“Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament

Known for its 100% purse awards—where all prize money goes to the winners—this event supports conservation, wildlife research and education at Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. With a focus on ethical angling, the competition provides a unique challenge for eager participants, who are judged by the number of verified fish caught, not by weight. Since its inception in 2013, the tournament has raised more than $1.5 million and champions catch-and-release practices that prohibit methods like gaffing and jigging.