Southwest Florida is a paradise for anglers of all stripes, boasting a diverse array of both freshwater and saltwater fishing tournaments. From the tranquil freshwater lakes and rivers teeming with bass, snook, and tarpon to the sparkling Gulf of Mexico offering challenges with redfish, trout, and kingfish, this region has something for every angling enthusiast. Whether you're a competitive angler seeking tournaments to showcase your skills or simply looking to enjoy a day on the water, Southwest Florida's fishing tournament scene offers an exciting mix of opportunities, natural beauty, and the thrill of the catch.
2024
Here's a list of some top fishing tournaments in Southwest Florida for 2024, including their dates, locations, a brief overview, and URLs for more information:
May 2024
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May 9-10, 202412th Annual “Ding” Darling and Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament | Ft. Myers, Florida12th Annual “Ding” Darling and Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament where approximately 50 boats and some of the world’s greatest anglers compete for cash prizes.
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the location of the first recorded tarpon caught on rod and reel. To celebrate the historical moment and Southwest Florida’s history of fishing, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society & Doc Ford’s began the “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament. |
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May 22-23, 2024Worlds Richest Tarpon Tournament | Boca Grande, FloridaIn the early 1980s, the Boca Grande Club started the Boca Grande Club Invitational Tarpon Tournament to bring World Class Anglers to Boca Grande, The Tarpon Capital of the World. In the early 90s, the Boca Grande Chamber took over the tournament rebranding it as the “World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament” with first-place winning over $100,000! Although it started as a weigh tournament with 1st place going to the heaviest fish, 2nd to the 2nd heaviest, and 3rd to the team with the most releases, the tournament shifted to an all-release event in the 2000s to focus on Conservation, Sportsmanship, and Education.
This Traditional live-bait-only Tarpon Tournament honors the history of Tarpon fishing in Boca Grande pass as well stressing the importance of conservation to ensure a healthy fishery for generations to come. We hope you join us in future years by participating in the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, a Grande Tradition! |
June 2024
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June 7-9, 2024Fire Charity Fishing Tournament | Bradenton, FloridaThe FCF Foundation Inc., is a charitable organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for local youth and first responder based charitable causes while preserving the sportfishing culture for our youth, young adults, and community during a FREE family friendly weekend long event for the public to enjoy. |
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June 8, 2024Gasparilla Island Kids Classic | Boca Grande, FloridaWhere kids catch & release one of the toughest gamefish while helping others! |
ADDITIONAL EVENTS IN THE WORKS!
Grouper Grapple Offshore Fishing Tournament:
- Date: Specific dates not provided.
- Location: Hosted by Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant.
- Overview: An offshore fishing tournament that has previously raised funds for charitable causes.
- URL: Grouper Grapple Offshore Fishing Tournament
Naples Backcountry Fly Championship:
- Date: Held in October.
- Location: Naples.
- Overview: A tournament for fly fishing enthusiasts, targeting species like tarpon, snook, and redfish.
- URL: Naples Backcountry Fly Championship
RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Tournament:
- Date: Held in November.
- Location: Not specified.
- Overview: Benefits the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, with anglers fishing for redfish, snook, and trout.
- URL: RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Tournament
For additional details and the latest updates, please visit the respective websites!