HOWL AT
THE MOON
14th Annual Howl at the Moon • Sponsored by Gasparilla Outfitters
Saturday, May 5 8 to 11 p.m.
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 5,
from 8 – 11 pm. The entry fee will be $600 per team.
Longtime local fisherman Dave “Smitty” Smith will be the head judge for the event. 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 as 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 14th year and the tarpon we have caught
number in the hundreds. Fishing has been great, with lots of fun and excitement.”
The money raised from the Howl at The Moon event will benefit the Boca Grande Area 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 as we can get and for everyone to have a great time.”
The 10th Annual Ladies Howl at the Moon
Saturday, June 9 8 to 11 p.m.
Captains’ meeting on Friday, June 8 5 to 7 p.m. at PJ’s Seagrille
Awards at the Pink Docks immediately after fishing
*Entry Fee is $600.00 per boat. Field will be limited to a maximum of 25 boats. A captain’s signed
registration form and total balance of entry fee must be paid before Tuesday, May 1. Cash-only
entries will be accepted after Tuesday, May 15. Payback will be 75 percent of total entry fees.
Prize money will be split 60% for first place, 40 percent for second place.
Example: Full field of 25 boats = $11,250 total prize money paid back. First Place: $6,750. Second
Place: $4,500. Third Place: (Last fish released by team not in 1st or 2nd place). Captains Prize, Team
Jewelry.
Additional prizes awarded.
Saturday, May 5, 8 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, June 9, 8 to 11 p.m.
80GASPARILLA ISLAND May/June 2018