The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce's 22nd Annual Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament had ample reasons to celebrate this year's booming event with a field of 37 boats and 21 tarpon released May 19.
On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, the Ladies Day Committee would like to thank all the volunteers, sponsors and the endless support of the community that made this day an event to remember.
After two years without a winning team the ladies were determined to win this year. With a new date in place to ensure a treasure of tarpon, Team Hudson aboard the Casuarina broke the spell in the Boca Grande Pass with four tarpon hooked and released.
Team Leader Theresa Lasher, Emily Wise, Judy Kesterson, Barbara Jaeggi and Capt. Charlie Coleman collected their prizes at the awards ceremony with a long-awaited celebration held at South Beach Bar and Grille.
Rebecca Riker, new to fishing, won the Individual Angler Award with three releases, aboard the Jill Marie with Capt. Dave Chatham.
Bradon Coudal did it again with his highly anticipated artwork for the Ladies, setting the pace for this year's pirate theme. Coudal's unique retro style has been the Ladies Day featured art four of the past five years, printed on posters and T-shirts that can be purchased at the Chamber.
Fact Box
Melissa Laterza was co-director of the 22nd annual Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament
Kelly Reark Borza created a new Ladies Day logo featured on the front of T-shirts and tumblers also available at the Chamber. Borza also made a special appearance at the award ceremony to unveil her art work for 2013 "Keepin' It Reel" Ladies Day theme.
The Chamber of Commerce was fortunate to have many generous sponsors this year: All About You, Ariel LTD, Aqua Boutique, BNT Liquors, Boca Grande Travel, Boca Grande Marina, Cavana Classic Charters, Chatham's Charters, Dolphin Cove, Englewood Bank & Trust, Englewood Glass and Mirror, Gasparilla Properties, Grande Aire Services, Island Nails, Italiano Insurance Services Inc., James Griffith, Merideth Haws, Photographic Images by Heidemaire J. Burke, PJ's Sea Grille, Safety Harbor, Sisters Restaurant, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, The Boca Beacon, The Palmetto Inn and The Temptation.
These are just some of the sponsors that donated to our cause. The monies collected benefit the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and the Boca Grande Children's Scholarship Foundation. Thank you all for your tremendous support.
The Chamber of Commerce would also like to recognize the officials for their commitment and expertise: Head Judge Sandy Bylaska, Chad Lach, Sam Steyer, Rich Caccavale, Robbie Downing and Dave "Smitty" Smith.
The Ladies Day Committee is proud to be a part of a no-harm tournament and would like to thank the anglers, numerous volunteers and the community for continued support. Without this support we would not have this special day just for the Ladies.
Melissa Laterza was co-director of the 22nd annual Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament
