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Team RJJ & CSI Claims Victory with 138-Pound Bluefin in Southern California Waters

Southern California – After a three-year hiatus, the Pelagic California Tuna Challenge returned to Southern California waters August 22nd-24th, 2025. Fishing the bluefin rich, Pacific waters of Pelagic’s back yard, 21 teams competed for over $96,000 in cash and prizes.

New Tournament Format

Teams departed from any SoCal port of their choosing and brought their heaviest tuna to weigh at the San Diego Marlin Club, Balboa Angling Club and the revered fishing village of Avalon on Catalina Island.

With a new format in place, teams were allowed to fish continuously for 34 hours and had access to three weigh stations for two separate extended weigh periods. Winners were ultimately decided by the single heaviest eligible tuna from each team. Strategy was key as large schools of foaming tuna were located across a wide swath of nutrient rich Pacific waters.

Tournament Winners and Payouts

Winners received checks, trophies and prizes from Turtle Box, Morita Custom Gaffs, Okuma Reels, Danco Pliers, RAP Systems, BKK Hooks and California Flyer Co.

Major Division Winners:

1st Place: Team RJJ & CSI – 138 lb. Bluefin | $21,860 + prizes

2nd Place: Team BLUEFINish – 129 lb. Bluefin | $2,100 + prizes

3rd Place: Team Cut Loose – 129 lb. Bluefin | $840 + prizes

Jackpot Winners:

Aggregate Jackpot: Team One, Two, Tres – 212 lbs combined | $70,000

Yellowtail Jackpot: Team Boundless – 27 lb. Yellowtail | $800

Tournament Innovation and Strategy

The 34-hour continuous fishing format with multiple weigh stations provided teams with strategic options for maximizing their tournament potential. The three weigh locations – San Diego Marlin Club, Balboa Angling Club, and Avalon on Catalina Island – allowed teams to plan their fishing strategy around proximity to weigh stations and fish concentrations.

Rich Pacific Waters Deliver

The tournament took advantage of Southern California’s nutrient rich Pacific waters, where large schools of foaming tuna provided consistent action across the fishing grounds. The bluefin rich waters of Pelagic’s backyard proved once again why this region is considered premier tuna fishing territory.

Sponsor Support and Prizes

The tournament’s success was supported by leading fishing industry brands:

• Turtle Box – Premium coolers and storage
• Morita Custom Gaffs – Professional fishing gaffs
• Okuma Reels – High-performance fishing reels
• Danco Pliers – Professional fishing tools
• RAP Systems – Advanced fishing systems
• BKK Hooks – Premium fishing hooks
• California Flyer Co – Regional fishing specialists

Tournament Logistics

Key tournament details:

• 21 competing teams from across Southern California
• Multiple departure ports for team convenience
• 34-hour continuous fishing period
• Three official weigh stations for flexibility
• Two extended weigh periods for strategic timing
• Single heaviest tuna determines placement

Looking Forward

“Congratulations to all winning teams and a heartfelt thank you to everyone that competed and to all our partners for their loyal support and help with executing this tournament,” organizers stated. “We look forward to growing this event and bringing it back for years to come.”

Tournament Coverage

For pictures, video and a full tournament recap, visit www.pelagictournaments.com.

Southern California Tuna Fishing Excellence

The Pelagic California Tuna Challenge showcases the exceptional tuna fishing opportunities available in Southern California waters. The tournament’s return after three years demonstrates the continued strength of the region’s fishery and the enthusiasm of the local angling community.

Tournament highlights:

• Return after three-year hiatus
• $96,000+ in total prizes
• 138-pound winning bluefin
• Multiple 129+ pound fish showing consistent trophy potential
• $70,000 aggregate jackpot winner

The combination of rich Pacific waters, strategic tournament format, and strong industry support positions the Pelagic California Tuna Challenge as a premier West Coast fishing tournament.

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