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The 2025 Kubota Billfish Classic recently turned heads in the world of billfish tournaments, with a record-breaking 470 boats competing in the four-day event hosted by the Mercury Bay Gamefishing Club in Whitianga, New Zealand.
Despite the immense fleet, fishing conditions were challenging, though the competition produced some remarkable catches. The crew aboard Wild Bill dominated the tournament by landing a 705-pound, 7-ounce broadbill swordfish, securing the heaviest billfish title and a staggering $400,000 in prize money. In the fiercely contested champion team category, Big Nauti emerged victorious with 2,250 points, earning a $186,300 payout. Ruckus followed closely with 1,874 points, taking home $157,200. Third place was shared by Cor Blimey, Huntress, and Stack Attack, all finishing with 1,350 points and receiving respective payouts of $70,350, $70,350, and $31,050.
Among the notable individual species prizes, Te Hana secured the Jimmy Buffit Heaviest Tuna prize with a 286-pound, 2-ounce bigeye tuna, worth $20,000. Sambuca claimed the GCM Feeds Heaviest Kingfish award with a 49-pound, 3-ounce catch, while Panama Jack’s 21-pound, 10-ounce mahi-mahi earned a $10,000 reward from Float Mortgages.
The daily jackpot prizes saw impressive fish weighed each day, with Bandit bringing in a 245-pound striped marlin on Day One, Ata Rangi recording a 621-pound, 7-ounce blue marlin on Day Two, Wild Bill adding to its success with its massive broadbill swordfish on Day Three, and Sundance Kid concluding with a 408-pound, 10-ounce blue marlin on Day Four. Each daily jackpot-winning catch netted its team $37,800.
Special accolades were awarded across various categories, including the Total Access Champion Female Angler title, which went to Ruckus’ top female competitor with 1,424 points, and the Vernon Developments Champion Junior Angler award, shared by Riba and Safari, both with 450 points. The JC Walker Transport Last Billfish Tagged prize of $20,000 was claimed by Endeavour, while the Shimano First Billfish Tagged honors went to Huntress, Matador, Illusion, and Mile Zero over the four days.
The grand prize giveaways added to the excitement, with Catalina winning the Whitianga Marine & PJ Builders Tagging Draw, taking home a Stabicraft 1550 and a Kubota Sidekick valued at $125,000. Meanwhile, the Last Man Standing Gate Prize for the Ultimate Kubota Package, also worth $125,000, was claimed by Bucc’n’Bill.
Over the four-day event, a total of 127 billfish were caught, with an impressive 94% tagged and released, underscoring the tournament’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices. The meticulous adherence to IGFA rules ensured fair competition, with gear thoroughly checked at the weigh station.
The tournament’s success was evident not only in the record-breaking participation but also in the engagement of the local community. The weigh-ins attracted large crowds, with a temporary grandstand filled as spectators followed live updates on social media. The final night’s prize-giving ceremony, limited to a 600-person venue, was broadcast to various bars and eateries around Whitianga, allowing more fans to share in the excitement.
