The 14th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament is a fundraiser for Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The title sponsor is Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille.
The catch-and-release tourney is the only one of its kind that benefits conservation and returns 100% of all entry fees to winners. The competition has raised over $1.7 million from auction items, sponsorships and donations since its inception in 2012, with all proceeds supporting conservation, education, wildlife and water quality research at the 6,470-acre J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, an important 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.
This year’s tournament has 63 teams, with a maximum of six anglers per team/boat. Prize money is awarded to the top five finishers catching the most tarpon with the top female angler, senior angler and amateur teams receiving non-cash awards. Over $500,000 has been awarded during the 14-year history of the competition.