World's richest tarpon tournament returns to Boca Grande with $120K prize

BOCA GRANDE, Fla. (WINK) — Tarpon season in Boca Grande comes with high stakes this week as the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament hits the pass.

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The two-day tournament brings dozens of captains into Boca Grande Pass, known as the tarpon fishing capital of the world, to chase the Silver King and more than $100,000 in prize money.

The 2026 tournament is a live-bait-only, most-release event, with fishing from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. each day.

For Ed Glorioso, of Wicked Hooks Fishing, the tournament is personal.

“I grew up out here on the island, so I've been a part of this tournament for 30 years plus,” Glorioso said. “Always been something that's been special to us out here.”

Glorioso said the tournament helps keep Boca Grande’s traditional tarpon fishing style alive.

“They've kept the traditional values that Boca Grande started with with tarpon fishing, and that's what's really cool about it,” Glorioso said. “We're out there, competing against the best guys that are out here day in and day out.”

The tournament rules reflect that tradition. Boats must use saltwater live bait only, tarpon must remain in the water at all times, and no gaffing is allowed.

Only two rods can be actively fishing at once, and once a fish is hooked, all other lines must be reeled in. For anglers, the draw is the fight.

“You just know at any second, you can get bit,” Glorioso said. “And when that finally happens, and you feel the power of that fish, and then it comes up and jumps, there's really nothing like it.”

Captain Waylon Mills, a two-time tournament champion, said the money raises the intensity.

“You start putting money on the line, and then you start, you know, some tempers flare a little bit,” Mills said. “Everybody's being a little bit more aggressive, to have their line in the water a little bit longer, but through it all, when it's all said and done, most of it, we're friends at the end of it.”

Day two of the competition is set for Thursday afternoon.