Given the abundance of tarpon in Boca Grande Pass, tarpon fishing tournaments are a natural. Millers Marina, located at the tip of Boca Grande, has held its Tarpon Tide Tournaments for 21 years.
The first tournament was held in 1977, the brainchild of Millers Marina owner Jack Harper, a former running back for the University of Florida and the Miami Dolphins.
At the time, the tarpon season ended on June 30. In an attempt to create some business for local guides, Harper held a tarpon tournament.
The entry fee was $50 per boat with a guaranteed $1,000 for the heaviest tarpon. Nine boats competed and only one tarpon was caught.
Even though he lost money the first few years, Harper kept holding tournaments. By 1981, the tournament series took off.
This year, Millers Marina has seven tournaments. The five remaining events will be held every Saturday through July 5. Only live bait can be used.
The heaviest tarpon is worth $3,000. Second pays $1,000. There also is a prize for the most releases. Entry fee is $375 per boat. All proceeds benefit charity.
There also will be a jig tournament June 22. Entry fee is $636.
The tournaments last three hours. Each boat is allowed to weigh only one tarpon. Fish can be weighed on the water in a special sling attached to the committee boat and released. Tarpon also can be weighed at the dock.
For tournament information, call Dawn Harper Schoff at 941-964-2232.
The Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce holds the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament every year. First place pays $100,000 for the heaviest tarpon. This year’s tournament is July 9-10. Call 941-964-0568.
