The Marlin Awards Ceremony

Unveiling a new annual event to celebrate the best of big-game angling

This year, we raise a glass to the sport’s brightest stars with the launch of the inaugural Marlin Awards Ceremony, a new, community-driven evening designed to honor the anglers, captains and innovators who defined bluewater fishing over the past year.

Set for March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the renowned Sailfish Marina, the cocktail-style reception will unfold during the Palm Beach International Boat Show, giving the industry a relaxed, off-show gathering just 15 minutes from the bustling docks. 

Event Details

  • What: The Marlin Awards Ceremony
  • When: March 26, 2026 | 6-8 p.m.
  • Where: Sailfish Marina, Palm Beach Shores
    Ticket
  • Price: $25 advance | $40 at the door
  • Includes: Open bar, appetizers, live music, awards presentation, shuttle service from PBIBS

Designed specifically to not monopolize the entire evening, the two-hour affair will feature passed appetizers, an open bar, live music and waterfront vibes, followed by a fast-moving, high-energy awards presentation recognizing the year’s top achievers as named in Marlin’s 2026 Best of Big Game annual issue.

This year’s honorees at the inaugural Marlin Awards Ceremony include:

In The Bite: The Professional's Sportfishing Magazine.

InTheBite Captains of the Year

East Coast Division:
Phillip Fender / Claytime

Florida Division:
Dave Dalfo /
Fish Camp

Gulf Coast Division:
Chase Lake / Team Supreme

Hawaii Division:
Nick Durham / Tantrum

International Division:
Brent Gaskill /
Builder’s Choice

Marlin We Are Big Game

Marlin Annual Awards

Marlin Person of the Year:
Patrick Healey

Marlin Tournament of the Year:
The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

Marlin Global Challenge Champion:
Capt. Nick Durham /
Tantrum

Advertisement

With cocktails flowing, music in the air, and the season’s biggest names taking the stage, the Marlin Awards Ceremony is shaping up to be one of the years can’t-miss nights—and you’re invited. Come raise a glass with the people who move this sport forward, reconnect with old friends, make a few new ones, and be part of the room when big-game fishing’s standard-bearers finally get their moment in the spotlight.

Advertisement