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Team Fish for Holly Wins the 2025 Costa Offshore World Championship

Team Fish for Holly stands celebrating at the awards ceremony of the 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.

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The Marlin Group Acquires Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series and Expands Global Footprint

David Ritchie of Bonnier and Capt. Jody Bright of Kona Tournaments shake hands at an announcement.

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.”

Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series Logo

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.

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The Marlin Group Recruits Connor Motsko as Sales Director to Drive Growth and Expansion

Connor Motsko

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.

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Marlin Global Challenge 2025: Ready to Join the Hunt?

Marlin Global Challenge

For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]

  • Global competition recognizes year’s biggest tournament-caught blue marlin 
  • Winner-takes-all jackpot
  • Honored as a MARLIN Achievement of the Year

February 27, 2025 – The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network, is making waves in 2025 with the launch of the Marlin Global Challenge. This high-stakes showdown invites teams from across the globe to battle for the biggest tournament-caught blue marlin of the year, with a winner-takes-all jackpot that could change the game for the winning team. With an ambitious $1 million target prize for its inaugural year, this new event is set to become the most electrifying annual challenge in big-game fishing.

“We awarded more than $5 million in cash payout in our international tournaments in 2024, and we’re targeting a payout exceeding $6 million this year,” said David Ritchie, CEO of The Marlin Group. “We recognize that a target payout of $1 million in our first year of operating this new Challenge format represents an ambitious goal, but that’s the scale of event we are intent on building.”

The winning team of the Challenge will be honored as an Achievement of the Year winner in a special annual edition of Marlin in December, 2025. 

“Marlin has been a global leader and big-game authority for more than 40 years,” said Jack Vitek, Editor-in-Chief of Marlin. “The trust we’ve earned with readers, clients and tournament participants over four decades uniquely positions us with the expertise and credibility needed to execute this competition.” 

Running from April 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025, the Marlin Global Challenge invites anglers who are participating in recognized blue marlin tournaments anywhere in the world to preregister with the Marlin Global Challenge for their chance at the title. Only catches from established tournaments with certified scales, weighmasters, and witness verification will be eligible. The registered team that catches the heaviest blue marlin over 500 pounds during this time will claim the title. With no divisions or regional limits, this is a truly global tournament that anyone who fishes an established tournament can win. 

“We created the Marlin Global Challenge to fill a demand in the big-game fishing world,” said Jennifer Dudas, Tournament Director for The Marlin Group. “Teams that fish competitively can now chase a globally recognized achievement, no matter where, when or how often they fish. Our format really makes it easy for teams to participate. I couldn’t be more excited for the launch of the Marlin Global Challenge.”

The entry fee for each team is $2,000, with 85 percent of the prize pool awarded to the single heaviest blue marlin caught among registered boats. Total payout will be dependent on the number of boats participating, and will be awarded following a rigorous verification process to ensure the integrity of the competition. 

With its straight-forward format, global participation, and a hefty payout, the Marlin Global Challenge is an easy and fun way to raise the bar even higher on your tournament plans for the year. Learn more or register today at marlinglobalchallenge.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.

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