2015 Blue Marlin Tournament Calendar

2010 and Inaugural CBC - Abe Kuhn with nice mahi mahi

Summer gets off to a fast start where it concerns offshore fishing season. Pelagic species begin their spring migrations with the arrival of warmer temperatures and ocean currents. The offshore angler scene is anchored by a love for saltwater fishing, but the intangibles derived from the quality of fellowship during competitions are just as important as the scream of the reel and the bedlam that ensues in the cockpit after shouting two words – FISH ON!

Newbie anglers are often shaped and molded at the billfish tournaments of the Southeast since the size of the sportfisher boats allow for multiple anglers and observer passengers as well. Youth are exposed to the brine, the sun, the anticipation of trolling six lines across a temperature break and a color change in the water that just reeks of textbook fishing grounds. Designated lady anglers are now a regular part of the modern tournament format, with special prizes for most releases by a female.

May issue cover

The South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfish Series will consist of four tournaments in 2015, due to the cancellation of the Edisto Marina tournament. Which means that the 2015 Series will now be decided at the MegaDock tourney in Charleston since they are now the final event. Another development from the S.C. Series is that the Carolina Billfish Classic (CBC) will shorten their schedule from three days of fishing to just two fishing days. The CBC will also reward a new S.C. state-record dolphin with a 2015 Ford F150 pick-up to further fuel the offshore frenzy.

The Bahamas Billfish Championship (BBC) began 2015 with a change in ownership, when longtime steward Al Behrendt retired. The BBC retains Jennifer Dudas as the tournament director, to build on the 40-years of history at the Championship. Meanwhile, the Texas Billfish Championship (TBC) announced in February of 2015 that they will be taking a couple of years off, but are hopeful to return bigger and better one day. They also cite thanks for the lifelong friendships and memories made at the TBC, which is the purpose of all blue marlin tournaments. Good Luck Fishing!

To view this magazine feature article click on All At Sea and 2015 Tournament Calendar.

To view past blog entries for the Blue Marlin Tournament Calendar click 2014.