2025 Champions Angler Evan Carruthers and Capt. Greg Dini

Press Release: 

51st Annual Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament 
June 2-6, 2025
Islamorada, FL

The 2025 Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament celebrated its 51st year with a total of 73 tarpon released. Anglers and guides endured tough weather conditions with white-out rainstorms and high winds during the five day event, which made the fishing difficult. The final days were close amongst the fleet, but the top three teams pulled through with great fishing considering the conditions. 

Angler Evan Carruthers from Maple Plain, MN, and Capt. Greg Dini took home Grand Champion with 11 total release fish for the week. Their team’s tenacity pulled them through with Carruthers affirming “Greg did a fantastic job putting us on fish during a difficult weather week. We caught fish everyday day which was no small task given the conditions.” Capt. Greg Dini also emphasized “The 2025 Don Hawley was a grind of a week with the weather. As always the tournament had a very competitive field, Evan and I were fortunate to catch the fish we did and come out on top at the end of the week. Already looking forward to 2026.”

1st Runner-Up Angler Wes Ball and Capt. Charlie Tindall brought in a total of 7 release fish on time. Just behind Ball & Tindall was 2nd Runner-Up team Angler Baker Bishop and Capt. Perry Coleman with 7 release fish to finish the week. 

The 52nd Annual Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament will take place  June 8-12, 2026.