The Marlin Group + HMTS FAQs

What is The Marlin Group?

The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; the Bermuda Triple Crown; and now, the Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC. Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.

Why did The Marlin Group acquire the Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series?

After 39 years of event production, Jody Bright actively sought out a successor for his tournament series. The Marlin Group – with its 40-year legacy as an authoritative voice in offshore angling and 25+ years of experience in operating big-game fishing tournaments – was the natural choice to carry the legacy of this esteemed series forward, while continuing to elevate the experience for captains, crews, anglers, and the local community. We believe The Marlin Group can help invigorate the series with renewed interest while enhancing Kona’s profile as one of the world’s preeminent billfishing destinations. 

Will Jody Bright still be involved?

Jody is committed to the perpetuity of the HMTS and will remain aboard in an advisory capacity through the remainder of the 2025 season, to help ensure continuity through this ownership change. 

What about the remainder of the HMTS tournament staff?

We intend on retaining all members of the HMTS support team. Laura Dowsett will continue to manage all aspects of registration and payouts. You’ll still be talking to Robbie Engelhard on the radio. Capt. Bradley Damasco will assist with judging and tackle checks. And Alex and his staff at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club will be greeting participants with a smile. 

Will The Marlin Group be making any major changes to the rules in 2025?

The series is already underway for 2025, so no mid-season rule changes that might impact points standings will be introduced. We will spend this year observing, learning and gathering feedback from participants before contemplating any substantive rule changes. To be clear, our intention is to uphold the high standards for ethics and professionalism that exist within the HMTS, just as we do for our other tournament properties. 

What can we expect to see from new ownership in 2025?

Four things: 

1. Exposure. In its heyday, Kona had prolific journalists like Rick Gaffney and the late Jim Rizzuto, who consistently distributed content on this great fishery to all the world. On national television, Jody broadcast the excitement and romance of Hawaii fishing, while the Kona Charter Desk consolidated and distributed daily catch reports that served as regular reminders of why one might want to travel to Kona. We believe The Marlin Group can rebuild that promotional engine through its integrated media and event properties. Examples: Our May/June issue of Marlin features a three-page writeup from the Lazy Marlin Hunt. We have a Marlin Expedition session in Kona planned for June (already sold out), and we’ll add more sessions when we can align logistics. Kona boats are already starting to sign up for our brand new Marlin Global Challenge, which will in turn give us a mechanism to highlight Kona’s history of producing giant fish.
2. Commitment. Marlin Group staff were in attendance at the Lazy Marlin Hunt and will return this summer for several HMTS tournaments. David Ritchie (CEO), Lacey Hagler (tournament director), Jack Vitek (editor-in-chief), and others will be in attendance at various points during the season.
3. Enhancements. We are currently contemplating adjustments where we believe we can elevate the tournament series in 2025, whether that be through technology, social activities, new optional jackpots, sponsor bags or other elements.
4. Respect. We understand that we must give respect to earn respect. And we will do just that, by actively engaging with participants, by seeking feedback, by honoring core traditions, and by ensuring that these tournaments thrive while reflecting the values deeply held by the Kona fleet and the Kona community. 

I have suggestions. How can I share my thoughts with the new owners?

We are eager to hear from you! Please contact us directly with any questions or suggestions you may have. 

David Ritchie, Marlin Group CEO
[email protected] | text or WhatsApp at 407-619-2778

Lacey Hagler, Tournament Director
[email protected] | text or WhatsApp at 561-267-2674