Author: Al Keller
2023 Don Hawley Invitational Tarpon Tournament
History of the Tournament: In 1974, Dick Pope, Jr. organized the first Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament. Proceeds were directed to The Don Hawley Foundation. Early proceeds from the Islamorada Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament also helped in funding the Foundation. The Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament became the first catch and release tarpon tournament in 1987. It was not until 1995 that all tarpon required a special tag to be legally killed thus allowing fishing for world records to continue.
For more information about the tournament please follow the link below.
C.A. Flats Class Live School – Inshore Secrets with Hell’s Bay Pros
Learn some inshore secrets from some of the best guides in the industry. On top of this information-packed seminar you will receive a goodie bag featuring items from Flats Class sponsors catered lunch, a Hell’s Bay Boatworks factory tour , and so much more.
Outdoor industry unified for Everglades restoration funding.
Joined by brands from coast to coast, the letter of request was a joint effort with Captains’ partner, the Everglades Foundation, and was submitted to congressional Committees on Appropriations and Subcommittees on Energy & Water Development and Related Agencies on March 31, 2023.
Follow the link below for more information.
Captains for Clean Water
We’re excited to announce that Captains For Clean Water will be hosting our Inaugural Restore East Gala!
Please join us on Friday, April 28th , 2023 at the Jupiter Riverwalk from 6pm – 10pm.
Click on link below for more information and purchase tickets.
Individual tickets will be available for purchase beginning in March 2023.
March Merkin Permit Tournament
Fly Fishing for Permit in Key West, FL. Lower Keys Guide Association is, once again, looking forward to hosting the largest and most competitive catch and release Permit tournament in the world. We salute Bonefish & Tarpon trust to help support their vital Permit research and conservation matters with proceeds from the tournament.
A major Everglades milestone, groundbreaking at the EAA Reservoir
A major step forward for Everglades restoration took place yesterday with the groundbreaking of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, a critical project needed to reduce harmful Lake Okeechobee discharges to the coasts and send water south to the Everglades where it’s needed.
“Our community of supporters across the country is celebrating this momentous occasion,” said Capt. Daniel Andrews, Executive Director of Captains For Clean Water. “Following Governor DeSantis’ bold leadership to expedite the STA, we applaud the Army Corps’ diligence to break ground on the EAA Reservoir—the keystone project of the largest ecosystem restoration project in the world. Countless groups and individuals work tirelessly to drive Everglades restoration forward, and today, our efforts are rewarded as we get to celebrate this shared win for clean water and America’s Everglades.”