Multiple captains score International Division points as we prepare for the summer peak season of big game fishing.
Gulf Coast Division Update
Kicking off the 2026 Gulf Coast Division, the Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, originally scheduled for May 3-6, 2026, was delayed and rescheduled due to weather conditions. Unfortunately for the winning team, Captain Landon Bell aboard the 72’ Viking Metal Masher, the delayed event did not accommodate the full registered fleet and was reduced to only seven boats in competition. As a result, the winning points did not qualify for Captain of the Year standings. As a reminder, the Captain of the Year program requires a minimum of 12 registered boats for points to be awarded.
That said, congratulations to the Metal Masher team for an impressive performance releasing five blue marlin during the two-day competition. Also, congrats to Boujie Marlin Captain Hunter “Gam” Smith for finishing second overall with four blue marlin releases. This marked Hunter’s first tournament as a captain after recently moving up to the helm following his tenure as a mate fishing with three-time Captain of the Year winner Chase Lake and Team Supreme.
The Orange Beach Billfish Classic wrapped up this week with a strong field of 63 boats. The first official Gulf Coast Division scores will be posted soon, and congratulations to all the winners.
Next Up
- Orange Beach Billfish Classic — May 12-17, 2026
- MBGFC Memorial Day Tournament — May 20-26, 2026
International Division Update
The Shootout Production vs. Custom tournament took place April 28-May 2, 2026, in the Bahamas Abacos with some strong fishing throughout the event. Captain Jimmy Werling and the Plane Simple crew took top honors, releasing six blue marlin, five white marlin, and five sailfish during the three-day competition.
Captain Shay Danzig and the Marlin Darlin team finished second with four blue marlin, five white marlin, and 10 sailfish releases. Third place went to Captain Chucky Moore aboard the Mama Who with five blue marlin and three white marlin releases.
Congratulations also to Captain John Henry aboard the 64’ Lightning Valentine, who weighed the tournament’s largest blue marlin at 566.2 pounds.
Points Awarded
- 1st Place Release: Captain Jimmy Werling, 77’ Spencer Plane Simple — 500 Points
- 2nd Place Release: Captain Shay Danzig, 66’ Spencer Marlin Darlin — 300 Points
- 3rd Place Release: Captain Chucky Moore, 80’ Weaver Mama Who — 100 Points
- Largest Blue Marlin: Captain John Henry, 64’ Lightning Valentine — 566.2 lbs. — 500 Points
Next Up
- Custom Shootout — May 13-16, 2026
- Walkers Cay Invitational — May 20-23, 2026
East Coast Division Update
The Charleston Billfish Invitational took place May 6-9, 2026, but unfortunately the event did not reach the minimum boat threshold required to qualify for Captain of the Year points.
Next Up
- Hatteras Village Offshore Open — May 12-16, 2026
- Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament — May 20-23, 2026
- Swansboro Memorial Day Blue Marlin Tournament — May 21-24, 2026
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