Ha Ha's Working Man's Tarpon Tournament

In 2011, Craig Hardie and Billy Pesch came up with the idea of holding a fishing tournament that takes place after work. This article was originally published in the Islander News, written by Bill Durham and Catherine Malinin Dunn / Special to Islander News April 19, 2025.

In the 1950s, many of Key Biscayne’s pioneer residents were attracted to the island for its easy access to the water. At that time, there were certainly disadvantages to living here – swarms of mosquitoes and the inconvenience of the drawbridge, for example. But boaters and fishermen (and women) had their priorities.

Ask any old-timer at the Yacht Club and they will be able to recall some of our legendary anglers: Bill Hegamyer, Harry Vernon Jr., Rob Killgore, Bill Curtis, Jim O’Neil, Joan McDonald Vernon, O’Hara Smith — and the list goes on.

About 15 years ago, recognizing that many people have daytime responsibilities, Craig Hardie and Billy Pesch came up with the idea of holding a fishing tournament that takes place after work. Now named the Ha Ha's Working Man’s Tarpon Tournament — in honor of the late Harry “Ha Ha” Tellam — the tournament was organized for over a decade by Harry's grandson, Austin Tellam, growing successfuly into modern day.

The tournament takes place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. over three weekdayevenings. The rules are straightforward. Fishing is allowed in only three designated areas of Biscayne Bay off Key Biscayne, the person who catches the most tarpon wins, and the honor system applies. Twenty-one boats participated this year, with nearly 75 anglers.

This year Harry Vernon III will see his nameplate added to the hand-carved wooden trophy. Harry (“Court” to his friends) is the owner of Capt. Harry’s Fishing Supply, which has been in business for over 50 years.

He had come close to winning previously – and had watched his wife Kim win the ladies’ division – but this was his first time as champion. He was hosted for the tournament on Maria and Ray Rodriguez’ new vessel, “Yeyo.”

“Everybody had a blast,” says Harry, “and It was great to finally come in first. It’s like always wanting to win the Superbowl and finally you Harry credits Craig Hardie with being the one to beat. “Craig’s a great fisherman and puts on a fantastic tournament,” he says. Tarpon are a prized game fish, often weighing upwards of 100 pounds, and are typically found in shallow waters. They are known for putting up a good fight and are catch and release only.

According to Mike Rice, captain of the “Wild Rice,” one of the beauties of the tournament is the camaraderie. “We are all fishing near each other, so you can see what others catch. Usually my wife Donna and our daughter and son are the ones fishing. I’m the one who drives the boat.”

Steve Tellam, the son of Harry Tellam, fishes from his father’s 55-year old Bertram, the “Branch Office.” As Steve describes it, “She’s a classic with a lot of history. And the Key Biscayne Yacht Club is the only home she’s ever known. When my father bought the boat, she was one of the biggest at the Club.” Harry Tellam was a big believer in teaching kids to fish. “At one time, half the youngsters on the Key learned to fish from my dad,” says Steve. This year Steve took out a boatload of Harry’s grandkids. They didn’t catch any tarpon but had a good time.

Despite the friendly competition involved in a tournament, Craig Hardie describes fishing as a way to relax. “It’s peaceful and quiet out there. And we have great opportunities to fish right off of Key Biscayne, with the incredible Biscayne Bay, the reef, and the Gulf Stream only three miles out.”

For the past five years, Craig has volunteered his time as the Yacht Club’s fishing chair, this year with help from Gaston Botto.

Location: Left porthole to the Chartroom entrance.