The 13th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, a fundraiser for Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, takes place Friday, May 9, from 6:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Presented by title sponsor Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and the nonprofit “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, the catch-and-release tourney is the only one of its kind benefiting conservation with 100% of all entry fee proceeds going to the winners.
The competition has raised nearly $1.3 million from in-kind and cash sponsorships and donations since its inception in 2012, with all proceeds supporting conservation, education, wildlife and water quality research at the 6,470-acre national refuge, part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S. Known globally for its migratory bird populations and bird-watching opportunities, the refuge is also the first recorded location of a tarpon caught on rod and reel.
The tournament is limited to 60 participating teams, with a maximum of six people per team/boat. Prize money is awarded to the top five finishers catching the most tarpon with the top female and senior angler and amateur teams receiving non-cash awards. Nearly $440,000 has been awarded during the 12-year history of the competition.
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