"Brighter Days" is all about optimism and remembering what we love about Boca Grande fishing. This is our version of a Norman Rockwell - our ideal drift. All boats hooked up on tarpon, a lazy sea turtle drifting in the pass, clear blue skies. This painting represented the 2022 World's Richest Tarpon Tournament in Boca Grande, Florida.

All of the winners of the 2021 tournament are featured in this painting. First place team captain Jesse Craddock and mate Kaelin Olayer on the Flyin Hawaiian with a team of Mary Brooker, Shawn Brooker, Erin Lykins and Laurie Burcaw caught the most fish as well as the first fish caught on day two and the final fish on the last day. Second place was won aboard Hey Moma! with captain Wayne Joiner, mate Brecken Stinnet and anglers Alex Shouppe, Chris Sanders, Michael Moorefield and Kevin Charlan. 

First fist released on day one was by the team on Black Pearl with captain Lou Silva and anglers Robert Dinan and Aiden Silva. The last fish released on day two was by Searene, with captain Lamar Joiner Jr and anglers Clay Watkins, Ashley Watkins, Joe Guindi and Nick Morris. 

Along with bragging rights, trophies and beautiful "superbowl-style" tarpon rings, this Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce tournament awards a payout to the winning anglers. Each of those four single fish rewarded the angler with $11,500. First place purse was $27,600, and second place $18,400. Side bets and Calcutta added a nice lining to a few pockets too - but of course if anyone's asking, we know nothing about any of that!