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The fifth annual Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament of Champions took place from January 30 – February 1, 2025 at the Miami Beach Marina, bringing together 18 top fishing teams from across the country for two days of competitive sportfishing.
This invite-only, catch-and-release tournament is part of the Fish Hard series, with qualifying teams having earned at least $50,000 in previous Jimmy Johnson “Quest for the Ring” tournaments or finishing in the top three in prior seasons.
The competition concluded with Fort Lauderdale’s Livy Rose, a 27’ Onslow Bay captained by Jack Forsythe, claiming first place with 13 total releases, securing the Championship Cup and the largest share of the $255,000 purse, totaling $149,000 in winnings. Liquidated, a 36’ Yellowfin captained by Danny Clinton, finished second with 10 releases, earning $60,750, while Carolina Reel Men, led by Capt. Sean O’Donnell aboard their 42’ Freeman took third place with nine releases, winning $27,000. Angler Patrick Wieland from Liquidated took home the Top Angler award with his five releases.
Beyond the tournament action, the event featured VIP experiences showcasing Miami Beach’s renowned culinary scene, including dockside dining and exclusive hospitality events. Additionally, the tournament introduced a new charitable component, partnering with the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund (MHCF). A pre-fish charity day, optional calcuttas, and other fundraising efforts helped raise $25,000 for both MHCF and The Billfish Foundation, reinforcing the tournament’s commitment to conservation and community support.
