Early Momentum for Metal Masher

Through the first two events of the Gulf Coast Division season, Capt. Landon Bell and the Metal Masher team are already showing signs of becoming a serious contender. After a win at the Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic followed by a second-place release division finish at the Orange Beach Billfish Classic with 4 blue marlin releases, the team appears to be building confidence tournament by tournament.

The Metal Masher is a newer 72’ Viking, and this marks the first season Capt. Bell has taken over the program at the helm. Early results suggest the team is settling into a strong rhythm heading into the heart of the Gulf Coast tournament season.

On a side note, the Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, originally scheduled for May 3-6, 2026, was delayed and rescheduled several days later due to weather conditions. Due to the weather delay, only seven boats ultimately competed, falling short of the 12-boat minimum required for Captain of the Year points eligibility.

While no COTY points were awarded for the Louisiana victory, Capt. Bell did earn 300 points for his second-place release division finish at the Orange Beach Billfish Classic.

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Galati Gulf Coast Division Scoring Update

2026 Standings (as of May 22, 2026)

• Capt. Jason Buck / A Work of Art — 500 pts.
  Orange Beach Billfish Classic, 1st Place Release Division — 500 pts.
• Capt. BJ Teems / Set A Course — 500 pts.
  Orange Beach Billfish Classic, Heaviest Blue Marlin, 595.8 lbs. — 500 pts.
• Capt. Landon Bell / Metal Masher — 300 pts.
  Orange Beach Billfish Classic, 2nd Place Release Division — 300 pts.
• Capt. Chase Johnson / Never Surrender — 100 pts.
  Orange Beach Billfish Classic, 3rd Place Release Division — 100 pts.

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Upcoming Galati Gulf Coast Division Tournaments

• May 20-26, 2026 — MBGFC Memorial Day Tournament
• May 26-31, 2026 — Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic
• June 1-7, 2026 — Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic

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Heavy Hitter: Capt. BJ Teems Scores 595-Pound Blue and 500 Points at Orange Beach

Capt. BJ Teems aboard the 64’ Viking Set A Course earned 500 Captain of the Year points after his team and angler Mr. Pearson weighed a 595.8-pound blue marlin during the Orange Beach Billfish Classic.

Fishing in heavy grass conditions, Teems relied almost entirely on sonar marks and pitch-bait opportunities throughout the day. The marlin was hooked on an 80W Tiagra outfit rigged with 220-pound leader.

The fish stayed near the surface for most of the 4.5-hour fight, allowing the crew to aggressively back down nearly 2.5 miles while maintaining steady pressure before multiple sharks arrived during the final hour of the battle.

“When that fish jumped behind the boat late in the fight, we all looked at each other and knew she was going for a boat ride,” said Teems.

As of this update, the 595.8-pound blue marlin stands as the largest marlin weighed in during the 2026 Captain of the Year season. It may still be early, but congratulations to Capt. BJ Teems and the Set A Course team for earning Heavy Hitter status to start the year.

For more Heavy Hitter updates, click here.

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Heavy Hitter and Captain on a Run are ongoing features covering Captain of the Year action across all five divisions.

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