Tommy the Tarpon … Largest Fish Craig ever caught!

This tarpon, known as “Tommy,” was donated to the Elliott Museum by Craig Caddigan, a beloved volunteer whose passion for Florida’s waters shaped both his life and his legacy. Representing the largest fish he ever caught, Tommy stands as a personal marker of a lifetime spent on and beneath the ocean.

Craig completed more than 1,300 dives in the Harbor Branch submersible, exploring and documenting the marine world with rare depth and dedication. A recognized shell master, he earned numerous awards for his work in conservation and for sharing his knowledge of shells and ocean life with others. His contributions were featured in national publications, including National Geographic.

Displayed in his honor, this tarpon reflects Craig’s enduring commitment to Florida’s coastal environment and to the spirit of discovery he brought to the Elliott Museum community.