Two tournaments, two days of fishing, this weekend

On Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3, the island will see two of the most popular tarpon tournaments held annually in Boca Grande waters. View More images >>

The Howl at the Moon Invitational Tarpon Tournament Ladies Night Out is an all-release event, and currently 14 teams have signed up.

The captain’s party will begin the event the night before, on Friday, June 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. at PJ’s Seagrille. Fishing will commence on Saturday night at 7 p.m., and conclude at 10 p.m. in Boca Grande Pass.

Each boat is allowed four anglers, and the entry fee is $500 per boat.

The field is limited to a maximum of 25 boats. Payback will be 75 percent of the total entry fees. Prize money will be split 60 percent for first place, 40 percent for second place. and other prizes will be awarded as well.

Third place is a surprise this year, and will be given to the last fish released by any team not in first or second place already.

Proceeds from the tournament will go to The Island School.

“This is a great tournament that has been very successful over the years,” said organizer Capt. Sandy Melvin. “It’s an opportunity to showcase night tarpon fishing, and the ladies really seem to enjoy it.”

Last year Melvin’s team took first in the Ladies Howl.

Gasparilla Outfitters will also host the Howl at the Moon Invitational Tarpon Tournament on Saturday, June 9 from 8 to 11 p.m. in the Pass.

Entry fees are $500 for four-man teams, and limited to a field of 25 boats.

Call Gasparilla Outfitters at 964-0907 for more information.

The second tournament is the Boca Grande Classic, which will be held in the Boca Grande Pass on Sunday, June 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. It is also an all-release tournament. The first place team will receive 60 percent of the total net registration fees, and it will be the team with the most tarpon released. Second place will receive 40 percent of the total, with the second highest amount of tarpon released.

This tournament benefits the Boca Grande Child Care Center, and is coordinated by Angie Mills.

Prizes will be given out at Whidden’s docks immediately after the tournament.

Registration, rules and entry forms can be found at captwaylon.com, or by stopping by Gasparilla Outfitters. Final registrations have to be in no later than Sunday at 1 p.m. T-shirt pick-up will take place at Whidden’s Marina on June 3 from 11 to 1 p.m.

Mills will also be hosting a second tournament on Saturday, June 9. The Turnin’ Tides All-Release Tarpon Tournament will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. in Boca Grande Pass, and will also benefit the Boca Grande Child Care Center.

Contact Mills at (941)270-0289 for more information.