Tarponian Tournament Anglers to Target Silver Kings April 27 Through May 1

MARATHON, Florida Keys — For enthusiastic anglers in the Florida Keys, spring means tarpon, also called silver kings — the target for participants in Marathon’s annual Tarponian Tournament slated Saturday, April 27, through Wednesday, May 1.

The high-energy tournament mandates that teams fish with a different captain each day. Teams also rotate among the three major bridge channels in the middle Keys — the Seven Mile, Long Key and Bahia Honda bridges — so any potential "hot spots" are shared among all anglers.

Tarponians are set to gather Saturday, April 27, for the tournament’s 6:30 p.m. kickoff at Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House, 3660 Overseas Highway or marker 48 bayside in Marathon.

Fishing is to get underway Sunday and Monday with lines-in at 4 p.m. Lines-out is to be called at 8 p.m. Tarpon fishing is not scheduled Tuesday, but anglers may choose to fish for snapper and other species.

The third and final fishing day is Wednesday, May 1, from 4 to 8 p.m., followed by a 9 p.m. awards banquet at Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House.

Entry fee is $1,400 per angler for three-person teams or $1,750 per angler for two-person teams. Tournament fees cover fishing, banquet, shirts and prize money. Prize payouts are to be determined depending on the total number of participating teams.

The 2024 tournament is dedicated to the memory of Curtis Kaller, who passed away in May 2023. According to organizer David Breznicky, Kaller and his “Criminals” fishing team were the source of mischievous fishing stories during many past Tarponian tournaments. 

Tournament information: David Breznicky at 267-210-1952 or dbreznicky@breznickyassociates.com