Capt. Waylon Mills' "Blaze" team ruled the Howl at the Moon Ladies Night Out Tournament Saturday with six releases to capture the $3,150 first prize.
"We had a great tournament," said organizer Capt. Sandy Melvin. "Overall, we caught 21 tarpon and the captains did a great job of catching and immediate release in an average time of 6 minutes, which is something we strive for
Melvin's Boca Blue team finished runner-up with four releases good for $2,100 in prize money. Capt. Charlie Coleman's team on the Casuarina came in third to collect $1,400 and team jewelry.
Article Photos
Capt. Waylon Mills is the defending Howl at the Moon tourney champion.
After the captain's meeting Friday at PJ's SeaGrille Restaurant, the three-hour competition in Boca Grande Pass concluded at 10 a.m. with an awards ceremony at the Pink Elephant dock following the event.
Eighty percent of the $500 entry fees paid by the 14 competing teams were paid back in awards.
The Howl at the Moon Ladies Night Out Tournament is the first of two weekends in row of moonlit fishing competition, which offers unique nighttime views of the world-class Boca Grande Pass fishing. Sunday's Howl at the Moon Invitational Tarpon Tournament closes the two-week Howlfest with five hours in the Boca Grande Pass closing at 1 a.m. Sunday.
Fact Box
To Go
What: Howl at the Moon Invitational Tarpon Tournament
When: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. June 9
Where: Boca Grande Pass
Entry fee: $500 per team
Why: Benefits Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum and Gift Shop
Mills is the defending champion in the Howl at the Moon Invitational Tarpon Tournament.
