It's time for anglers to chase down the tarpon again at the Redbone Sunrise/Sunset Tarpon Tournament coming up for the second year at Hawks Cay on Duck Key in the Florida Keys on April 24th through the 26th, which will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Gary Ellis, founder of the Redbone Tournaments, noted that April is one of the best months for catching tarpon, as it falls right at the start of tarpon season and that there is no better place for catching them than the middle Keys.
"This time of year is famous for that first show of exceptionally large tarpon," he said. "The timing of this event couldn't be better, since most of our other events skirt the major migration. Plus, world-record trophy fish have been caught in this area. I have high hopes for our anglers."
In fact, last year, Floridian, David Zeuske of PonteVerdeBeach was named Grand Champion Angler after he snared five tarpon on bait, while Miami Dolphins quarterback, John Beck, was named Celebrity Grand Champion after catching and releasing five tarpon of his own.
Wade Boggs, a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and Beck will serve as the celebrity hosts for the event again this year. Ellis added that there are still a few "surprise" celebrity guests who will also be participating.
This will be Redbone's third tournament at Hawks Cay, which just completed the last phase of a $35 million renovation in November.
"They have really reached out to Redbone and supported these tournaments," Ellis said. "Plus, their new full service marina has all the amenities that are perfect for the visiting angler. It was easy for last year's participants to talk their families into coming back, since this is the lap of luxury."
Registration runs from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24 and will be followed by a kick-off welcome dinner complete with silent auction at 6:00 p.m. The dinner is open to the public, and auction prizes include trips to Redbone events around the country, fishing rods, jewelry, artwork and more.
On Saturday, April 25, anglers will gather at dawn for a 5:30 a.m. continental breakfast followed by the Blessing of the Fleet. Fishing will begin in earnest from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and the lines will go back in again at dusk from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Sunday, April 26 they will head back out after breakfast from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
The tournament will close with an awards luncheon on Sunday at 12:00 p.m.
All of the proceeds from the Sunrise/Sunset Tarpon Tournament will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Since their first tournament was produced in 1988, Redbone has raised over $10 million. In 2007, tournaments bearing the Redbone name raised $1.5 million net for CFF.
The Redbone Sunrise/Sunset Tarpon Tournament will be held at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key, April 24th through the 26th. The entry fee is $3,000 per two angler team, which includes three half day charters and socials for each angler and a guest. Call 305-664-2002 for more information or visit www.redbone.org.
