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Women have been an essential part of big-game fishing since the sport’s formative years. Helen Lerner, wife of IGFA founder and pioneering angler Michael Lerner, accompanied her husband on expeditions around the world, building an impressive angling résumé of her own while contributing valuable observations and specimens to marine science throughout the 1930s.
That legacy continues today through a growing number of events created specifically to give women greater opportunities to compete, connect and take center stage. The Taittinger & Tails Ladies Only Tournament became the latest addition to that expanding calendar when its inaugural one-day event brought 12 teams to Bermuda on July 8.
Presented by Taittinger Champagne and The Waterfront Group, whose support helped bring the new event to life, the tournament also welcomed Vineyard Vines and as a supporting sponsor. Beyond the competition, the event raised $3,000 for P.A.L.S. Cancer Care, a Bermuda charity that provides support and services to cancer patients and their families throughout the island.
Held between the Bermuda Billfish Blast and Bermuda Big Game Classic, the tournament was originally scheduled for July 9 but moved forward one day because of approaching weather. The change did little to dampen the atmosphere, as the fleet headed offshore to compete for a $21,225 purse—and, perhaps more importantly, cases of Taittinger Champagne.
When lines came out, Inconclusive had delivered the event’s defining performance. Jackie Fields released two blue marlin aboard the 64-foot Viking, giving the team 1,000 points, the inaugural championship and $15,075 in winnings. Fields’ two releases also earned her Top Angler honors.
Debaitable, a 75-foot F&S, finished second with one blue marlin release for 500 points. The Highway, fishing aboard a 34-foot Regulator, also scored 500 points with a blue marlin release and secured third place based on time. In total, the top three teams combined to release four blue marlin during the one-day shootout.
The celebration continued at The Cloud at The Waterfront, a stylish rooftop restaurant and event space featuring an expansive terrace and sweeping views of Hamilton Harbor, where competing teams gathered to toast the success of their competitors, teammates and new friends.
“There’s something really special about starting a new tradition, and the excitement surrounding our inaugural Taittinger & Tails Ladies Tournament was incredible to see,” said tournament director Michelle Gaylord in her opening toast at the awards ceremony. “The energy, sportsmanship, and support from everyone involved made it an unforgettable event. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to watch it grow into something even bigger in the years to come.”
In addition to the trophies and checks, each of the three winning teams took home a full case of Taittinger Champagne to commemorate their achievements.
With its mix of competitive fishing, camaraderie, charitable giving and fun, Taittinger & Tails established a promising foundation in its first year. As more women continue to make their mark throughout the big-game fishing world, the event is expected to attract an even larger fleet and become a growing part of Bermuda’s July tournament schedule in 2027.
Helen would be proud.
