Outdoor Events & Fishing Tournaments Coming to South Florida
Beautiful spring weather has descended on South Florida and that means it’s time to get outside and soak up the sun! The local area is full of fun events, festivals, and fishing tournaments that the whole family can get outside and enjoy. From kayaking and fishing to music and BBQ, there’s no end to the action-packed events our community has to offer. We’ve pulled together just a few highlights for you here.
Full Moon Guided Kayak Eco Tour
April 3 – December 28, 2018 | Pine Island & Matlacha
Gulf Coast Kayak is offering full-moon, guided kayak eco-tours starting in April through the rest of the year. This three-hour tour invites you to "howl at the moon" as you paddle across the moonlit waters of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The tour is offered once a month and is $65 per person with reservations required. Call (239) 283-1125 for questions or booking.
Fort Myers Aviation Day at Page Field
April 7, 2018 | Fort Myers
Plane and history enthusiasts, listen up! Aviation Day offers the unique opportunity for visits to two featured aircrafts used in World War II and the Korean War: a Douglas C-54E and a FG-1D Corsair. This year also commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. Aviation Day visits will step back in time as they view a flying museum and memorial housed in the interior of an original Douglas C-54E. We’ll see you at Page Field!
Miromar Lakes Open Water Festival
April 13 – 15, 2018 | Miromar Lakes
Hosted by the Gulf Coast Swim Team, the Miromar Lakes Open Water Festival is a must-go for any SWFL locals interested in competitive swimming. The event includes competitors from all over the state and country. The festival will include open water clinics, team pursuits and relays, the open water festival race, Crippen Sunset Mile, and more.
Redbone Sunrise/Sunset Celebrity Tarpon Tourney
April 20 – 22, 2018 | Islamorada
What’s better than spending the day at a fishing tournament? Spending the day at a fishing tournament that’s for a good cause! The Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series was created to help fund Cystic Fibrosis research. Since its founding in 1988, Redbone tournaments have grown to average over a million dollars a year. Come enjoy a day of tarpon fishing and relaxing by the water!
Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition & Music Festival
April 27 & 28, 2018 | Fort Myers
Make the most of this beautiful time of year in Florida at the Smoke on the Water event in Downtown Fort Myers! Competitors from across the Southeastern US will come together to present their most succulent barbecue recipes. Browse local retail vendors, enjoy delicious food, listen to great bands, and watch the young ones have a blast in the Kid’s Zone! General admission is free.
Islamorada Spring Fishing Classic
April 27 – 29, 2018 | Islamorada
The Islamorada Fishing Classics are a series of individual tournaments designed to promote fishing for anglers of all ages in a team event. Each tournament is scored on a weight / release format to promote responsible stewardship of the Florida Keys' many fish species. For the Spring Classic, anglers fish on the Gulf-side of US #1 in search of Cobia, Snapper, Jacks, Mackerel, Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, Trout, and Tripletail.
Marathon Offshore Bull & Cow Dolphin Tournament
May 4 – 6, 2018 | Marathon
Marathon Tournament teams can have up to six registered anglers. With over $30,000 in prizes, contestants will be awarded for the largest bull and cow combined, plus cash prizes are also given for wahoo, tuna, tripletail, grouper and snapper division winners. (Please note: dolphin is mahi-mahi aka dorado, not the mammal.)
“Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament
May 11, 2018 | Fort Myers Beach
The "Ding" Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament celebrates the history of the first documented tarpon caught on a rod-and-reel in “Ding” Darling’s Tarpon Bay in 1885. The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge were happy to partner with Doc Ford’s to host this seventh annual “catch, care, and release” tournament.
Experience the local area at any of these various events. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there is always something going on in the South Florida area. From music festivals to fishing tournaments for every type of fish, we have something that everyone can enjoy!
Want more? Follow the Events in SW Florida Facebook page!