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The 2026 Custom Shootout once again showed why it remains one of the most prestigious gatherings in big-game fishing. Held from May 14-16 out of Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbor Marina, this year’s running brought together 61 elite custom sport-fishing programs for three days of high-level competition and a celebration of the builders who continue to shape the sport.
Coming just weeks after The Shootout: Production vs. Custom, the Custom Shootout helps mark the unofficial launch of marlin tournament season in the western Atlantic. Limited only to custom-made boats, the field draws not only top teams, captains and crews, but also representatives from the most respected custom builders in the market: Bayliss, Duffie, Spencer, Winters, Jarrett Bay, Merritt, Rybovich, Willis, Scarborough, Weaver and more. On the docks, the tournament is as much an industry showcase as it is a proving ground.
On the water, the action matched the setting. The fleet released 299 billfish, including 103 blue marlin, 107 white marlin and 89 sailfish. When the final scores were tallied, Bar South, a 60-foot Spencer captained by Raul Gonzalez, claimed the top spot with 4,300 points and a payout of $355,070.
Finishing second was Cowdawg, a 65-foot Willis captained by Mike Brady, with 3,600 points and $119,210 in winnings. Cowdawg also added a gamefish win when angler Cruiser Crews weighed a 62.9-pound dolphin to claim the Top Mahi Jackpot.
Wrapped Up, a 61-foot Spencer led by Capt. Alex Tallman, also finished with 3,600 points, landing third overall on time and earning $108,873.
In the gamefish divisions, Bear Trap, a 66-foot Spencer captained by Ed Dwyer, claimed the Top Tuna Jackpot with angler John Stout’s 31.3-pound tuna, earning $25,906. Bear Trap entered the event as the defending Custom Shootout champion after winning the 2025 tournament. In the wahoo division, Wire Transfer, a 63ft Titan captained by Nick Carullo, took the Top Wahoo Jackpot with Anthony Cali’s 79.1-pound fish, also earning $25,906.
The 2026 Custom Shootout awarded a total payout of $984,945. Other notable payouts included Reel Joy with $181,469, Lo Que Sea with $90,734, and Lunatico and Marlin Darlin, each with $38,886.33.
For the teams, the Custom Shootout is a proving ground. For the builders, it is a showcase. For the sport, it remains one of the clearest expressions of what makes the big-game community unique: craftsmanship, competition, history, camaraderie and a shared respect for the boats that carry the pursuit forward.
