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The fifth annual Jimmy Johnson’s Atlantic City “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week (JJFISHWEEKAC) unfolded July 13–19, 2025, across two primary ports—Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Ocean City, Maryland. More than 60 teams participated in the weeklong event, which featured dual weigh stations, live entertainment, nightly hospitality, and a total prize purse exceeding $1 million.
Emerging at the top was Polarizer, a 64-foot Viking representing South Jersey. Led by owner George Robinson and Capt. Michael Hunter, the team released 10 white marlin and one blue marlin, and weighed two yellowfin tuna at 32.9 and 33.7 pounds. Their combined effort earned 716.6 points—securing First Place overall, top honors in the Catch and Release Division, and this year’s championship ring. The team took home $22,050 in winnings.
While Polarizer captured the overall title, Jersey Nutz delivered the tournament’s single most lucrative performance. Angler Cody Melton landed a 135.5-pound bigeye tuna, topping the Heaviest Tuna and multiple optional categories. That fish helped the team sweep Early Entry, Box of Bigeye, and Atlantic City Inlet Challenge categories, bringing their total winnings to $269,653.68.
Other top catches included Floor Reel’s 510-pound blue marlin, which netted more than $172,000; Low Profile’s trio of yellowfin tuna (50.8, 42.0, and 39.4 pounds) that secured top honors in the Non-Sonar and Yellowfin Box categories; and Solid Cast’s dolphin entries (20.6 and 19.5 pounds), winning both first and second place in that division. No Limit earned the Small Boat Tuna win with a 103.5-pound bigeye, and Bella Fortuna topped the wahoo standings with a 32.8-pound fish.
Beyond the scales, the Catch for the Community initiative played a prominent role again in 2025. Many teams donated their catches for processing and distribution to regional organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City and Diakonia in Ocean City. Chef Leslie Daniel of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City led a cooking workshop for local youth, helping turn the day’s catch into meals and memories.
The event concluded with a high-energy awards bash, including charity raffles and auctions, ultimately raising over $100,000 for causes such as Fishing for Muscular Dystrophy, the Tranquil Shores Foundation, and the Boys & Girls Club.
