The 14th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament raised a record $226,357 for conservation and water quality research at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The 2026 competition also received record donations and sponsorships and attracted its largest field ever with 65 registered teams and 309 anglers competing for $67,600 in prize money.
Teams caught and released 63 tarpon with Team Loaded Down, led by Captain Kyle Applefield, winning first place and $30,420. The team was the first to catch and release six fish, also earning the coveted pink tarpon jacket. A nod to golf’s green Masters tournament jacket, the pink jacket was introduced in 2017 by Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, the tournament’s title sponsor.
Captain Cody Chivas’ Team Salt Rock caught its sixth fish later in the day and won the $16,900 second-place prize. Team Towboat US Charlotte Harbor, led by Captain Kyle Potts, caught five fish, placing third and taking home $10,140. Fourth-place winners Team Maastricht Engineering/Window Plus, with Captain Ryan Stoa, won $6,700 with five fish, while fifth-place finisher Team SeaReaper Sportfishing, with Captain Chris Argiro, took home $3,380 for its five tarpon.
The tournament also recognized top female angler Stephanie Swank with Team Costa Customs, senior angler Aaron Black from Team Side X Side Enclosures and amateur team Rad Raz with Captain Kyle Nifong. The competition has awarded nearly $600,000 to winning teams during its 14-year history.
“We are so grateful for this fundraiser, because not only does it add much-needed dollars to the ever-shrinking refuge budget after a few tough years of hurricane recovery, it also supports our conservation mission,” said Kevin Godsea, project leader for the SWFL Gulf Coast Refuge Complex, who oversees seven refuges for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Plus, it is an opportunity to remind anglers, both professional and amateur, about the importance of ethical and responsible fishing.”
The tournament is the first of its kind, benefiting conservation and returning 100% of all entry fees to winners. Founded by Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society–Friends of the Refuge, the competition has raised over $2 million since its inception in 2012, supporting the 6,470-acre national refuge, part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S. and world-famous for its migratory bird populations and bird-watching opportunities. Occupying one-third of Sanibel Island – the location of the first Doc Ford’s restaurant – more than 40% of the refuge is congressionally designated wilderness.
“We are thrilled with this year’s turnout and record fundraising,” said Joe Harrity, partner with HM Restaurant Group. “It’s always a fun day with the underlying mission of supporting the refuge and the local and national efforts to protect critical wildlife habitat while promoting conservation, education and research.”
The competition began as a way to support local professional fishing guides and to connect with anglers, educate them and involve them in conservation efforts.
“We can’t thank Doc Ford’s enough for its incredible show of support and partnership these past 14 years,” said Angeli Chin, manager of events, communications and marketing for the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, who organized and led the 2026 tournament. “They’ve already committed for the 15th annual tournament, which will take place May 7, 2027.”