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The results are in, and the judges have made it official: Team Russell has captured the title at the Pacific Cup 2025, outpacing the competition with an impressive performance aboard Tantrum. The win marks the third in a row for Team Russell.
Led by Murray “The Hammar” Hansen, alongside Robyn “The Duchess” Hall, Bernie “The Diggerman” Bergin and Dave “The Wolfman” Wooff, Team Russell amassed 2,100 points, releasing seven qualifying blue marlin and one non-qualifier over five days of fishing.
Team Resolution, made up of Jeff and Greg, secured second place with 600 points, while Tantrum—captained by Nick Durham with crewmen Lee Findley and Andrew Butts (borrowed from High Flier for the week)—earned Top Boat honors after releasing six blue marlin and one non-qualifier for 1,800 points.
One of the standout moments came on Day 3, when Team Russell’s Tantrum lit up the scoreboard. “Breakfast cocktails were Bloody Mary’s on the Tantrum,” joked one angler, “and the Hammar needed his after last night’s G&Ts.” The morning soon turned electric—by 8:10 a.m., Bernie was in the chair battling a blue marlin. Minutes later, Murray joined him in a thrilling double hookup, both fish tagged, photographed, and released within 14 minutes.
The action didn’t stop there. By mid-afternoon, the team had released six blue marlin, five of them qualifying for tournament points—all on 50-pound tackle. As one crewmember put it, “It takes great teamwork from the captain, the crew, and the anglers—it’s a whole team effort.”
Unlike previous years, no other qualifying species were caught; no ahi, shortbill spearfish, or striped marlin made appearances in 2025. “Maybe we’ll catch some of those next year,” one angler remarked.
The prize giving at Papa Kona’s restaurant capped the week in true island style, with cocktails, great food, and a festive atmosphere overlooking the waterfront.
It was indeed a masterclass in coordination and skill, earning Team Russell well-deserved bragging rights as champions of the Pacific Cup 2025.
