Experience the Second Annual South Seas Tarpon Tournament
April 21, 2025
From dock to deep water, anticipation is rising—the second annual South Seas Tarpon Tournament is coming to Captiva Island this Memorial Day Weekend! From Friday, May 23 through Sunday, May 25, 2025, South Seas will partner with Folds of Honor to create an unforgettable weekend of sunshine, sport, and heartfelt purpose—all to support scholarships for the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military members and first responders.
Register, Sponsor, View Official Rules, and View Tournament Updates
Casting for a Cause – $200,000 Fundraising Goal
In 2024, we raised an incredible $200,000—surpassing our original goal of $150,000 and funding 40 scholarships—through the generosity of local businesses, donors, silent auction items, and tournament participants; and we’re casting even bigger goals in 2025. With an aim to surpass $200,000 this year, the tournament will generate more educational support than ever for deserving families in the Captiva Island, Sanibel Island, and Fort Myers area.
“The South Seas Tarpon Tournament is an opportunity to partner with Folds of Honor to give back and support the families who’ve sacrificed for our country and community,” says South Seas General Manager, Shawn Farrell. “It’s about standing together, making a real difference, and honoring their bravery with every cast.”
Sponsorships Support Local Folds of Honor Recipients
Folds of Honor’s mission is to provide life-changing scholarships for the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled service members and first responders. Proceeds from tournament sponsorships will go directly to scholarship recipients in Lee County, directly supporting our local military and first responder community.
While sponsorships start at $5,000, the Tarpon Sponsorship makes the biggest splash, funding five scholarships, offering three angler entries, a celebrity captain, and special recognition throughout the event. Every sponsorship brings more opportunities to the families who need them most.
Tournament Day – 100% Payback on Entry Fees
Lines will hit the water for the catch-and-release tarpon tournament beginning at 6:30 AM on Friday, May 23. Tournament entry fees are $1,000 per team—maximum four people per boat, including the captain—with 100% of tournament entry fees awarded to tournament winners. All teams must register by May 14, 2025.
The tournament will wrap at 3:00 PM, followed by a Happy Hour Reception at The Clutch featuring drinks, small bites, a cigar rolling station, and the opportunity to chip fish food golf balls into Pine Island Sound, with all proceeds donated to Folds of Honor. The day concludes with an awards evening at 6:00 PM featuring live music, photo opportunities, a gun salute, a special tribute from a local Folds of Honor scholarship representative, and tournament awards presented by longtime friend of South Seas Captain Mike Anderson, host of the popular program Reel Animals Fishing Show and U.S. Air Force veteran.
Tournament Rules and Angler Information
A Weekend of Grand Openings and Island Fun
The excitement doesn’t end with Friday’s tournament—Memorial Day Weekend at South Seas will be packed with fun for the whole family. The weekend marks a milestone in our resort’s journey as we celebrate the Grand Openings of the newly restored Harborside restaurant, non-motorized water sports equipment rentals, and Yacht Harbor Marina, the final step in our comeback from Hurricane Ian and a proud moment for the resort.
Saturday, May 24
Saturday will begin with the Little Anglers Fishing Tournament at the Bayview Fishing Pier, where kids can cast a line using gear and bait provided by South Seas. Following the kids’ tournament, guests can Build a Beach Buddy—a customized plush toy to commemorate the weekend. Proceeds from the tournament and Build a Beach Buddy will benefit Folds of Honor, continuing the weekend’s purpose-driven mission.
Across the resort, families will enjoy the Kids PlayZone on the East Lawn, featuring kid-friendly activities, inflatable games, and plenty of laughs. Families can also enjoy access to Sunset Beach, and those staying with South Seas can enjoy access to Club Captiva amenities, including resort pools, Redfish Grill, Scoops & Slices, and more. The afternoon heats up with live music, Bingo, and a pool noodle ship race at the Bayview Pools. The evening will wind down beachside with a Seafood Boil at Sunset Beach, a festive feast backdropped by sunset views. The fun doesn’t stop there: from 8 to 10 PM, Glow Golf at The Clutch lights up the night with friendly competition, a silent disco, and s’mores—all with neon flair.
Sunday, May 25
Wrap up the weekend with a day full of festive energy and red, white, and blue fun. Ease into the day with a toast at the Bloody Mary and Mimosa Station at Tarpon Bar 10 AM – 12 PM, followed by a Family Fun Day featuring military vehicles, fire trucks, and police cars handing out junior deputy badges—a playful tribute to our local heroes. Kids can enjoy inflatable games while everyone cools off with sweet treats from Scoops & Slices. Complete the weekend with a burst of creativity at the Patriotic Tie-Dye Station, where guests can craft their own red, white, and blue T-shirts, with all proceeds supporting Folds of Honor.
Save on Your South Seas Stay
Special rates are available for tournament participants and their families, allowing you to fully experience the hospitality of South Seas throughout the weekend. From powdery white beaches to refreshed amenities, prepare for a memorable weekend of recreation and remembrance.
