Event Date: Saturday, May 18th, 2019
Event Time: 8 p.m. – 11 pm
Capt. Sandy Melvin of Special Effects/Gasparilla Outfitters has announced the date for the traditional “Howl at the Moon” Open Invitational Tarpon Tournament on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 from 8 p.m. – 11 pm. The entry fee will be $600 per team.
Long time local fisherman Dave “Smitty” Smith will be the head judge for the events. Winners will be determined by the most releases, and an observer will be placed on every boat.
Many other prizes will be awarded as well.
The rules for the tournaments have been designed to release our fish as quickly and healthy as possible while showcasing the traditional methods that local fishing guides use in Boca Grande Pass. We also strive to show the quality of the evening and nighttime fishing.
“Tarpon season has been so good the past few years, especially at night, we want to continue to let people know that,” Melvin said. “This will be our 15th year and the tarpon we have caught number in the hundreds. Fishing has been great, with lots of fun and excitement.”
“We want everyone to come on down and celebrate the season with us. We’re trying to just have some fun, and we want people to get their teams together, to enjoy the parties with food and entertainment, and even if people don’t feel like fishing they can come down to the Lighthouse and support the local fishing guides.”
The monies raised from the Howl at The Moon event will benefit the Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce’s web cam project.
“We enjoy making these tournaments a community-involved tradition,” Melvin said. “We want as much support and involvement that we can get, and for everyone to have a great time.”