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On September 4, the docks of Scrub Island Resort and Marina came alive as the 2025 Scrub Island Billfish Series got underway with its signature kickoff party. Anglers, crews, and guests mingled by the water, enjoying island cuisine, cocktails, and the glow of a late-summer full moon.
Sponsored by BVI Tourism as the official destination partner, the night celebrated the unique blend of hospitality, scenery, and fishing opportunity that defines the British Virgin Islands.
While eyes had initially been fixed on the tropics ahead of the event, conditions proved favorable, and over three days of fishing, the 14-boat fleet released 53 billfish—50 blue marlin, two sailfish, and one white marlin.
Team Harvey, fishing aboard an 82-foot Viking with captains Eric Soderholm and JJ Brumble, captured the top spot with seven blue marlin releases for 3,500 points, winning on time. Owner Shane Guidry also won Top Angler for Leg One, racking up 2,500 points from five blue marlin releases. Although they weren’t entered into the jackpot categories, Team Harvey still pocketed $17,500 for their first-place finish.
Finishing in second place was LUNÁTICO, a 70-foot Titan captained by Corey Gillespie, which also tallied 3,500 points and walked away with a total of $144,375 in prize money with their sweep of the jackpots. Sodium, a 75-foot Weaver led by Capt. Travis Butters, claimed third place and $23,575 with 3,000 points from six blue marlin releases.
With Leg One in the books, all eyes now turn to Scrub Island for Leg Two, September 9–11, where teams will once again battle it out for points and payouts in this growing Caribbean series.
The Scrub Island Billfish Series is sponsored by many industry-leading companies including:
Marlin, The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Star brite, Garmin, Boat Owners Warehouse, Lewis Marine Supply, Yeti, Release Marine, Bluefin USA, Alutecnos, Costa, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Flor de Cana, Caribbean Cellars, Big T Lures, Ladies Love Pink, Marine Trophies and Out Your Front Door.
