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Last week, the docks may have been buzzing at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, but on the evening of March 26, the focus of the big-game community shifted to the nearby Sailfish Marina for the inaugural Marlin Awards Ceremony.
What began as an idea only a few short months ago—to bring the sport together under one roof and celebrate its very best—had arrived in full force.
“We knew this could be something special,” said David Ritchie, CEO of The Marlin Group in his opening remarks. “But to see this kind of turnout in year one, to have this many of the right people in one place, it says everything about what this sport is and where it’s going.”
Humbled by the overwhelming support and energized by the atmosphere of 200+ guests, The Marlin Group officially introduced what feels destined to become a cornerstone event in big-game fishing’s annual calendar.
The evening began in Palm Beach fashion, with a lively cocktail reception as the sun dipped behind the marina full of sporties, riggers full of release flags. Music played, drinks flowed, and the conversations carried—captains, crews, owners, tournament directors, builders, and industry leaders reconnecting in a setting that felt both relaxed and meaningful. Then, as guests were called to gather and take their seats, the energy shifted. Lights dimmed, screens illuminated, and Ritchie took the stage to formally welcome the crowd, before cueing the debut of Marlin’s new “We Are Big Game” video. The impact was immediate: a room fully dialed in, energized and ready for what was to come.
From there, the program moved with purpose. As emcee, Marlin Editor-in-Chief Jack Vitek highlighted the recent evolution of The Marlin Group, from a record-setting annual issue and newly launched Marlin Podcast to the acquisition of InTheBite and this newly launched live event designed to bring the entire community together under one roof. This wasn’t just an awards ceremony—it was a reflection of where these brands, and the sport, are headed.
That spirit carried into the InTheBite Captains of the Year presentation as founder Capt. Dale Wills took the stage. “It’s one thing to recognize these guys in print,” Wills said. “It’s another thing entirely to get them all in a room like this and give them their moment.” One by one, the division winners were honored, each representing a different region but sharing the same relentless drive. In Hawaii, Capt. Nick Durham couldn’t attend—he was, fittingly, in Kona fishing a tournament—but his presence was still felt. Friend JJ McDougle stepped in on his behalf, speaking about Durham not just as a competitor but as a person and how deserving he was of the recognition. When Gulf Coast winner Capt. Chase Lake took the mic, he echoed a sentiment shared across the fleet: “I’ve got an incredible group of mates behind me. This doesn’t happen without them. I’m just grateful for the continued success of our team.”
The ceremony continued to build, recognizing the global reach of the Marlin Global Challenge in its inaugural year before transitioning into one of the night’s defining moments. Presented by Jamie Bunn, the inaugural Marlin Tournament of the Year award honored not just competition but legacy. When the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament was announced, the room responded accordingly. On stage, a representative of the event delivered a heartfelt acceptance, closing with a line that lingered: “We always ask ourselves, would the founders be proud of what we’re doing? And I think they would be.”
As the evening reached its crescendo, Patrick Healey, president and CEO of Viking Yachts, accepted his award for Marlin Person of the Year, using the moment to reflect and look ahead as he spoke candidly about ongoing legislative challenges facing anglers and boaters, and reinforced his commitment to protecting the sport. The message was clear: The work isn’t done, and neither is his fight.
With the formal program complete, the night flowed seamlessly into its final act. Guests remained gathered along the waterfront for the premiere of Manley’s Joy, a film by Luke Pearson in partnership with Gregory Poole Caterpillar chronicling the remarkable career of Capt. Brent Gaskill, the 2025 InTheBite International Division Captain of the Year. It was a fitting close—a story rooted in passion, perseverance and performance, much like the sport itself.
As the bar reopened for a final round and conversations carried late into the evening, one thing was undeniable: A new tradition in big game fishing has arrived, and it’s just getting started.
