Anglers prepare for Sarasota Tarpon Tournament

85th annual tournament kicks off with information session, signups

  • By Amanda Morales
  • | 12:01 p.m. May 6, 2015
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Fishing enthusiasts are set to cast their reels for the annual Sarasota Tarpon Tournament this weekend. Preparations for the tournament kicked off with a party Tuesday night at the Hyatt Regency. Anglers purchased raffle tickets that include fishing gear, coolers and artwork with a grand prize of a $5,000 gift card for CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key. 

The Sarasota Tarpon Tournament has been a tradition in Sarasota since 1930 and this year the tournament will mark its 85th year.

It will run from May 9 to June 27 with weekly winners competing in a fish-off and an overall winner for the tournament. The tournament is an opportunity to participate in a world-class fishing competition and supports the community with proceeds from the tournament will be donated to a local non-profit organization. Fishing boundaries for the tournament extend from the northern Tip of Anna Maria Island to the southern end of Stump Pass.

Tournament Chairman Mason Tush, with Travis Lofland from the show “Deadliest Catch” and tournament committee member Bryan Wells pose with the trophy.
Tournament Chairman Mason Tush, with Travis Lofland from the show “Deadliest Catch” and tournament committee member Bryan Wells pose with the trophy.
Dan Neu and Mike Burns
Dan Neu and Mike Burns
Trey, Merry Beth, Mollie and Rex Raymond
Trey, Merry Beth, Mollie and Rex Raymond
Shaan Pembleton and David Holifield
Shaan Pembleton and David Holifield
Marty Benson hopes he can get a new fishing reel as a prize from the raffle.
Marty Benson hopes he can get a new fishing reel as a prize from the raffle.
Pete Norden, Linda McKnight, Bernie Gottschalk
Pete Norden, Linda McKnight, Bernie Gottschalk
Jim Milner and Aron Johnson place their tickets in the raffle that will be award at the banquet in July.
Jim Milner and Aron Johnson place their tickets in the raffle that will be award at the banquet in July.
Rick Rutherford, Gabor Torok and Reed Giasson
Rick Rutherford, Gabor Torok and Reed Giasson
Amber Schlage, Dakota Goldberg, Kevin Wessel, Noelle Leverentz and James Smith
Amber Schlage, Dakota Goldberg, Kevin Wessel, Noelle Leverentz and James Smith
Cole Blanton and Brent Magsig
Cole Blanton and Brent Magsig
Shawn and Frankie Maguire
Shawn and Frankie Maguire
MacKenzie Robinson and Justin Burnett
MacKenzie Robinson and Justin Burnett
David Taylor and Jeff Moler
David Taylor and Jeff Moler
Aledia Tush and Dave Robinson
Aledia Tush and Dave Robinson
Tom Kane and Kay Waites
Tom Kane and Kay Waites
Tables were decorated with paper fish colored by children for the Suncoast Charities for Children organization Children First.
Tables were decorated with paper fish colored by children for the Suncoast Charities for Children organization Children First.
Carla and David Collins
Carla and David Collins

 

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