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South Florida’s winter tournament calendar shifted into high gear February 5–7 as the Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament of Champions (TOC), hosted by FishHard Events, returned to the docks of Miami Beach Marina. The invite-only championship once again assembled an elite roster of Golden Ticket qualifiers for two days of high-stakes, catch-and-release billfishing—paired with three days of VIP hospitality and charitable engagement.
Participation in the TOC is earned, not bought. Each team secured a Golden Ticket through prior Jimmy Johnson “Quest for the Ring” tournaments were invited, making the fleet a concentrated field of proven performers.
The opening day saw tight action across the 20-boat fleet, with multiple boats trading early releases and the leaderboard forming quickly. Consistency—not flurries—proved to be the difference-maker, as teams focused on clean execution and minimizing missed opportunities.
South Florida’s REMIX Sportfishing, fishing aboard a 44-foot Contender, immediately established itself as a top competitor. Captained and owned by JC Cleare alongside partner Kenny Hernandez, the team kept steady pressure on the field, positioning themselves near the top heading into Day Two.
Close behind, Carolina Reel Men—representing Charlotte, North Carolina, under the direction of Capt. Sean O’Donnell and owner Steve McLaughlin—remained firmly within striking distance, setting up a tightly contested second day.
Sunday (Day Two) brought intensified focus as the fleet returned to the grounds knowing margins would be razor thin. When the final results were confirmed via CatchStat, REMIX Sportfishing claimed first place overall with 25 releases and total winnings of $166,050. In addition to the Championship Cup and Garmin Marine watches, the team swept multiple categories, including first place in the All-Star Calcutta, Daily Game Ball MVP, Top Angler, Charity Calcutta and the all-new Winner Circle Calcutta.
Finishing just one release behind, Carolina Reel Men, secured second place with 24 releases and $78,450 in total winnings, along with additional honors in the All-Star Optional and Winner Circle calcuttas and a Day Two Daily Game Ball MVP award.
Third place went to Far From Free, captained by Andrew Greenberg and owned by John Davie, whose 20-release tally earned $10,000 and a well-deserved spot on the podium.
With the Tournament of Champions complete, Fish Hard Events now turns its focus to the 15th Annual Jimmy Johnson’s “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week, returning March 3–7 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida—where another chapter of high-level competitive sportfishing awaits.
