5th Annual Tarpon Fly Fishing Invitational

Get your gear ready! The highly anticipated 5th Annual Tarpon Fly Fishing Invitational is just around the corner. Hosted by the historic Tarpon Lodge in Pineland, Florida, this two-day catch-and-release tournament promises adrenaline-pumping action for a great cause.

Running from May 17 to May 19, 2026, this premier event brings the local fly fishing community together to test their skills in the world-class waters of Pine Island Sound. Best of all, net proceeds benefit the Calusa Waterkeeper, supporting the vital conservation of our coastal waters.

Event Overview & Venue

The Tarpon Lodge, a historic gem dating back to 1926, serves as the perfect basecamp for this prestigious invitational. Nestled on Pine Island, the lodge offers unmatched direct access to some of the planet’s most coveted tarpon fishing grounds, including Cabbage Key, Useppa, Boca Grande, Sanibel, Captiva, and the pristine beaches of Cayo Costa.

Tournament Fast Facts:

• Dates: Sunday, May 17 – Tuesday, May 19, 2026
• Location: Tarpon Lodge, Pineland, Florida
• Entry Fee: $1,250 per boat (maximum 2 anglers and 1 guide per boat)
• Capacity: Limited to 30 boats (25 participants, 5 reserved for sponsors)
• Beneficiary: Calusa Waterkeeper
• Prizes: Non-cash prize event; trophies awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams
• Top Sponsors: Power-Pole, Costa Del Mar, Beavertail Skiffs, Hatch Fly Reels

Schedule of Events

To ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action, here is the official itinerary for the three-day event.

Important Note: All teams must report back to the Tarpon Lodge “T-Dock” to turn in signed score sheets and photographs. A strict 150-point penalty applies if these are not submitted by 5:00 PM daily.

Key Tournament Rules & Scoring

The Tarpon Fly Fishing Invitational strictly operates on the honor system, relying on the integrity of its participants to foster fair competition and ethical angling. Below are the essential guidelines:

Tackle & Boating Requirements

• Fly Casting Only: Only artificial lures and single-hook construction flies are permitted.
• Leaders: Must be IGFA legal, not exceeding 15 feet in length. They must contain at least 15 inches of 16lb Hard Type Monofilament tippet between the knots.
• Shock Tippet: Must be nonmetallic, cannot exceed 12 inches including knots, and must be tied directly to the tippet.
• Skiffs: Must be a traditional flats skiff design with proper Coast Guard safety equipment. Platforms or heightening devices cannot extend more than 4 feet above the gunwale.

Scoring System

The tournament strictly prohibits gaffing of any kind; any attempt will lead to immediate disqualification. Fish are scored based on two categories, provided they meet the four-foot minimum length requirement:

• Released Fish (250 Points): Scored when the knot at the junction of the fly line and leader is reeled through the top guide. Teams can submit up to 3 releases per day (for a max of 750 points), unless a verified Boated Fish is entered, which then allows up to 5 releases in addition to the Boated Fish.
• Boated Fish (750 Points): Requires strict photographic evidence. One team member must control the tarpon by grabbing its lower lip/jaw while the second takes a digital photo showing the provided four-foot measuring stick along the fish’s lateral line. A Boated Fish does not earn additional Release points.
• Tie-Breaker: In the event of a tie for the podium spots, the win goes to the team that scored first, verified by the date and time-stamped photos.

Get Connected

With industry-leading sponsors, incredible waterfront dining at the Tarpon Lodge, and the thrill of the chase on the flats, the 5th Annual Tarpon Fly Fishing Invitational is an unforgettable event.

To learn more about the rules, secure a room, or connect with the community, use the links below:

• Email: info@tarponinvitational.com
• Lodge Reservations: 239-283-3999
• Facebook: TarponFlyInvitational
• Instagram: @tarponflyfishinginvitational