The Chase Is On: The 23rd Annual Sailfish Challenge Begins February 18, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 2026
SAILFISH CHALLENGE, LEG TWO OF THE 2026 QUEST FOR THE CREST SAILFISH SERIES
Riding the momentum of last year’s record-setting tournament, when the Sailfish Challenge fleet of 61 boats released 1,467 sailfish over two days of fishing, the excitement surrounding the 23rd Annual Sailfish Challenge is at an all-time high. Widely regarded as the turning point of the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series presented by Raymarine, Sailfish Challenge is where teams cement their run for the Burgundy Jacket or watch it slip away. The 23rd Annual Sailfish Challenge returns to Galuppi’s Restaurant & Sports Bar in Pompano Beach from February 18 – 22, 2026, with proceeds benefiting The Billfish Foundation. As the second leg of the series, the event offers teams a shot to solidify their pursuit of the Burgundy Jacket while competing for a projected cash purse exceeding $600,000. True to its legacy, Sailfish Challenge features its signature three-inlet format, allowing teams to fish out of Miami’s Government Cut, Hillsboro Inlet, or Lake Worth Inlet. Strategy is the name of the game, providing teams with the opportunity to chase the bite north or south and still make check-in at the end of the day.
To commemorate the historic moment from the 2025 Sailfish Challenge, a limited-edition shirt has been created, honoring a milestone that will stand the test of time. The shirts will be available for purchaseon-site during tournament week for those looking to take home a lasting piece of Sailfish Challenge history.
But the three-inlet format isn’t the only thing that sets Sailfish Challenge apart. The tournament also brings back the fan-favorite Coin Challenge, where teams are randomly assigned a color group and compete head-to-head for the most sailfish releases. The winning color group earns commemorative Sailfish Challenge coins, with one lucky angler taking home the ultimate Grand Prize, featuring a custom Turtlebox speaker, a pair of Costa Pro Series sunglasses, and an exclusive Sailfish Challenge tournament swag package.
The week gets underway on Wednesday, February 18, with the captains’ meeting at Galuppi’s, highlighted by a live performance from The Holidazed on the main stage. With complimentary cocktails, dinner, and a silent auction, teams, sponsors, and vendors will come together for an evening of camaraderie before the action shifts offshore. Competition heats up over two full days on February 20 and 21, before tournament week concludes with a celebratory awards brunch on Sunday, February 22, back at Galuppi’s.
THE BILLFISH FOUNDATION
A shared mission in 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.
Fish Bluewater is honored to partner with The Billfish Foundation in their unwavering commitment to billfish conservation worldwide, particularly through initiatives like the Sailfish Challenge.
Each year, the Sailfish Challenge champion earns an opportunity to take part in The Billfish Foundation’s Tag & Release Program through an exclusive satellite tagging expedition. Guided by foundation scientists, the winning team works hands-on to deploy a satellite tag, named in their honor, contributing directly to the foundation’s research efforts. The experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at conservation in action while strengthening the connection between tournament anglers and the science shaping the future of the sport.
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, 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 on social media @TheBillfishFoundation.
CHASING BURGUNDY
The battle for the coveted SIMMS Fishing Burgundy Jacket is officially on. Here’s a look at the current standings and how the top teams and anglers are positioning themselves in the hunt.
QUEST FOR THE CREST SERIES STANDINGS THROUGH LEG ONE
QUEST FOR THE CREST SERIES POINTS RACE
1st – Reel Deal – 31 Points
2nd – Priceless – 29 Points
3rd – Viva – 28 Points
4th – Fish Tales – 27 Points
5th – Native Son/Steel Got it – 26 Points
6th – REMIX – 25 Points
7th – Living Water/Makin’ Time – 24 Points
TOP LADY ANGLER RACE PRESENTED BY ALTIER JEWELERS
1st – Sandra MacMillan – Sandman – 2 Points
2nd – Ona Alpert – Taylor Jean – 2 Points
3rd – Danielle Robertson – FFMD – 1 Point
4th – Brookyn Rufrano – Ruf Life – 1 Point
5th – Meagan Komer – Off Course – 1 Point
6th – Sarah Melia – REMIX – 1 Point
7th – Liesl Benecchi – THINK DEEPER – 1 Point
TOP MALE ANGLER RACE
1st – Matthew Rodriguez – Priceless – 4 Points
2nd – Logan Krull – Viva – 3 Points
3rd – Mike McDaniel – Vitamin Sea – 3 Points
4th – Hunter Smith – La Fe – 3 Points
5th – Jacques Shealy – Viva – 3 Points
6th – Robbie Ramirez – Sandman – 3 Points
7th – Chris Liriano – FishTales – 3 Points
TOP CENTER CONSOLE RACE PRESENTED BY GEMLUX
1st – FishTales – 37’ Sea Vee – 7 Points
2nd – REMIX – 44’ Contender – 6 Points
3rd – Living Water/Makin’ Time – 44’ Contender – 6 Points
4th – Off Course – 43’ Center Console – 4 Points
5th – Faratsi – 41’ Center Console – 4 Points
6th – Good Call – 41’ Center Console – 4 Points
7th – Valhalla 55 – 55’ Center Console – 4 Points
BATTLE OF THE BRACKETS SPONSORED BY TURTLEBOX – ROUND 3
Bar South VS. Fish On
Living Water/Makin’ Time VS. Priceless
Seraphim OR Three Little Birds VS. Viva
FishTales VS. Goin Raptor OR Owe Deere
TOURNAMENT ENTRY TIPS
Secure your place in one of South Florida’s most prestigious sailfish tournaments. Early registration for Sailfish Challenge is now open at a discounted rate of $1,200 + tax per boat through February 4th, 2026. After this date, the entry fee increases to $1,700 + tax. In addition to competing for the coveted first-place title, teams have the opportunity to earn significant cash payouts across both general and optional entry categories. Follow these key tips to maximize your tournament experience:
To register for Sailfish Challenge, visit fish.bluewatermovements.com
GENERAL ENTRY DIVISIONS
Meatfish Category: The Quest for the Crest isn’t only about sailfish; don’t overlook the value of the meatfish divisions. With categories for Meatfish Aggregate, Heaviest Fish Overall, and top placements in Dolphin, Wahoo, Kingfish, Cobia, and Tuna, teams have multiple opportunities to secure significant payouts. Add in three high-value meatfish Calcuttas, and the potential earnings stack up fast.
Reel-E-Sea proved that in 2023, earning more than $54,000 with a standout 69.9-lb Wahoo and a heavy bag of Kingfish. A reminder that in the Quest, you don’t have to catch bills to stack bills.
Small Boat and Semi-Pro Categories: Boat size or tournament resumes don’t matter in the Quest for the Crest when leaderboard contenders in the fleet can come from every angle. With categories including Small Boat Division for boats 37’ and under and Semi-Pro Division for crews looking to rise through the ranks, teams have multiple opportunities to secure big-time payouts.
Crews that fall in these categories and are willing to put extra skin in the game can open the door to even larger payouts by entering optional categories like the Winner-Take-All Self Centered Calcutta and the Small Boat Stash, where the money ramps up quickly and could potentially add close to $15,000 to a team’s winnings.
Prime example: Liquidated made their series debut as a Semi-Pro team in 2024 aboard a 36’ center console and went on to win the entire series, earning more than $277,855 throughout the season. Proof that dedication and commitment, not boat size or legacy, are the difference makers in the chase for burgundy.
OPTIONAL ENTRY CALCUTTAS
Fish For Charity Calcutta: Make every release count for a cause. The Fish For Charity Calcutta gives teams an opportunity to give back while they compete, with proceeds benefiting The Billfish Foundation. The pot is split 50/50 between the top-scoring team and the nonprofit’s supporting mission. With a $500 entry fee per boat, it’s a true win-win for both the teams and the charity.
Release Round-Up: High stakes. High reward. The Release Round-Up is the Quest for the Crest’s exclusive winner-take-all Calcutta and a favorite among the fleet. Structured across four rounds over two days of fishing, only the sharpest and most consistent teams advance. Those who go the distance have a shot at a major payday, just ask Miss Annie, who claimed an impressive $371,700 jackpot in 2020. Entry for the Release Round-Up Calcutta is $1,000 per boat.
Quest “TNT” Series Calcutta: The Quest “TNT” Series Calcutta adds explosive energy to the season-long competition. To qualify, teams must register during the first leg of the series, securing their shot at a significant season-ending payout. With a $1,500 entry fee per boat, this season-long Calcutta keeps the stakes high and the competition sharp from the opening lines-in to lines-out at Final Sail.
Final Sail $100,000 Guarantee: No fine print. No gimmicks. Thanks to the tremendous support of Raymarine and Yamaha, the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series is raising the stakes for its grand finale. Leg three, Final Sail, now features a guaranteed $100,000 bonus payout, a 50/30/20 split awarded on top of the standard prize money.
This elite bonus is reserved for teams that register for all three legs of the series. Available only at Final Sail, entry for this guaranteed payout is $2,500.
SAILFISH CHALLENGE 2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
All events for the week will be held at Galuppi’s Restaurant & Sports Bar:
1103 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33062
Kick-Off Party/Captain’s Meeting
Date: Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Galuppi’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
Fishing Day 1
Date: Friday, February 20th, 2026
Lines In: 8:00 AM
Lines Out: 4:00 PM
Deadline to Submit Media: 6:00 PM
Locations: Sailfish Marina, Hillsboro Inlet, and Miami Beach Marina
Fishing Day 2
Date: Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Lines In: 8:00 AM
Lines Out: 4:00 PM
Deadline to Submit Media: 6:00 PM
Locations: Sailfish Marina, Hillsboro Inlet, and Miami Beach Marina
Awards Ceremony
Date: Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Time: Brunch & Awards Presentations 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Galuppi’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
ABOUT THE QUEST FOR THE CREST SAILFISH SERIES
The Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series 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.
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. For 30 years, 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. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every tournament we produce is more than just a competition—it’s a premium experience that celebrates the passion and spirit of the sport.
For media inquiries, images, and additional information, please contact:
Chris Caravello
Phone: 954-725-4010
Email: Chris@bluewatermovements.com
