Tarpon Tourney Returns in May
Popular event benefits J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge
It’s an event where all participants benefit. The “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament runs May 6-7 and will place about 200 anglers in the backwaters of the Gulf of Mexico. This is a catch-and-release event that helps in stabilizing the tarpon population. Registration fees fund prizes that in previous years topped $20,000. Sponsorship proceeds support the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, the nonprofit Friends of the Refuge organization whose programs benefit the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel.
Team registration deadline is April 25, with a fee of $500 per team (four members) to participate. A large after-party is planned at tournament headquarters at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille on Fort Myers Beach.
Now in its fifth season, the “Ding”/Doc Ford’s Tournament is an oblique nod to the silver king and its vast contributions to the region. The tarpon craze beginning around 1885 awoke sleepy Southwest Florida and became a huge industry over the ensuing decades. Tarpon season brings millions in bed-tax and tourism revenue. Tarpon breed in May and June, but the industry is year-round. Henry Ford and Thomas Edison drew attention for their enthusiasm chasing after tarpon around Boca Grande, which is considered one of the world’s hot spots for the big fish with shiny scales that can exceed 250 pounds.
The “Ding”/Doc Ford’s Tournament attracts anglers from the U.S. and abroad. Last year’s event featured a European foursome of journalists, who donated their winnings to the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society.
A handful of team slots remain for this year’s event. Auction items are being accepted, and visitors are encouraged to join in pre- and post-event activities at Doc Ford’s on Fort Myers Beach.
Cash prizes are awarded for landing the most tarpon. Last year’s winning boat, Team Sportfisha.com, walked off with a check for $11,418.75. Details and rules are available at ding darlingsociety.org/tarpon-tourney, 239-292-0566.