World’s Richest 2022 honors Capts. Tater Spinks, Cappy Joiner
By Wesley Locke
The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament honored two more iconic figures in Boca Grande’s fishing history during the Grande Tradition ceremony at the Captain’s Party on Tuesday May 17. Many captains, anglers, community members and tournament officials got up to share their fond memories, retell jokes and recall treasured stories of Capt. John “Tater” Spinks and Capt. Cappy Joiner.
Although Miller’s was buzzing with the excitement of the tournament, everyone piped down when they heard the whistle, letting them know it was time to honor the tournament’s history and it’s captains.
For Tater, speakers included Captains Travis Joiner, Chad Bombenger and Frank Davis, and past tournament directors Wesley Locke and Betsy Joiner.
The stories ranged from jokes about the certainty of a grouper’s size, the many captains that have worked for and been impacted by Tater’s infectious personality and fishing experience, and how Tater found Mary from Michigan.
Tater may not be running the Añejo in Boca Grande Pass, but his laugh will be heard over Channel 71 forever.
Unfortunately, Tater couldn’t make it to the event so his wife, Mary Spinks, and sister, Connie, accepted the honor on his behalf. Mary told about Tater’s history in Boca Grande before graciously thanking the island community and letting everyone know how much Boca Grande means to Tater!
For Cappy, speakers included his children, Sam Joiner and Terry Joiner, as well as Captain Travis Joiner, Dixie Hollins, and Wesley Locke.
Sam told stories about their travels over the years, recounting that one of Cappy’s best memories was winning World’s Richest as an angler in 2018. Terry originally didn’t want to speak, but wanted to let everyone know how much Cappy loved this community–even if he said it in his way – he felt it deep in his heart. Dixie recounted a rather visual moment in the pass where Cappy, when faced with a tangled line with another boat, cut their line with his teeth! Travis spoke to his passion and fierce belief in respect, etiquette and tradition in the Pass, and how it needs to be held up as if he were still there.
Wesley closed with a memory from the first World’s Richest she ever ran, where she and Cappy had a disagreement. On her way to the awards she got a call from Cappy saying he would meet her at the stage with the Jay Joiner Belt Buckle Award – she stated that even though they disagreed, he would never stand in the way of tradition, which he respected more than anything. He loved Boca Grande Pass, he was passionate about the fishery, and he was fierce in protecting it.
Rest in Peace Cappy Joiner.
These two Captains, Capt. John “Tater” Spinks and Capt. Cappy Joiner, made their mark on Boca Grande’s fishing history. The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce and the community of Boca Grande is thankful for his contribution to the Boca Grande fishery, and being a part of this Grande Tradition.
