The Marlin Group: New leadership to power tournament growth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
- New Pacific and Atlantic leadership structure introduced
- Lacey Hagler promoted to Pacific Tournament Director
- Search underway for Atlantic Tournament Director; Connor Motsko appointed interim lead
Winter Park, Fla. – August 15, 2025 — The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network, has announced key organizational changes to support continued growth across its expanding portfolio of big-game tournaments.
Following the acquisition of the Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series (HMTS), The Marlin Group is designating separate tournament directors for the Atlantic and Pacific. This geographic alignment allows for deeper regional focus and operational oversight, acknowledging the distinct business models, participant demographics, and logistical considerations unique to each market.
Lacey Hagler, Associate Tournament Director for the past four years, has been promoted to Pacific Tournament Director. She will oversee the HMTS, the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica, and the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Mexico.
“Lacey has distinguished herself in service to these events since joining the team, and stepped up in 2025 to lead Bonnier’s integration of the HMTS,” said David Ritchie, Marlin Group CEO. “We have tremendous confidence in her ability to expand the group’s tournament operations across the Pacific region.”
Recruitment is underway for a new Atlantic Tournament Director to lead the Bermuda Triple Crown and the Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands, with a focus on expanding existing operations and identifying new opportunities in the region. During the transition, Connor Motsko, Sales Director & Business Development lead, will serve as interim Atlantic lead. Motsko has deep-rooted sportfishing background and hands-on experience in working with top-tier tournaments.
These changes come as the organization announces the departure of Jennifer Dudas, former Tournament Director. The Marlin Group extends its sincere appreciation for her many contributions and years of service.
“This restructuring represents a thoughtful and necessary evolution in how we operate and scale our tournament business,” Ritchie said. “By aligning leadership within our key regions, we can stay laser-focused on delivering first-class events, building new opportunities for our partners, and continuing to elevate the global standard for competitive offshore fishing.”
Qualified candidates interested in applying for the Atlantic Tournament Director should apply via LinkedIn.
Key contacts:
- Press inquiries: [email protected]
- Pacific tournaments (Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series, Los Cabos Billfish Tournament or Offshore World Championship 2026): [email protected]
- Atlantic tournaments (Scrub Island Billfish Series, Bermuda Triple Crown 2026): [email protected]
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series; the Bermuda Triple Crown; and the Marlin Global Challenge, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.
Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Marlin
Scrub Island Billfish Series Welcomes BVI Tourism as an Official Destination Sponsor
New partnership deepens regional ties and highlights the British Virgin Islands
as a world-class sportfishing destination
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
Scrub Island, BVI – August 8, 2025 — The Scrub Island Billfish Series is proud to announce a new partnership with the British Virgin Islands Tourism Board, which has signed on as an official sponsor of the 2025 tournament.
As the tournament series continues to grow in prestige and participation, this collaboration underscores a shared commitment to promoting the BVI as a premier destination for world-class sportfishing and luxury travel.
Set in the heart of the Caribbean’s famed North Drop, the Scrub Island Billfish Series is a premier, two-leg tournament hosted at the luxurious Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina. The event attracts elite teams from around the world and is celebrated for its exceptional fishing, first-class hospitality, and stunning island setting.
The 2025 tournament will take place across two back-to-back legs strategically placed around the summer moon cycle, which historically coincides with peak marlin fishing:
- Leg One: September 4–8, 2025
- Leg Two: September 8–12, 2025
Participants and guests will enjoy luxury accommodations, private beaches, acclaimed dining, and full access to Scrub Island’s 55-slip marina—capable of hosting yachts up to 160 feet. The tournament offers cash prizes, bragging rights, and the coveted Series Champion title.
“We are incredibly honored to welcome BVI Tourism aboard as a key partner,” said Natasha Lloyd, Publisher Emeritus at Marlin. “Their support is a testament to the value and visibility that this tournament brings to the British Virgin Islands, and it reflects our mutual dedication to responsible sportfishing, economic growth, and unforgettable guest experiences. This partnership helps elevate the Series to even greater heights.”
With the addition of BVI Tourism as an official sponsor, the Scrub Island Billfish Series deepens its local connection and reaffirms its role as one of the Caribbean’s premier sportfishing events.
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series; the Bermuda Triple Crown; and the Marlin Global Challenge, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.
Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
About Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, BVI
Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina is named after its location, a serene 230-acre private-island haven situated at the east end of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. The luxury, AAA Four-Diamond hotel is tucked into a rugged cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands. The resort features 52 guest accommodations as well as a collection of two-, three-, four- and six-bedroom villas, the intimate Ixora Spa, world-class restaurants, two private beaches, on-site boutique, sundries shop with grab & go options, full-service provisions store and a 55-slip marina. Just offshore on its own private island is the all-new Marina Cay Bar & Grill serving lunch and dinner. The Scrub Island Marina offers exhilarating excursions through Dive BVI.
For more information, call toll free U.S. (877) 890-7444 or visit ScrubIsland.com.
About Mainsail Lodging & Development
Mainsail Lodging & Development is an award-winning, Tampa, Florida-based company specializing in hotel, furnished housing, and resort property management and development, marketing and sales. An established company with a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, Mainsail prides itself in finding unique lodging opportunities with a purpose and applying its passion and expertise to each project. Founded by President Joe Collier with a combination of daring vision and dogged determination, Mainsail has built an impressive portfolio of top-branded properties throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Each Mainsail property inspires guests with a distinct character and meticulously crafted, sophisticated style, from a private island resort, and urban culinary showplaces, to waterfront marvels, boutique southern hotels, and a historic jazz-era icon. Stay Sojo, Mainsail’s newest brand, provides short-term furnished living options across the country, while Mainsail Vacation Rentals manages a collection of private vacation homes in Florida and the Caribbean. To ensure long-term success and profitability, Mainsail relies on the dedication of its high-performing associates, a growing group of enterprising investors, and a commitment to giving back, every step of the way. MainsailHotels.com
- Published in Marlin
Big Names, Bigger Stories: The Marlin Podcast Arrives This September
The Marlin Group introduces an immersive new series
for big-game enthusiasts
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
Winter Park, FL — July 15, 2025 — The Marlin Group proudly announces the launch of The Marlin Podcast, a dynamic new extension of the iconic Marlin brand, debuting September 2025.
For more than 40 years, Marlin has been the trusted voice of big-game sportfishing. Now, The Marlin Podcast brings that legacy to life in a bold new format—delivering the stories, characters, lifestyle and culture that define offshore angling.
Hosted by Marlin’s Editor-in-Chief, Jack Vitek, The Marlin Podcast will feature candid, in-depth conversations with some of the most influential and colorful voices in the sport—from legendary captains and tournament teams to industry titans, conservationists, and innovators.
“For more than four decades, Marlin has captured the very best of big-game fishing through the written word and powerful photography,” said Vitek. “Now, The Marlin Podcast gives us a new way to tell those stories—directly from the voices of those who’ve lived them. The video podcast format offers a dynamic, personal and immersive experience for our audience, whether they’re on the road, on the water, or on the couch.”
Filming for The Marlin Podcast is already underway, with the first episodes set to launch in September 2025. The podcast will be published at least once a month across major streaming platforms and on marlinmag.com, and will be available in both audio and video formats.
The Marlin Podcast represents the next evolution of The Marlin Group’s mission to serve the offshore fishing community with premium content that informs, entertains and unites anglers around the world. As with the print magazine, digital content, tournament coverage, and video series, The Marlin Podcast is a testament to the brand’s ongoing commitment to elevating the voices and stories that make the big-game angling world so unique.
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About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series; the Bermuda Triple Crown; and the Marlin Global Challenge, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.
Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Marlin
Bonnier Unveils Elevated Live Experiences Across Flagship Outdoor Shows
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
- Off-Road Expo partners with TERRA Crew for “Built to Destroy” experience
- General Tire returns as presenting sponsor for the Off-Road Expo
- Hammerking Productions brings King of The Hammers energy to the Proving Grounds at Sand Sports Super Show
Costa Mesa, Calif. (July 2, 2025) – Bonnier LLC, producer of premier national hunting and motorsports consumer events, is announcing new partnerships aimed at elevating two of its flagship fall shows. Leading the way is a high-impact collaboration with TERRA Crew—the gatekeepers of the off-road underground—to deliver daily “Built To Destroy Live” performances at Off-Road Expo, the nation’s top off-road truck event, taking place October 4-5 at the OC Fair & Event Center.
“Strengthening our partnership with TERRA Crew is a game-changer for Off-Road Expo,” said Tracy Feinsilver, Senior Vice President of Bonnier’s Motorsports & Outdoor Group. “Their energy, authenticity and unmatched connection with the off-road community will bring ORE back to its roots.”
Also returning in 2025, long-time partner General Tire has renewed its role as presenting sponsor of Off-Road Expo—strengthening a trusted alliance between one of the industry’s top tire manufacturers and the premier destination for off-road enthusiasts.
“We at General Tire are proud to return as the longtime presenting sponsor of the Off-Road Expo,” said Adam Keiser, Sr. Communications & Content Specialist, Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. “This event has always been a premier destination for off-road enthusiasts, and we’re especially excited about its move to Orange County this year. The new location opens the door to a fresh audience, and we look forward to connecting with both longtime fans and first-time attendees who share our passion for the off-road lifestyle.”
The Off-Road Expo presented by General Tire is the definitive annual gathering for off-road fans and industry leaders—featuring the biggest names in trucks, SUVs, UTVs, and high-performance gear. Now in its 25th year, Off-Road Expo continues to be a must-attend event for brands, builders, and enthusiasts alike. The 2025 edition, set for October 4-5 at the OC Fair & Event Center, promises to deliver the largest and most exciting show yet.
Also announced this week, Hammerking Productions—creators of the world-famous King of The Hammers and the Ultra4 Racing Series—will once again bring their adrenaline-fueled energy to the DRT Motorsports Sand Sports Super Show, returning September 19-21, 2025, in Costa Mesa, California.
Hammerking will produce an all-new Proving Grounds experience, delivering high-octane action as pro drivers put purpose-built race machines through their paces in front of a live audience. From raw horsepower to unmatched technical skill, the Proving Grounds promises edge-of-your-seat excitement for off-road fans of all stripes.
Whether you’re a seasoned desert racing devotee or a first-time showgoer, the 2025 Sand Sports Super Show is the place to see the latest in sand cars, UTVs, parts, accessories, gear, and innovation. The event attracts top-tier brands, influencers, and industry insiders, with exclusive product launches, live demos, show-only specials, celebrity meet-and-greets, and giveaways throughout the weekend.
Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available for both events. To learn more, contact the Bonnier sales team at [email protected].
For more information or to register as an exhibitor for the Off-Road Expo presented by General Tire, visit offroadexpo.com.
For details on the DRT Motorsports Sand Sports Super Show, visit sandsportssupershow.com.
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About Bonnier
Bonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for big-game fishing, motorsports and hunting. In its Motorsports & Outdoor Group, Bonnier engages with more than a million outdoor enthusiasts annually through a nationwide series of experiential events, including the Sand Sports Super Show, Off-Road Expo, Open Season Sportsman’s Expo, Street Machine Nationals car shows, and professional watersports shows. Bonnier also owns The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network. As publisher of Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, The Marlin Group operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series; the Bermuda Triple Crown; and the Marlin Global Challenge, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Bonnier is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating conglomerate with more than 200 years in publishing.
Learn more at bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Events
The Marlin Group Launches Enhancements with Hawaii Big-Game Season Opening
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
- Tournament Director Lacey Hagler to lead team of Hawaii veterans
- Expanded jackpot structure to increase payout
- Season-opening celebration planned for Kona Kick Off
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – June 10, 2025 — The countdown is on for the 2025 Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series (HMTS), and The Marlin Group has announced a series of strategic enhancements ahead of what promises to be a thrilling summer of sportfishing action. Teams return to the Big Island’s fabled calm waters in late June for the Hawaii season kickoff.
“Since acquiring the HTMS in March, we’ve spent a lot of time listening to the teams in Kona, and the feedback has been incredible,” said David Ritchie, Marlin Group CEO. “The participants are excited about our plans for increasing the promotion of Hawaii’s incredible fishery, and they’ve expressed tremendous support for our plans to reinvest back in the tournament as we seek to elevate its profile across all activities.”
The HMTS tournament team will mainly consist of many familiar faces. Laura Dowsett will handle registration and payouts, Robbie Engelhard will be on the radio, and Capt. Bradley Damasco will lead tackle verification efforts. A rules committee, including HMTS founder Capt. Jody Bright, will be on hand to ensure fair competition. These respected Kona experts will ensure continued professionalism in what is one of the world’s most stringent competitions. The HMTS ranks the only tournament series in the world that requires that a fish be tagged to earn release points, while also verifying daily that all tackle adheres to IGFA rules.
Joining the HMTS leadership team this year is Lacey Hagler, who steps in as Tournament Director for the 2025 season. A tenured member of The Marlin Group’s tournament team and a familiar face in the big-game fishing community, Hagler brings a deep passion for the sport and years of tournament experience at the highest levels.
“Based on participant feedback, we’re introducing several elements to enhance the tournament experience for the 2025 season,” Hagler said. “These include a variety of event amenities to boost participant enjoyment, and an expanded optional jackpot structure designed to increase total payouts and broaden prize access to more teams. We’ve left base entry fees unchanged, and all core optional jackpots return—plus, we’re introducing several creative new ones as well. While fairness is paramount alongside the pursuit of granders, additional goals are to encourage friendly competition, and build an enduring camaraderie between teams, sponsors and the Kailua-Kona fishing community.”
Other investments that will debut at the Kona Kick Off include implementing CatchStat live-scoring software, official tournament apparel by Conch Republic Apparel, product giveaways, and trophies for winners. Several exciting new sponsors, including Lindgren-Pitman and GZ Lures, have joined alongside other returning HMTS sponsors, including presenting sponsor Coca-Cola, White Claw, POP Fishing & Marine, Hawaii Petroleum, Royal Kona Resort, and Kraken Fish Co.
These enhancements will take center stage at a season-opening celebration scheduled for June 27 at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club in Honokohau Harbor. The event will feature local food, entertainment, refreshments and giveaways. Marlin magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Jack Vitek, will be on hand to meet anglers and hear feedback from the Kona sportfishing community as registration for the Kona Kick Off concludes. All HMTS participants are invited to attend.
About the Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series
Founded in 1987 by Capt. Jody Bright, the Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series is Hawaii’s preeminent billfishing competition, pitting the top Kona crews against one another for a season-long quest to be named HMTS Champion. The series comprises eight tournaments held between March and September. Points accrue throughout the season, while each individual tournament offers a unique mix of base and optional jackpots to drive strong competition within the Kona fleet. The HMTS was the first Hawaii tournament to pay cash for tagged and released fish, awarding a $2.5 million payout in 2024. Register at konatournaments.com
Upcoming tournaments:
- June 28-29: Kona Kick Off
- July 4-5: Firecracker Open
- July 7-9: Kona Throw Down
- July 11-13: Skins Marlin Derby
- July 18-20: Hawaii Lure Maker’s Challenge
- August 22-24: Big Island Marlin Tournament
- September 19-21: It’s a Wrap
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series; the Bermuda Triple Crown; and the Marlin Global Challenge, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.
Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Other
Team Fish for Holly Wins the 2025 Costa Offshore World Championship
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
April 18, 2025 — Quepos, Costa Rica — The 2025 Offshore World Championship (OWC), produced by The Marlin Group and presented by Costa Sunglasses, once again affirmed its reputation as the world’s premier international billfishing tournament. Held April 6–10 at Marina Pez Vela, 34 teams representing 19 countries descended on Quepos, Costa Rica, each having qualified through top-tier tournaments worldwide.
Over three days of fishing, the fleet released 591 billfish—568 Pacific sailfish and 23 blue marlin—averaging more than 17 per team under idyllic tropical conditions on the water, and enjoying luxurious accommodations provided by the Parador Nature Resort & Spa back on land.
“The Costa Offshore World Championship embodies the spirit of international camaraderie and sportsmanship,” says Tournament Director, Jennifer Dudas. “We are deeply grateful to all participants who journeyed from around the globe to represent their homelands with such passion and integrity. Your dedication enriches this tournament’s legacy, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming you back next year.”
Claiming top honors, Team Fish for Holly delivered a commanding performance with 6,100 points and 29 billfish releases. Led by Capt. Robert Collins of Islamorada, Florida, the team—comprising Audrey Koocher, Ritchie White, Roy Godinez, and John Timura—fished aboard Top Notch, Monkey Shine, and Vuelto Loco over the three days. Their victory also honored the legacy of the Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament, created in memory of Holly Given to support domestic abuse prevention in the Florida Keys.
Finishing in second place, Team Rake & Scrape of the Bahamas—representing the Lyford Cay Invitational Offshore Tournament—scored 5,400 points with 27 sailfish releases, fishing aboard Super Fly, Double Nickel, and Sueltalo II. Third place went to Team Sunshine Coast Game Fishing Club Classic from Australia, who also tallied 5,300 points with 24 sailfish and one blue marlin release.
Catherine “Cat” Bartels of Team Yellowfin earned both the Top Angler and Top Lady Angler honors with a standout performance that included 16 sailfish and one blue marlin for a total of 3,500 points.
The 2025 Costa Offshore World Championship reaffirmed its status as the zenith of international competitive angling, where excellence, tradition and sportsmanship converge in pursuit of greatness.
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series; the Bermuda Triple Crown; and the Marlin Global Challenge, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
2025 Costa Offshore World Sponsors
The Costa Offshore World Championship is sponsored by many industry-leading companies, including title sponsor Costa Sunglasses, The Marlin Group, Marina Pez Vela, Parador Nature Resort & Spa, Bluefin USA, Yeti, Garmin, King Sailfish Mounts, AFTCO, Flor de Caña, IGFA, Bodo Muche Studio-Foundry, Pacifico Travel Services, Release Marine, 2Costa Rica Real Estate, VanMark Jewelry Designers, Coastal Carolina Cutting Boards, Star brite, Penn, Guy Harvey, Big T Lures, IWS ScaleMaster, Baby Je Creations, Ladies Love Pink, XTRATUF, danco sports, Port & Starboard and Conch Republic Apparel.
- Published in Marlin
The Marlin Group Acquires Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series and Expands Global Footprint
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
March 26, 2025 — The Marlin Group has acquired the prestigious Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series (HMTS) from Capt. Jody Bright and Tropidilla Productions. This strategic expansion of a renowned tournament series in one of the sport’s most iconic destinations further strengthens The Marlin Group’s position as the world’s premier operator of international big-game fishing tournaments.
Founded in 1987 by Capt. Bright, the HMTS now comprises eight distinct tournaments held between March and September, with the majority taking place in June and July. Collectively, these events in 2024 fielded 162 boat entries that fished a total of 22 days and caught a series record of 437 marlin, of which 96 percent were tagged and released. The series was the first in Hawaii to pay a cash purse for tag and release, awarding more than $2.5 million in 2024.
“Hawaii is the birthplace of our sport and probably the most renowned fishing grounds for marlin and other big game,” says David Ritchie, CEO of The Marlin Group. “Through our other tournaments, we have already established a strong presence in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Central America. The HMTS fills that missing piece, expanding our reach and solidifying our position as a truly global enterprise.”
To ensure a seamless transition, Bright will remain actively involved throughout the season, collaborating with Marlin staff to uphold the series’ esteemed standards.
“I have been looking for the right successor for almost 10 years and cannot imagine a better new owner than The Marlin Group,” says Bright. “I wanted to find an owner who could elevate this tournament series through a strong network of integrated media properties, while also having the chops in the fishing world to continue the high level of competition the HMTS events have cultivated. Obviously with the Marlin magazine platform and their roster of first-class tournaments, The Marlin Group fits the bill perfectly. I am excited to work with them towards a smooth transition this season, and to watch them elevate this series to new heights in the coming years.”
The Marlin Group’s acquisition of the HMTS adds another prestigious series to its distinguished owned and operated tournament portfolio, which also includes:
- Offshore World Championship: The championship of champions, a truly global tournament, hosted annually in Costa Rica, that brings together winning teams from various qualifying events worldwide.
- Bermuda Triple Crown: A series of three premier tournaments held in Bermuda, attracting top anglers from around the world for a chance at a purse that exceeded $5 million in 2024 and is targeted at $6 million in 2025.
- Scrub Island Billfish Series: Hosted in the beautiful British Virgin Islands, this series offers anglers the chance to fish the renowned North Drop.
- Los Cabos Billfish Tournament: An annual event in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, known for its competitive spirit, big blue and black marlin, and big payouts.
- Marlin Global Challenge: A worldwide competition that allows anglers to compete to catch the biggest blue marlin of the year in a winner-takes-all format.
With the acquisition finalized prior to the start of the first tournament of the series, The Lazy Marlin Hunt, all tournaments in the 2025 HMTS will operate under The Marlin Group’s ownership. Participants can register at konatournaments.com.
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; and the Bermuda Triple Crown, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.
Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Marlin
The Marlin Group Recruits Connor Motsko as Sales Director to Drive Growth and Expansion
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
March 18, 2025 – The Marlin Group is pleased to welcome Connor Motsko as its new Sales Director, further enhancing the group’s team of industry professionals. In this role, Motsko will drive growth across all group activities through his focus on business development and integrated sales. His appointment is effective immediately.
Based in South Florida, Motsko will report directly to Marlin Publisher Dave Morel. He will play a pivotal role in expanding sales, strengthening industry partnerships, and working closely with senior leadership to identify new product and service opportunities.
“Connor’s passion for sportfishing, deep ties to the industry and business background give him a unique understanding of both the competitive and business aspects of the market,” says David Ritchie, CEO of The Marlin Group. “He will be a great addition to our team and we’re excited to bring him aboard.”
Motsko’s career has been deeply embedded in the marine world. He is a co-shareholder in the renowned White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland. Born into that environment, Motsko possesses a profound and unique understanding of big-game fishing and world-class fishing tournaments.
Beyond the realm of competitive angling, Motsko has successfully launched both business and non-profit ventures within the marine sector, showcasing his ability to identify opportunities and execute impactful strategies. With experience ranging from sales leadership in fast-moving consumer goods to working with major billfish tournaments, he has earned a reputation as a results-driven leader with a strong entrepreneurial mindset.
“Marlin has always set the standard in the sport fishing industry, leading the way with innovation, expertise, and a true love for the sport,” says Motsko. “I’m beyond excited to join the team, contribute to its legacy, and connect with a community that shares the same passion that I’ve had since I was young. This is an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”
For more information, please visit www.marlinmag.com.
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; and the Bermuda Triple Crown, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.
Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Marlin