DDWS announces winners of annual tarpon tourney
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. Anglers photo-recorded 15 tarpon catches this year.
The DDWS organizes the tournament with Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille as the title sponsor. The Silver King Awards ceremony took place at the restaurant’s location on Fort Myers Beach.
When the 2020 tournament was postponed until this year, teams were given first opportunity for a guaranteed coveted spot in the 2021 event by allowing their entry fee to roll over and then paying the 2021 fee, essentially doubling the purse, for the largest payout ever in the history of the tourney.
“Because all boat registration fees go into the awards purse, sponsorship partners are extremely important to this tournament,” DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller said. “They make it possible to raise vital financial support for the conservation mission of DDWS and the refuge.”
The first place prize of $25,425 went to Team Tarpon Time, including Capt. Tanner Miller and members Stephanie Miller, Eric Davis and Ryan Clase. They caught and released a total of four fish.
Second place Team Fort Myers Marine, led by Capt. Bryan Waid, caught two fish and won $14,125. In third place, Capt. Whitney Jones’ Team Whitney’s Bait & Tackle caught the first fish of the day and took home $8,475. Fourth place winners Team Jason & the Tarpon Knots, with Capt. Jason Smith, won $5,650; and fifth place winners Team Chasin Poon, with Capt. Matt Mitchell, took home $2,825.
The tournament also handed out awards for female angler to Miller from Team Tarpon Time, senior angler to Gary Biltgen from Team Chasin Poon, and amateur team to Team Jason & the Tarpon Knots.