In the ever-evolving world of big-game fishing, each year brings a tide of unforgettable triumphs, enduring legacies and poignant farewells. From record-breaking catches and groundbreaking conservation efforts to the passing of legends who shaped our sport, 2025 reminded us why this community is so deeply bound by passion, respect and tradition. As we look back, we honor the moments—and the people—that defined a remarkable year on the water.
January
SHARKED Act Introduced
On January 3, 2025, the U.S. House introduced the SHARKED Act to address surging shark-angler interactions, especially along the southeastern Atlantic coast. The bill establishes a task force of shark experts, fisheries managers and stakeholders to identify research priorities, develop strategies to reduce shark depredation of hooked fish, and enhance communication across the sport-fishing community and federal agencies.
NOAA Withdraws Proposed Vessel Speed Rule
On January 15, 2025, NOAA withdrew a proposed rule to expand vessel speed restrictions aimed at protecting North Atlantic right whales following substantial public feedback and concerns from the recreational angling community. This withdrawal marked a significant victory for the recreational boating and fishing communities, who rallied to oppose the potentially disastrous legislation.
February
Sailfish Challenge Sets Record
The 2025 South Florida sailfish season broke records, with multiple tournaments seeing unprecedented numbers. The Sailfish Challenge, part of the Quest for the Crest series, saw 1,467 releases in two days. Native Son dominated with 65 releases, winning $213,175. Living Water/Makin’ Time and Sandman followed with 53 and 52 releases, earning $164,000 and $58,420, respectively.
March
Loss of a Legend: Peter Fithian
Peter S. Fithian, founder of the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, passed away at 96 on March 17, 2025. A visionary in global sport fishing, he launched the HIBT in 1959 and helped establish the International Billfish Symposium and the Pacific Ocean Research Foundation, advancing billfish science and conservation. An IGFA Hall of Fame inductee, he leaves a legacy that will continue to influence anglers and conservationists worldwide. He is survived by his wife, Bobi, and children, Chip and Marsha.
Kona Grander
On March 19, 2025, angler Ben Sterett landed a 1,076-pound blue marlin aboard Maverick with Capt. James Bach at the helm. This catch marked the third grander in Kona within eight months, highlighting the area’s prolific waters.
April
Marlin Global Challenge Launched
On April 1, 2025, Marlin launched the new Marlin Global Challenge, a first-of-its-kind, worldwide competition awarding a guaranteed minimum payout of $100,000 to the team that lands the heaviest tournament-caught blue marlin of the season.
Loss of a Legend: Dr. Eric Prince
Dr. Eric Prince, renowned billfish researcher and conservation leader, passed away on April 7, 2025. Over nearly four decades with the National Marine Fisheries Service, he helped shape modern billfish science, from developing the Atlantic Billfish Research Plan to leading the ICCAT Billfish Working Group. A driving force behind circle-hook adoption and satellite tagging, he earned honors including the IGFA Conservation Award and an IGFA Hall of Fame induction. His impact on fisheries management and sustainable sport fishing remains profound.
June
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
The 2025 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament delivered record billfish releases, life-saving rescues and massive payouts. Big Trouble claimed the top prize with a 517-pound blue, earning $2.28 million. Bankwalker and Wave Paver followed with standout performances in the weighed and release divisions, respectively. With 420 billfish released and $6.3 million awarded, the Big Rock proved unforgettable once again.
Japan’s Grander Black
On June 26, 2025, the crew of Katsu Maru in Okinawa, Japan, made headlines by landing a black marlin weighing 1,020 pounds. This exceptional catch marks a rare milestone in big-game fishing and highlights the incredible offshore potential of Japan’s southern waters.
July
Blue Marlin World Cup
Ultimate Lady made history in the 2025 Blue Marlin World Cup, landing a 689-pound blue marlin off Tahiti to claim the title and a $1.3 million payout. The one-day global event drew 167 teams from nine countries. Rising Sons and Legacy also weighed qualifying fish but couldn’t top Ultimate Lady’s milestone catch, which was the first time the Blue Marlin World Cup had been won in Tahitian waters.
August
White Marlin Open
Billfisher claimed top honors at the 52nd White Marlin Open, earning $3.9 million with a 72-pound white marlin. The $7.2 million event saw 282 boats battle rough seas. Barbara B weighed a 929.5-pound blue marlin. Other standouts included Sea Hab’s winning tuna and Taylor Jean’s points victory, cementing Ocean City’s status as sport fishing’s grand stage.
Loss of a Legend: William J. Healey
William “Bill” J. Healey, co-founder of Viking Yachts, passed away on August 14, 2025, at 97. A visionary leader and innovator, he transformed Viking into a global powerhouse in sport-fishing yachts while fostering loyalty, resilience and craftsmanship. His enduring legacy lives on through his family, employees, and every Viking yacht that graces the water.
Tantrum’s Grander
On August 18, 2025, the 41-foot G&S Tantrum joined the grander club by landing a 1,039-pound blue marlin off Kona, Hawaii. Caught by first-time marlin angler Chuck Landrum, alongside Capt. Nick Durham and mate Summer Smith, the catch underscores Kona’s status as one of the world’s premier destinations for giant blue marlin.
Loss of a Legend: Flip Pallot
On August 26, 2025, the sport-fishing world lost a true legend, Flip Pallot. Known for his lifelong devotion to the waters of the Everglades, Biscayne Bay and the Keys, Flip’s influence extended far beyond the boat. He pioneered guiding, hosted groundbreaking fishing shows, wrote seminal works, co-founded Hell’s Bay Boatworks, and more. His innovation, passion and conservation legacy will live on through his invaluable contributions to the sport.
September
IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame
On September 6, 2025, the International Game Fish Association celebrated a remarkable year for the big-game fishing community, inducting five icons into its Hall of Fame at the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. Honorees included Capt. Skip Smith, Gary and Sherrell Carter, Gene H. DuVal, Capt. Richard Stanczyk and Andy Mill—each recognized for their extraordinary achievements and lasting contributions to sport-fishing innovation, leadership and conservation.
October
Bisbee’s Black & Blue
Team Magic Touch claimed top honors at the 45th Annual Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament, held October 22-25, 2025, in Cabo San Lucas. Among 177 elite teams, their 459-pound blue marlin earned $2.44 million. Rising Sons/Magnifico and Another Line followed with $2.58 million and $1.74 million, respectively, from the $7.45 million purse.
Loss of a Legend: Ken Fraser
Ken Fraser, the legendary Canadian angler who landed the 1,496-pound Atlantic bluefin tuna that still stands as the IGFA all-tackle world record, passed away on October 24, 2025. A proud blue-collar fisherman, author and advocate, Fraser championed sustainable bluefin fisheries, shared his passion worldwide, and inspired generations through his book, Possessed.
IGFA Tommy Gifford Awards
On October 30, 2025, the IGFA presented the prestigious Tommy Gifford Awards to six legendary captains, recognizing their lifetime contributions to the craft and culture of big-game fishing. This year’s honorees included Capt. John Bayliss, Capt. Billy Borer, Capt. Barry Cross, Capt. Paul Dixon, Capt. Gene Grimes and Capt. Kevin Nakamaru—each acknowledged for innovation on the water, leadership in their respective fisheries, and decades of influence shaping the next generation of anglers.
TBF Lifetime Achievement Awards
On October 31, 2025, The Billfish Foundation celebrated 39 years of preserving the billfish way of life and honored two legends. James “Jim” Johnston Jr., a lifelong South Carolina tournament fisherman known for his unwavering dedication, received the John Rybovich Lifetime Achievement Award. Richard Gibson, a distinguished photographer behind more than 50 covers of Marlin and an icon in sport-fishing imagery, earned the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Lifetime Achievement Award.
November
Gunpowder Sets Atlantic Release Record
On November 3, 2025, Team Gunpowder made history at Marina Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, releasing an incredible 27 blue marlin in a single day. This achievement surpasses the previous Atlantic record of 25 releases set by Trilo Bite in December 2024, also in Dominican waters.
Golden Wave’s Grander Blue
On November 7, 2025, angler Sergey Tertychnyy landed a massive 1,072-pound blue marlin aboard Golden Wave with Capt. Victor Pelletier at the helm. Caught off Rodrigues Island, Mauritius, this leviathan further cements the region’s reputation as one of the Indian Ocean’s true grander hot spots.
Release’s Grander Black
On November 10, 2025, the crew aboard Release landed a 1,106-pound black marlin, with Capt. Haydon Bell skillfully guiding the fight off the Great Barrier Reef near Cooktown. The grander adds yet another giant to this legendary fishery’s reputation for producing monster blacks.
