Press Release:
Angler Thane Morgan and Guide Dustin Huff win 45th Don Hawley Tarpon Fly Fishing Tournament
45th Don Hawley Invitational Fly Fishing Tarpon Tournament
June 3 -7, 2019
Islamorada, Florida Keys
The 45th Don Hawley Invitational Fly Fishing Tarpon Tournament proved to be an amazing week of tarpon fishing in Islamorada of the Florida Keys with a total of 205 fish caught on fly during the 5 day tournament. The tournament brings together some of the best fly anglers from around the world with high competition and fortitude in displaying their ability to catch and release the silver kings of the coastal waters. The Don Hawley was the first tarpon tournament to stop the killing of tarpon in 1987. Anglers receive 1000 points for each fish measuring four feet or more that is caught and released on 12lb tippet. The Grand Champion title is awarded to the Angler and Guide with the most fish during the five day span. In addition to other various awards, Grand Champion names will be added to the Perpetual Trophy showcasing names of past champions. The perpetual trophy resides at Florida Keys Outfitters in Islamorada, Florida.
Angler Thane Morgan from Amarillo, TX and his Guide, Captain Dustin Huff won the Grand Championship while setting a record for the number of fish caught in the Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament. They had 27 releases, which beat the previous record set by Angler Carlos Duncan and Captain Rob Fordyce in 2010. Morgan and Huff earned respect from their competitors by showing up with a whopping10 releases on the first day, 8 releases on the second day, and 5 releases on the fourth day, earning three different high point day awards.
Coming in second place was Angler Julian Robertson from New York, NY and his Guide, Captain Rob Fordyce, with 18 releases. A tie for third place was won by about an hour difference and was awarded to Angler Roger Fernandez from Pinecrest, FL and his Guide, Captain Randy Stallings, with 17 releases. Angler Greg Stuart from Mableton, GA and his Guide, Captain Jayce Chamizo, earned the high point award on the third day with 4 releases. Angler John Wilson from Tampa, FL and his Guide, Captain Camp Walker, earned the high point award on the last day with 5 releases. Six Anglers participated in the Don Hawley for the first time this year and the New Angler Award went to, Evan Carruthers from Maple Plain, MN and his Guide, Captain Greg Dini, with 11 releases total.
The Don Hawley Invitational Tarpon Fly Fishing Tournament began in 1974. Proceeds are directed to the Guides Trust Foundation, which assists Florida Keys Guides in times of hardship as well as provide scholarships to Florida Keys students. Next year’s tournament will take place June 1-5, 2020. For more information on the Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament, the Guides Trust Foundation, or the esteemed sponsors please visit: www.guidestrustfoundation.org
