The tag and release reports are in and the results have finally be tallied. This year was truly a record year for billfish anglers and for TBF’s Tag & Release Program. Below are some of the top anglers and captains from across the world at the apex of this amazing sport. Congratulations to all the winners and we hope to see everyone at our awards ceremony on Friday, February 13 in the Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island during the 2015 Miami International Boat Show. See below for more information. Winners are asked to RSVP for the event by Monday January 12.

Every year, The Billfish Foundation (TBF) recognizes the captains, mates and anglers (including youth and ladies) who tag and release the most billfish in each of the world’s oceans. The competition is categorized by billfish species, ocean, and whether the fish were tagged or released untagged. Award winners are recognized at TBF’s Annual Tag & Release Awards Ceremony held during the Miami International Boat Show presented by the TBF’s 2014 Tag and Release Sponsors: Bisbee’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund, Casa Vieja Lodge, Costa Sunglasses, PELAGIC, King Sailfish Mounts and SIMRAD.
The Billfish Foundation’s Annual Tag and Release Ceremony will be held Friday, February 13, 2015, in the Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island. The evening will kick off at 6:30 PM with cocktails followed by the award presentation and dinner. Proceeds benefit TBF’s tag and release program. Get your tickets for the 2015 Tag & Release Award Ceremony here.
Please note that for all anglers, captains and mates to receive their awards they must be current TBF members. You can join or renew your memberships online.

Overall Release Captain Chris Van Leeuwen
Overall Tagging Captain Chris Sheeder
Overall Release Angler Pat McCotter
Overall Tagging Angler Keith Brandner
Overall Release Lady Angler Tiffany Sisolak
Overall Tagging Lady Angler Sandra MacMillan
Overall Release Youth Angler Gregory Benn
Overall Tagging Youth Angler Shawn MacMullin

ATLANTIC

Top Tagging Angler- Atlantic Ocean
Blue Marlin Gray Ingram
Sailfish Kasey Swan
Swordfish Matt Bierley
White Marlin Laurent Sahyoun
Top Release Angler- Atlantic Ocean
Blue Marlin Gray Ingram
Sailfish Gray Ingram
White Marlin Gregory Benn
Top Tagging Captain- Atlantic Ocean
Blue Marlin Ronnie Fields
Sailfish Fin Gaddy
Swordfish Mark Pagano
White Marlin Christian Benazeth
Top Release Captain- Atlantic Ocean
Blue Marlin Ronnie Fields
Sailfish Dean Panos
White Marlin John Mumford

PACIFIC

Top Tagging Angler- Pacific Ocean
Black Marlin Brady Wild
Blue Marlin Keith Brandner
Sailfish Darryl Schroeder
Striped Marlin Robert Hendricks
Top Release Angler- Pacific Ocean
Black Marlin Barry Alty
Blue Marlin Pat McCotter
Sailfish Bill Easum
Striped Marlin John “Jack” Duvall
Swordfish John Gregory
Top Tagging Captain- Pacific Ocean
Black Marlin Tim Richardson
Blue Marlin Josh Temple
Sailfish Chris Sheeder
Spearfish Gene Vander Hoek
Striped Marlin Jaime Gonzalez
Top Release Captain- Pacific Ocean
Black Marlin Brett Alty
Blue Marlin Pete Rae
SailfishChris Van Leeuwen
Striped Marlin Chris Bays
Swordfish John Gregory

INDIAN OCEAN

Top Tagging Angler – Indian Ocean
Black Marlin Scott MacGowan
Sailfish Jo-Ann Riley
Top Release Angler – Indian Ocean
Black Marlin Murray Teasdale
Sailfish Henry Riggs-Miller
Top Tagging Captain- Indian Ocean
Black Marlin Eddy Lawler
Blue Marlin Eddy Lawler
Sailfish Jourdain Ellens
Striped Marlin Eddy Lawler
Top Release Captain – Indian Ocean
Black Marlin Eddy Lawler
Blue Marlin Ross Newton
Sailfish Rolly Pierre

Youth Tag Divisions
8 and Under Charles Gaddy & Kyler Swan (TIE)
Runner-up – Caden Alexander 9-10 Aidan Burke
Runner-up – Kasey Ray Swan 11-12
Kaleb Richardson 13-15
Shawn MacMullin Runner-up – Bo Ingram 16-17
Nick Brackmann Youth Release Divisions
8 and under Brown Gaddy 11-12 Jonathan Gaskill 13 – 15 Bo Ingram
Runner-up- Shawn MacMullin 16-17 Gregory Benn
Runner-up Curtis Englert

GULF OF MEXICO

Gulf of Mexico Marlin Tagging Competition
Top Tagging Captain
Blue Marlin Al Roper‐ Michi
Top Tagging Captain White Marlin Don Thrasher Business Interruption
Top Overall Tagging Captain -Jimmy Crochet Conundrum
Top Overall Tagging Boat Conundrum Capt. Jimmy Crochet

Johnny Morris – Bass Pro Shops and Initial Supporters Donate $2 Million in Support of the Bahamas

“Anglers for the Bahamas” campaign aligns anglers with worldwide relief leader, Convoy of Hope FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris today announced “Anglers for the Bahamas,” a campaign to support the Bahamas in the wake of catastrophic devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian. Together with fishing industry partners, the initial donations are approaching... [Read More...]

Captain Chris Sheeder: Fisherman and Philosopher of the Highest Order

In Charter Docks, we talk to influential charter captains and share their stories with you. This edition features Captain Chris Sheeder, a man whose humility and selflessness belies the fact that he's caught over 35,000 billfish and refined many of the most common techniques used in the sport today. by Elliott Stark While there are days when you’ll catch a bunch... [Read More...]

Bahamas Donation Options-- Location Drop Offs and More

Dear Friends of InTheBite, Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by Hurricane Dorian. The Bahamas are a wonderful place, full of wonderful people. Beyond the general desire to help those in need, the Bahamas have a special place in the hearts of many in the boating and sportfishing communities. The aftermath of the storm... [Read More...]

Something Different: Fly Fishing the Alaskan Bear Trail

While the Bear Trail Lodge in Alaska is different than the standard bluewater fare featured on InTheBite.com, it provides a unique experience full of angling excitement and natural wonder. Perhaps it may warrant a place on your fishing travel itinerary next year.... Photos and Story By Pete Robbins I’ve been to exotic fishing lodges all over the world – from... [Read More...]

Desperado Wins Pirate's Cove

Desperado ain’t out riding fences no more. The Manteo-based charter boat, a 56-foot Taylor Harrison run by Capt. Rob Barker, went wire to wire to win the 36th annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament. The team added a confirmed blue marlin and sailfish on Friday to accrue 1,000 points overall, good for a payout of $198,519. Jeff James and Braxton Rigsbee... [Read More...]

2014 Billfish Tagging Winners

ATLANTIC

PACIFIC

INDIAN OCEAN

GULF OF MEXICO

Johnny Morris – Bass Pro Shops and Initial Supporters Donate $2 Million in Support of the Bahamas

Captain Chris Sheeder: Fisherman and Philosopher of the Highest Order

Boat Drinks — The Red Devil

Viking Announces New 38 Open Billfish

Bahamas Donation Options– Location Drop Offs and More

Johnny Morris – Bass Pro Shops and Initial Supporters Donate $2 Million in Support of the Bahamas

Captain Chris Sheeder: Fisherman and Philosopher of the Highest Order

Bahamas Donation Options-- Location Drop Offs and More

Something Different: Fly Fishing the Alaskan Bear Trail

Desperado Wins Pirate's Cove

Check out the June issue's "Navigating the High Seas" for a breakdown of how the rapidly changing landscape of marijuana law effects the sportfishing industry. What is your boat's take on the use marijuana?

ATLANTIC

PACIFIC

INDIAN OCEAN

GULF OF MEXICO

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Check out the June issue's "Navigating the High Seas" for a breakdown of how the rapidly changing landscape of marijuana law effects the sportfishing industry. What is your boat's take on the use marijuana?