Tarpon season roundup for 2024 season
This year’s tarpon season ended on a rainy note, with many female tarpon heading out of the Boca Grande Pass early to spawn; however, there was plenty of fishing in May and June to occupy tournament boats.
This year’s tarpon tournament season kicked off with the Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament on May 11. In first place was the team of the Outcast and Capt. Jesse Craddock, who caught four tarpon. In second place came the Sally J with Capt. Matt Coleman, and third place was taken by the Pass Time with Capt. Charlie Coleman.
The World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament was held on May 22 and 23, with first place going to the Hey, Moma! crew and Capt. Wayne Joiner’s 13 tarpon haul. The runner-up of the two-day tournament was the Blaze and Capt. Waylon Mills, who also caught 13.
Despite choppy conditions, the Howl at the Moon tournament proceeded on June 1, with Capt. CJ Soderquist’s team on the Last Call taking first place. Coming in second once more was the crew of the Sally J and Capt. Matt Coleman.
The Gasparilla Island Kids Classic Tarpon Tournament took place the following week on June 8, wherein the crew of the Boca Blue took home the gold with three tarpon.
Finally, the team on the Irene and Capt. David Hayden capped off the season by winning the Ladies Howl at the Moon tournament on June 15, with a three fish catch. Just behind in second place was the Outta Line with Capt. Blake Cheske and crew, who caught two.
