Anglers from all over the country jump in line to participate in the 2016 “Ding” Darling Tarpon Tournament held at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill on Fort Myers Beach. The Island Inn joined in as a sponsor of the tournament and part of the 50 teams that competed on May 7th. They raised over $50,000 at this year’s tournament that will be donated to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and their conservation efforts.
Congratulations to the first and second place winners! First Place, Team Chasin’ Poon, took home $12,037 and second place, Team Teaser, won 6,687!
The competition pays 100 percent of the entry fee towards the tournament award. The event also incorporates an auction in which all proceeds go to the conservation of the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society. This year’s tournament only yielded two tarpon which was disappointing to the 240 anglers participating. However, $8,025 of the winnings that were not awarded this year will steepen the pot for 2017. Mark your calendars for next year’s Tournament, May 19-20, 2017.
To learn more about the Tarpon Tournament and The “Ding ” Darling Wildlife society visit: “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament
