing Invitational is a two day invitational tournament sponsored by various companies such as Power-Pole, Costa Del Mar and more, for the benefit of Captains for Clean Water. The more we can do to protect our natural environment, the better off well all be. For 2022, the Texas Tarpon Tournament Series will consist of a number of individual tournaments for amateur and pro/guide anglers to compete separately. 15th Annual Tarpon Fishing Tournament on Boca Grande FL. Tournament launch from of Fort De Soto Park boat ramp: Check-in begins at 6 AM, Shotgun start at 7 AM. 471 Park Ave. Ste. Whats also important to note, is that this is strictly a catch and release tournament, and the fish stays in the water 100% of the time. Jun 15th-Lake Tarpon-Tuesday Night Tournaments . However, each angler must electronically register before fishing. Before the tournament, each angler is given 2 wrist bands that are required to be visible in the leader-touch pictures that are sent to tournament officials to show a caught fish. Plus, it is an opportunity to remind anglers, both professional and amateur, about the importance of ethical and responsible fishing.. Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) is concerned about the newly established SFC Tarpon Championship Series (TCS), which has announced nationally televised tournaments in Islamorada (March 28-30), Charlotte Harbor (April 4-6), and Sarasota (April 20-22). By then also paying the 2021 fee, they fed into the largest payout in the history of the tournament. For questions regarding the tournament or interest in becoming a sponsor, pleasecontact April Boehnenat440-452-9083. REMEMBERING THE TAMPA TARPON TOURNAMENT. 2021 March Merkin Grand Champs. The historic GCTT trophy is showcased locally at The Florida Keys Outfitters. **We are often in & out of the shop. Angler Dave Preston and Capt. Wed, May 3, 2023 While 2011 PTTS Team Of The Year, Team Miller's Ale House secures a 2nd place win with 153 lbs. World's Richest Tarpon Tournament. Box 704, Boca Grande, Florida 33921 Guests may be added for an additional $125 per person per night. Migrating Tarpon average 70 to 140 pounds. Preston and Cortess Weight Fish weighed in at 99.7, 132.5 96.8, 74.5, and 71.5 pounds. In addition to offering a fun day on the water for the Sanibel fishing community, the tournament supports conservation at the J.N. Earnings combined sponsor . Copyright SANIBEL-CAPTIVA - Island Reporter, Islander and Current | https://www.captivasanibel.com | 2340 Periwinkle Way P.O. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.. 88 is on the way! Greg's most recent tournament: The Gold Cup. We cant thank Doc Fords enough for their incredible show of support these past nine years, Miller said. 3 (Pink Pony Courtyard) June 20-24, 2022. The Tarpon Tournament has been an annual event here in Sarasota since 1930. Dont worry, we only send emails if there's something we think youd be interested in. Aside from two afternoons of dodging. COGC features a newly upgraded Steve Smyer's design golf course and large banquet/meeting center. Thursday, May 18, 2023: Check-in & CaptainsMeeting, Friday, May 19, 2023: Tournament Day &Silver King Awards Banquet. Fish-Off: Sat., June 17 "Capt. Using . Were extremely grateful to our fellow competitors, the tournament organizers, and the anglers and guides who have come before us to make the event what it is today.. Days. Not only is this historic Tarpon Tournament an opportunity to participate in world-class fishing, it also supports the local community. Specialties: Newly semi-private Crescent Oaks Golf Club is part of locally owned Ace Golf including nearby Wentworth Golf club and New Tampa's Pebble Creek Golf Club. Your participation in the tournament directly supports the programs of the Sea Base, serving more than 15,000 young men and women each year. 2022 Rodeo Dates- July 28, 29, and 30 Welcome to the INTERNATIONAL GRAND ISLE TARPON RODEO Since 1928! Rotary General Fund Grant. Thank you to all of the Anglers that participated in the 2021 Fingers OBannon Invitational. The tournament was won by BTT's Director of Science and Conservation, Dr. Aaron Adams, with Tim Smith and Jeffrey Forte following behind in second and third place. Craig Brewer with a fish weighing approximately 139 pounds. Office Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am to 3 pm, 2018 Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce. This is a competition, but it is between the angler and one of the worlds greatest fighting fish the tarpon. Dec. 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022: Key West Fishing Tournament. To do that, the Tournament partners with a selected non-profit organization annually and donates a portion of the proceeds to that charitable organization. All rights reserved. The Key West Fishing Tournament strongly encourages the release of game fish. We hope you make plans to attend this great fundraising event! October 18, 2021. Max of 6 anglers per boat. 100% of entry fees go back to the anglers in prizes. | All rights reserved. Jun 1st-Lake Tarpon . The Key West Fishing Tournament strongly encourages the release of game fish. Fourth place winner Team Jason & the Tarpon Knots, with captain Jason Smith, won $5,650; fifth place winner Team Chasin Poon, with captain Matt Mitchell, took home $2,825. 2021 Angler Julian Robertson & Captain Rob Fordyce. Sponsorships can be a combination of cash or in-kind. The 59th Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament will take place June 20-24, 2022. In the end, Chad Huff and Scott Christian were in fourth with a 79-pounder and their release fish, and third was ALonzo Sotillo and Baker Bishop. It has been referred to as the "World Series" of tarpon fishing and consists of 5 days of honorable competition. July 22nd, 23rd & 24th, 2021. 59-2240895. Because all boat registration fees go into the awards purse, sponsorship partners are extremely important to this tournament, DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller said. Event Date: Saturday, May 22nd, 2021. The Gold Cup is an all release, fly fishing invitational that has attracted many premier fly fishermen and guides throughout its 56 year history. Thats right, theres some serious money to be made for winning the tournament. Charlie Causey, guided by Captain Hank Brown won the tournament in 1986 and as the 1987 Tournament Chairman, Charlie along with other conservation-minded anglers voted to change the Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament to catch and release only. Teams of Anglers and Guides compete for various trophy and sponsor-donated items. They make it possible to raise vital financial support for the conservation mission of DDWS and the refuge.. The angler is responsible for obtaining and paying his guide. Luis and I cannot thank Hardy Fly Fishing enough for their support in the 2021 Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament," said Gold Cup-winning angler Dave Preston. Often referred to as the "grand-daddy of fishing . Email: info@bocagrandechamber.com $150/additional angler. The DDWS organizes the tournament with Doc Ford's Rum Bar . years and pulled in a total of 119 releases for the week. Luis Cortes, earned their Grand Championship title with 6850 points, consisting of 7 Release Fish and 5 Weight Fish for the week. Born October 10, 1926 Fingers OBannon became famous for fishing our pristine local waters. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the location of the first recorded tarpon caught on rod and reel. On behalf of Cabbage Key and the OBannon family we would like to thank all past and present sponsors and congratulate previous winners and anglers that have made the tournament such a success year after year. It just doesnt get any better. Photo by Dylan Schmitz Tournament Seasonand The Gold Cup. A Florida Tarpon Fly Fishing Tradition Since 1975. The event remains five days long and participants can fish with either 12 pound or 16-pound tippet. Should you have questions when reviewing the sponsor packet, please contact tournament coordinator April Boehnen byemail or at 440-452-9083. Check-In: 6:30 p.m. Teams of Anglers and Guides compete for various trophy and sponsor-donated items. Earnings combined sponsor contributions from 2020 with this years for a record-breaking contribution to benefit conservation at the J.N. Tarpon fishing is also very good for the resident fish up in the bay and offers a lot of opportunities in many directions. Proceeds from this family-friendly annual sailfish tournament will benefit The Holly Given Fund non-profit (501-c3).Our purpose is to help the Florida Keys community through educational scholarships and donations to organizations for locals in need. Originally called the Tarpon Tomorrow Texas Tournament Series, Project Tarpon has carried the Texas Tournament Series banner for nearly a decade. Were coming up on the 10 year anniversary, and to date theres been over $730,000 raised for Ding Darling and their conservation efforts in our community. Along with the season, comes a plethora of tarpon tournaments, including Capt. P.O. Dinner: 7:30 p.m. Week 1: Sat., May 6 - Sat., May 12 Ian Slater, earned Second Runner-Up with 3226 points. Islamorada, Florida Keys. 471 Park Ave. Ste. Copyright 2022Project Tarpon Texas Tournament Series - All Rights Reserved. Email: info@bocagrandechamber.com Clean water and a healthy ecosystem are vital to all industries here in Florida, and is a direct contributor to the economy. Contact Zac Lemmon, zac@kidsandclays.com to be added to a waiting list in the event of an opening. 1. All proceeds are directed to the Guides Trust Foundation, which helps local fishing captains during times of need. CATEGORIES: Inshore Guided Division: Heaviest Spotted Seatrout (Spec) State laws apply . W 082 20.484, 2021 Sarasota Tarpon Tournament | Design: stewartCS. The Gold Cup is an all release, fly fishing invitational that has attracted many premier fly fishermen and guides throughout its 56 year history. Week 3: Sun., May 20 - May, 26 Luis and I consider it a great honor just to be in the room, trying to follow in the footsteps of giants. For information, including current results and sponsors, visit www.GoldCupTT.com. Three" tarpon fly tournaments, had relatively consistent daily fishing compared to some previous. Please see the Rules and your invitation for more details. No specific tarpon angling experience is required. Each year our club, along with the Mobile Sunrise Club, organizes, hosts and conducts the Rotary Tarpon Tournament this area. Privacy Policy | Legal NoticeDeveloped by: Magnetic New Media, 2017 Worlds Richest Tarpon Tournament Video Highlights, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e70nfDZCgs. Hours. We hate spam too. There will be a separate guide tournament to correspond with the second amateur tournament. 1st come, 1st paid basis to hold your spot. The ninth annual "Ding" Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament on May 14 netted $180,000 from event sponsorships and donations. Second Runner Up Angler, Nathaniel Linville, from Key West, FL, and his Guide, Capt. In the 2021 tournament just a couple months ago, the winning team won roughly $45k! Tournament is underway! Preston and Cortess Weight Fish weighed in at 99.7, 132.5 96.8, 74.5, and 71.5 pounds. Ok, perhaps we have overstated things, but well bet youre interested in at least one of our three annual events. A special thanks to Ding Darling and their staff! Ian Slater, earned Second Runner-Up with 3226 points. For those that dont know, each year in the month of May Doc Fords is the host venue for the best tarpon tournament in the state of Florida. To come out on top in 2021 was the experience of a lifetime, and to be able to repeat and carry this feeling on for the next 365 days is everything we could dream of and then some. Click below to go directly to the page for either the Worlds Richest Tarpon Tournament or Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament. Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament - Islamorada, FL, A Florida Keys Fishing Tradition since 1964. Held in Boca Grande Pass, FL. The first place prize of $25,425 went to Team Tarpon Time, including captain Tanner Miller and team members Stephanie Miller, Eric Davis and Ryan Clase. Five weight fish (70 pounds minimum) can be measured for weight points with 10 points awarded per pound. This is a listing of every known bass tournament in the state of Florida for the month of June 2021 . As always, we look forward to your participation again this following year. Taste the Magic: Amazon Hot Pepper Sauces. The "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that the 9th Annual "Ding" Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament on May 14 awarded $56,500 in prizes to five winning teams out of 55 registered teams. The tournament was the first tarpon tournament to stop the killing of tarpon. They also caught fish every day, which is an oddity during the Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament. Telephone: 941.964.0568 1998 Highlights of Tarpon Season. Wells III at Rob@tarponlodge.com or call 239-283-3999. Copyright Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament. The Gold Cup was originally a spin, plug and fly format and was started with the help of baseball hall of famer Ted Williams. More than 40 species of fish are targeted during the multimonth tournament, with divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). Entry is by boat/team captain. We are happy to announce plans for the 35th Annual Faro Blanco Tarpon Tournament! The Key West Fishing Tournament strongly encourages the release of game fish. 2020 Angler L. Mark Weeks & Captain Andy Thompson. The Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo was first conceived in 1928, which makes it the longest-running fishing tournament in the United States. 07/28/2021. Dec. 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020: Key West Fishing Tournament. It has been referred to as the "World Series" of tarpon fishing and consists of 5 days of honorable competition. Anglers photo-recorded 15 tarpon catches this year. Hosted by Cabbage Key, The Florida Farmers Invitational is a one day invitational tournament sponsored by and for anglers in the agricultural industry. Angler Dave Preston and Capt. Entry Fee is $1,250 per boat, maximum of 2 anglers and 1 guide per boat, limited to 25 boats. Showing all 4 results. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the location of the first recorded tarpon caught on rod and reel.