Last month, fly anglers from around the state gathered in Safety Harbor, FL for the Poonfecta Micro Tarpon Tournament. The annual event targets tarpon under 24″ and features special categories for the smallest tarpon caught on fly, three tarpon closest to 18″ without going over and the team with the most tarpon of different sizes. This year’s tournament, hosted by Bar Fly, included 33 – two man teams and two full days of fun fishing for these little guys. Along with the tournament proceeds, there was also a film festival with a raffle and a casting contest, with all the proceeds going to BTT and Project Healing Waters. Anglers in the casting contest ponied up $15 for three grueling rounds of casting competition, which went directly to BTT and Project Healing Waters, and the winner received a fly rod and reel donated by Epic. Anglers were also encouraged to help with BTT’s Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Mapping project by reporting juvenile tarpon locations, and nine teams reported catching tarpon 12 inches and under with many more anglers reporting other juvenile locations. All in all, it was a very successful event and BTT is grateful for the support!
If you want to confidentially report a juvenile tarpon habitat (where you see or catch juveniles under 12″) for BTT’s Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Mapping project, please email jwilson@bonefishtarpontrust.org. Many of BTT’s projects rely on angler and guide support. A hearty thank you to everyone who has participated in this project to date!
