Sailfish Challenge Champions Leading the Way for Billfish Conservation with The Billfish Foundation and Fish Bluewater
Coming in 2026, Fish Bluewater Teams Up with The Billfish Foundation for Satellite Tagging Expedition, Featuring Past Sailfish Challenge Champions Sandman and Native Son
Sailfish Challenge, known as the turning point in the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series, presented by Raymarine, is where teams cement their run for the Burgundy Jacket or watch it slip away. Though in recent years, the tournament has become more than just a stage for elite competition, it’s a chance to make a real impact on the future of our sport.
Fish Bluewater is proud to partner once again with The Billfish Foundation (TBF) for the Sailfish Challenge Satellite Tag Expedition. At the end of January 2026, back-to-back champions Sandman (2024) and Native Son (2025) will trade the competition for science by joining TBF researchers on a hands-on billfish tagging mission to deploy satellite tags, turning their big wins into bigger contributions. The expedition will also help launch TBF’s ambitious initiative to secure 40 satellite tags for billfish research in celebration of the organization’s 40th anniversary in 2026.
Turning Competition into Actionable Conservation Efforts Thanks to Satellite Tagging Technology
Florida’s state saltwater fish, the Atlantic Sailfish, is one of the most iconic species in sportfishing. Yet, even with its legendary status, there’s still so much left to learn. That’s where satellite tags come in. Unlike traditional tags that rely on recaptures to collect data, satellite tags transmit data when they pop off and surface, helping reveal seasonal migrations, critical habitats for reproduction and feeding, and other behaviors, providing researchers with a much clearer understanding of the species.
For tournament winners, it’s a chance to see their hard-earned victory extend beyond the competition and help shape the future of conservation, turning one big moment on the leaderboard into an even bigger contribution to the sport.
A Shared Mission: Sportfishing and Stewardship
At the heart of this partnership is a belief we all share: the sport only thrives if the fish do too. It’s about proving that the chase and the care for the resource can go hand in hand, ensuring every angler has the chance to chase sailfish for years to come.
“The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is pleased to once again collaborate with Fish Bluewater and the Sailfish Challenge winners to advance our understanding of these iconic species,” said Peter Chaibongsai, Director of Conservation Programs for TBF. “This event helps us learn whether South Florida sailfish are primarily residential and/or why some exhibit broader migratory behavior. Last year’s record number of billfish releases demonstrates that ongoing conservation efforts are making a measurable difference.”
About The Billfish Foundation
The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works globally to advance the conservation of billfish and associated highly migratory species through research, advocacy, and education. Founded in 1986 by Winthrop P. Rockefeller, Dr. Eric Prince, and a group of fifty founding members, The Billfish Foundation (TBF) fosters strong billfish conservation ethics to educate anglers of all generations and provide a voice for billfish and the global recreational sport fishing industry. TBF’s Tag & Release program, which began in 1990, is the world’s largest, open-sourced billfish database, contains more than 300,000 reports, which provide critical data for management and research. and serves as a cornerstone of its mission. With a focus on integrating science and policy, TBF continues to be a leader in influencing effective fishery management solutions that benefit both billfish populations and the angling community.
For more information, visit www.billfishfoundation.org or @thebillfishfoundation on social media.
About Fish Bluewater
Based in the heart of South Florida, the sportfishing capital of the world, Fish Bluewater is a premier sports marketing company with over three decades of expertise. We’ve been at the forefront of the competitive fishing scene, developing some of the most successful tournaments in the industry. Our deep-rooted knowledge of tournament fishing, paired with cutting-edge event marketing strategies, has allowed us to deliver unparalleled experiences for both anglers and sponsors alike.
With a portfolio of seven highly sought-after tournaments, each hosted at iconic venues across South Florida, Fish Bluewater continues to set the standard in competitive sportfishing events.
For more information, visit www.bluewatermovements.com or @fishbluewater on social media.
About the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series, presented by Raymarine
The Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series, presented by Raymarine stands as the ultimate battleground for the world’s top billfishing teams. This prestigious 3-leg series boasts an estimated purse of over $1.7 million, attracting fierce competitors from across the globe. But the true prize—the one that every team covets—isn’t about the money. It’s about The Crest.
The Crest represents the highest honor in the world of tournament sailfishing, a symbol of unmatched excellence. This coveted award, embodied by the iconic burgundy jacket, is reserved for the team that rises above all others in skill, strategy, and stamina. To don the jacket is to hold the title of world champion. It is not just a prize; it is a legacy earned through sheer dominance over an elite field. Only the best of the best can claim this privilege on their quest for the ultimate crown in billfishing.
Visit www.questforthecrest.com to learn more about the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series.
For media inquiries, images, and additional information, please contact:
Chris Caravello
Phone: 954-725-4010
Email: Chris@bluewatermovements.com
