Ann Burke, 55, of North Fort Myers accomplished an impressive fishing feat, claiming the title of top angler for the Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters with 31 releases. This marks the first time a woman has won the top spot in more than 40 years.
“The tarpon is the silver king,” said Ann Burke. “And the biggest thing you need to remember is to do is when sometimes that 150 180 pound fish comes out of the water, you need to make sure you bow to the king. Because if you’re not bowing to that king, you’re not going to get your tarpon.”
Burke experiences an adrenaline rush when catching these giant tarpon that weigh more than she does.
Tarpon fishing has been a significant part of Ann and her husband Denis’ life.
“Before we got down here, on our honeymoon, 25 years ago we actually went tarpon fishing in Costa Rica,” said Denis Burke.
Upon relocating to Southwest Florida, they joined the Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters. The club names a top angler based on the most releases at the end of the season. Typically fishing partners, Denis decided to take on the role of captain, allowing Ann to pursue the top spot.
“For all the years we’ve been together, she didn’t get to fish as much,” said Denis Burke. “She was my fishing partner when we first met and she raised kids and I worked for the NYPD. And I tell everyone her job was much harder than mine taking care of those two kids.”
The mission was successful.
“I had 31 releases, which ended up breaking a record for the most tarpon released by a woman in a season. So I’m very proud of that,” said Ann Burke.
Ann also became the first woman to be crowned top angler for the club in more than 40 years.
“Anybody can do it at any age,” said Ann Burke.
For those interested in catching the silver king, the Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters will host their annual free meeting on February 24 at 7 p.m. at the Lake Kennedy Center. [placeholder for visual image of tarpon fishing or Ann Burke with her catch]