Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament

What Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament means ...

For more than a decade, my mom and I fished the Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament together in Boca Grande Pass aboard my dad's boat - the SALTY CRACKER. Mom and I love fishing, and it is something many mother-daughter teams share in this particular tournament.

Ladies Day has traditionally been fished on Mother's Day weekend because it is the one weekend during tarpon season when captains would reserve a tide and take their spouses and daughters out on the water to have a family day instead of taking a charter. In the beginning we were all just out there together, taunting and fishing and waiving to the other women in the Pass. Through the hard work of some very special ladies, the first official tournament was fished in 1990.

Forward, 27 years later, there is as much camaraderie and competition as ever. There are great prizes and shenanigans too. It's the one big tournament where female anglers flood Boca Grande Pass to raise the mighty Silver King. Most teams are comprised of mothers, daughters, sisters and kin that have been fishing here since the beginning. It is wonderful to be among them and as a tournament artist in 2012, 2013 and 2014..

Throwback to 2013 when I presented JoEllen Morris with the winning angler prize ... A framed print of the tournament artwork.

JoEllen is celebrated her first Mother's Day in 2017 as a mom of a beautiful little girl! I love seeing this cycle continue and look forward to the day we are fishing with her daughter in the Pass.

In 2014, the theme was "Anchored in Tradition" and I created this art piece of the same name with a mermaid, tarpon and lighthouse along with a coral and rose bouquet for the tournament. The winning angler was Tricia on Team Mama Leslie.

Here's to all the moms and future moms out there! Through our teaching the cycle of conservation and enjoyment will continue!

2017 tournament: Saturday, May 13.

Comments

2019 World's Richest Tarpon Tournament

Each year that I create the artwork for the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament , it is a very special honor to me. I love the Boca Grande fishery for so many reasons. The people I’ve fished with and the exhilaration of catching the mighty silver king are priceless. We are blessed to live in such a special place where the tarpon pile up and present us with the spectacle of huge rolling and feeding schools. Watching the crabs run on the tide or a fish evading a large and looming shadow of a bull or hammerhead are sights common here, unlike anywhere else. When I sit back in my chair on a drift off the pass, I often think about my previous tarpon experiences. Every single one was an event shared with friends and loved ones that I truly cherish. Fishing is as much about people and relationships as it is about the fish. This year is a year of setting sons for our fishery. A few of the boats and people that I grew up fishing with or next to will no longer be in the P

Announcement! The World's Richest Tarpon Tournament artwork "Silver Lining" is available as a signed poster at the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce starting today! To purchase poster art, Tervis tumblers, or sport fishing shirts, visit https:// bocagrandechamber.com/ or call 941-964-0620. I am also releasing a limited edition of the fine art (no tournament text). There are just a few pieces on display throughout Boca Grande and I am taking orders through June 14 to fill before Father's Day. Orders reserved after June 14 will not be available to pickup before Father's Day. Reply to this email with questions or to request an artwork reservation. The original painting is 36x48 inches. The original is available, framed ($6,000). A special edition giclée on canvas, remarked (painted on), of 10 pieces signed and numbered, in size 30x40 will be sold framed or gallery-wrapped for $900. A limited edition of 50 signed and numbered pieces in size 30x40 will be sold fr

Shirt Launch

In March, 2019, Kelly launched a line of wearable artwork in a collaboration with FRIO Ice Chests and Visual Promotions brand. Visit https://kellyreark.frioicechests.com to check out all of the designs. New items added regularly - follow Kelly on Instagram and Facebook for product launches. Wholesaler opportunities - please inquire - www.kellyreark.com Reigning Silver Tarpon Hammerhead Hide Buy some new gear! Cool info about my shirts: The solar performance long sleeve shirt offers superior sun protection and performance qualities featuring UPF 50+ solar protection. This long sleeve tee is lightweight, comfortable, and extremely durable. The fabric features moisture-wicking technology developed to keep you dry while you are out on the water. UPF 50+ 100% Polyester Interlock Moisture Wicking Odor Resistant Stain Release Technology Ultra Tight Knit Resists Snagging Generously sized with ample sleeve length Hand

Artist Kelly Reark

Search This Blog