The Marlin Group Announces Substantial Investments in Marlin Magazine
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
- New bimonthly publication schedule
- Special “bookazine” annual issue commemorating the best of big-game angling
- Heavier paper and wider format to showcase enhanced design
October 31, 2024 – WINTER PARK, FL – Bonnier LLC, publisher of Marlin magazine, has announced massive investments that will further strengthen Marlin’s position of leadership within the big-game fishing industry. Collectively, the investments will represent the most substantial enhancements to the magazine since its launch in 1982.
Beginning in January 2025, Marlin will feature a new publishing schedule that will include six bimonthly issues plus a seventh “bookazine” special issue in late 2025 commemorating the best of big-game angling. Every issue of Marlin will feature heavier cover stock and improved interior paper, as well as a wider trim size to showcase enhancements in editorial and design.
“Print remains a vibrant component of our audience strategy,” said David Ritchie, Marlin Group CEO. “In 2025, we’re improving everything about the magazine. Readers will feel the difference in the paper quality, and they’ll see the design enhancements that come with our wider trim size. With a consistent bimonthly schedule, our readers and clients can look forward to their issues with anticipation, enhancing the overall reading experience.”
“What these investments really reflect is a shift in mindset,” said Jack Vitek, Editor-in-Chief. “Marlin is not just a magazine that people subscribe to. It is the journal for a close-knit community of like-minded anglers, and our product needs to reflect that. Each issue needs to be a collectible keepsake that is showcased on every salon table. Everything we have in store for 2025 is borne out of that line of thinking.”
The commitment to reader experience extends beyond print. A new publishing schedule has also been developed to drive increased engagement and retention across all of the group’s digital channels, most notably email, where caps on send volume will ensure Marlin Group emails stand out in the in-box.
“For more than 40 years, Marlin has been at the center of all things big-game fishing, and the investments we’re making in 2025 reflect our continuing commitment to this passionate community,” Ritchie said.
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network, closely engaged with more than one million boat owners, anglers, captains and mates annually. 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; 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 operating unit of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC. Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
To subscribe, go to marlinmag.com/subscribe
- Published in Marlin
Jack Vitek joins The Marlin Group as new Editor-in-Chief
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
June 10, 2024 – WINTER PARK, FL – The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network, completes a senior management makeover nearly six months in the making with the appointment of Jack Vitek as its new Editor-in-Chief. Vitek joins Marlin after nearly 15 years of service to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), most recently as its Marketing Director.
“When we set out to find a new Editor-in-Chief who could help us elevate our content strategy across all Marlin Group activities, we were looking for someone who checked three boxes,” said David Ritchie, Marlin Group CEO. “First, we needed someone who has time in the cockpit and understands the big-game fishing industry. Second, we were looking for someone who had experience in the publishing of print and digital content. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we needed a good cultural fit for the team, someone who could represent Marlin out on the docks or at a boat show. That’s a tall order, but we found that and more in Jack Vitek.”
In taking on the new role with Marlin, Vitek will be charged with developing and executing a content strategy that fully integrates all four Marlin Group pillars – media, tournaments, expeditions and advocacy.
“Jack’s personal enthusiasm for big-game fishing, combined with his long experience at the IGFA, gives him a strong foundation to help us better leverage our tournaments and expeditions as content factories,” Ritchie said. “And given his wide-ranging efforts to promote the conservation of game fish, he will play a key role in helping us build out Marlin’s advocacy platform.”
At the IGFA, Vitek was responsible for all of the association’s media activities, corporate partnerships, tournaments, and world records, leveraging content to promote the association’s membership while also advocating for responsible stewardship of all pelagic species.
“For more than 40 years, Marlin has been the definitive voice of big-game angling and synonymous with excellence,” Vitek said. “I’m honored, humbled and excited to join the talented team at the Marlin Group, where we will work to raise the bar on Marlin’s tradition of excellence as we promote the lifestyle, culture and passion of big-game angling.”
The hiring of Vitek, effective July 1, follows new appointments for all senior management positions within the group, starting with Natasha Lloyd to Publisher & Vice President in January of 2024. Other recent appointments include Dave Morel as Sales Director, Jennifer Dudas as Tournament Director, Capt. Jen Copeland as Expeditions Director, and Andrea Winters as Marketing Director.
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 Expands as the World’s Largest Big-Game Fishing Network
- David Ritchie takes the helm as Group CEO
- Expansion in Media, Tournaments, Expeditions and Advocacy
- Natasha Lloyd named VP Sales; Dave Morel joins as Sales Director;
- Capt. Jen Copeland named Marlin Expeditions Director
- marlinmag.com becomes digital hub for all activities
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact
[email protected]
February 14, 2024 – WINTER PARK, FL – Bonnier LLC, publisher of Marlin magazine, has announced organizational changes and investments that will significantly expand Marlin’s global footprint within the big-game fishing community.
Leading this expansion is David Ritchie, The Marlin Group CEO and former Marlin editor-in-chief.
“David Ritchie is the ideal person to lead The Marlin Group,” said Jens Mueffelmann, Executive Chairman of Bonnier LLC. “He has been connected to Marlin for more than 35 years—as its editor-in-chief, as a client, and in a variety of C-suite positions, helping to foster its success. He has fished our tournaments, has attended our expeditions and knows our clients. I have utmost confidence in his stewardship of the group.”
“To say that Marlin is close to my heart does not adequately capture the affection that I have for this brand,” Ritchie said. “To once again apply full focus to building on the Marlin Group’s already dominant position in the marketplace is incredibly gratifying and energizing. I am really proud of the team we’ve assembled, and have high confidence in our growth plans.”
Anchoring that team is Natasha Lloyd, recently appointed as Vice President, Sales.
“In her role as Publisher, Natasha has been the champion for Marlin for 27 years,” said Ritchie. “No one has their finger on the pulse of the offshore fishing industry like she does, and I’m thrilled Natasha will continue to drive expansion across all Marlin Group activities in her new role.”
Ritchie also recruited industry veteran Dave Morel to join The Marlin Group as Sales Director. Morel brings with him decades of experience as a sales executive within the marine category, having held leadership positions at boat dealerships, ad agencies, boat and engine manufacturers and several leading marine publications.
“Dave Morel joining the team is a huge development,” said Ritchie. “He is a pro, is well-respected by everyone in the industry, and was able to hit the ground running on Day One. I cannot imagine anyone better suited to help drive Marlin’s growth plans.”
Collectively, The Marlin Group—incorporating print and digital media, international fishing tournaments and global expeditions—reaches a half million boat owners, anglers, captains and mates annually.
Marlinmag.com has been relaunched to showcase all group initiatives under one umbrella. On this new site, users will find robust coverage of the big-game fishing boats, gear and destinations, along with updates on key issues impacting offshore fishing and the marine industry. The site will also serve as the key hub for Marlin Tournaments and Expeditions, where participants can register for upcoming events or gain access to live coverage of events in progress.
In 2024, The Marlin Group has aggressive growth plans across four core areas of focus:
Marlin Media
Marlin magazine, the big-game fishing authority for more than 40 years, will benefit in 2024 from enhancements in editorial, design and production values, ensuring that each issue is truly collectible. Digitally, focus will be applied to grow both digital audience and digital products. Sam White, an industry veteran with extensive experience in both media and tournaments, will continue to support growth initiatives as Editor-in-Chief.
Marlin Tournaments
The Marlin Group operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica, the Bermuda Triple Crown, the Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands, and the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. In 2024, Tournament Director Jennifer Dudas will focus on introducing further enhancements to these prestigious events while also expanding the group’s footprint in international tournaments.
Marlin Expeditions
The Marlin Group regularly hosts anglers on Marlin Expeditions across the globe, with stops in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Australia and other billfishing hotspots. In 2024, additional expeditions for both individual anglers and corporate partners will be added, providing increased access to the world’s best fishing grounds, set against a backdrop of skill development. Leading this expansion is Capt. Jen Copeland, recently appointed Director, Marlin Expeditions. Copeland is uniquely qualified for this position, given her two decades of experience as a professional sportfishing captain as well as previously serving as senior editor of Marlin magazine and lead instructor for Marlin Expeditions.
Marlin Advocacy
Marlin has a long history of advocacy for the conservation of billfish and other pelagic species. This year, The Marlin Group will become even more active in the campaign to conserve the fishery and industry, with innovative marketing programs that align corporate support with worthy educational, research and advocacy causes. Franki Krock, Marketing Director, will play a key role in developing these advocacy programs and partnerships.
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network. 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 Bonnier LLC, an outdoor-adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, motorsports and hunting.
Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Marlin
583 Striped Marlin Released in 2023 Los Cabos Billfish Tournament
October 19, 2023 – WINTER PARK, FL – The 25th-anniversary running of the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament showcased a historic striped marlin bite. Over three exhilarating days, the tournament record for billfish releases was shattered as 42 teams released a staggering total of 583 striped marlin, seven blue marlin, and three sailfish. This number nearly quadrupled the previous tournament release record of 150 in 2018.
The record-setting performance came as developing Hurricane Norma took aim at the Los Cabos region, despite permitting challenges that threatened to disrupt the scheduled kickoff of the tournament. However, thanks to an upwelling of local support in the weeks prior to kickoff, and to the resilience of the Los Cabos fishing teams, the tournament went off without a hitch and delivered an epic bite that served as a strong reminder of why the Los Cabos region remains one of the world’s premier billfish destinations.
The team fishing aboard The Daddy Rabbit, a 58-foot Viking from the Channel Islands, California, emerged victorious as the 2023 Los Cabos Billfish Tournament champions. Under the skilled leadership of owner-angler Dennis Hood and Capt. Angel Agundez Sandez, the formidable team—consisting of Adrian Covarrubias, Guillermo Gonzalez, Ezequiel Orias, and Ramon Sandez Agundez—exhibited exceptional angling prowess by releasing a remarkable total of 140 striped marlin. Their outstanding performance not only secured them the champion’s trophy and the top captain trophy, but it also earned them a substantial prize of $86,550. Additionally, their triumph came with the honor of an invitation to compete in the 2024 Offshore World Championship.
Second place went to the team fishing on Let’s Go, who released an impressive total of 130 striped marlin aboard their 42-foot Freeman. Colin Sutton, Patrick Morey, TJ Jaworsky, Troy Mathers, Capt. Alan Araiza Flores, and Capt. Alan Eduardo Araiza Castro worked the electric bite on their center-console in a steady rotation—hookup, leader, release, and the next angler is already hooked up ready for the next leader touch. Let’s Go took home the second-place trophy and a combined check for $74,430.
Home-ported in Cabo San Lucas, the team on Meshuga Fish secured third-place honors fishing aboard their 68-foot Viking. Led by Capt. Jeffrey Stolarz, the team of Steve Hilton, Scott Ward, Scott Curtis, CP Drewett, Ryan VanderKooy, Lawrence Joseph Aliseo III, and Hunter Barrett released 110 striped marlin and one blue marlin to take home the third-place trophy and a combined check for $57,120.
Gamefish kept the IGY marina weigh station busy with Bill Collector, Feeling Azul, The Magnetic, Cloud 9, Game On, Riverbottom Nightmare Band, Sauced Bosses, and Overtime all collecting payouts in the tuna, dolphin, and wahoo categories.
However, with no qualifying blue or black marlin weighed, six jackpot categories of the $754,945 purse went unclaimed and teams were refunded accordingly. Total payout this year was $290,550 for billfish-release and gamefish categories. Teams also raised more than $4,000 for the Solmar Foundation, a nonprofit organization that lends a helping hand to the members of the local Mexican community who need it most.
The awards dinner took place at the Playa Grande Resort’s beachfront terrace, where participants were treated to a full mariachi band and a four-course filet mignon and lobster dinner.
The 2023 edition of the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, owned by Los Cabos Tourism and operated by the publisher of Marlin magazine since its inception 25 years ago, proved to be a test of wills, but it was also a celebration of the enduring spirit of competitive sport fishing. The teams who competed this year kept pace with a hookup frequency previously unheard of, keeping the radio committee vigilant and the final results in question until each and every billfish release was verified by an exhausted video-review team.
This year’s running also represented a refresh of sorts, with tournament director Jen Dudas taking the reins and receiving strong local support from Charo Bulnes of Solmar Hotels and Resorts, tournament facilitator Clicerio Mercado, the Los Cabos Hotel Association, Los Cabos Tourism, and Darren Carey of IGY Marina.
With a renewal of the long-term agreement between Marlin and Los Cabos Tourism in place and permits already secured, planning is well underway for next year’s running of the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, scheduled for October 8-12, 2024. Be a part of what is sure to be the biggest fleet and payout to date by registering early at loscabostournaments.com.
About Bonnier
Bonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for offshore fishing, motorsports and hunting. Bonnier operates the world’s premier offshore fishing magazine, Marlin, and its series of big-game fishing tournaments and expeditions across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia and the Virgin Islands. In its Motorsports & Outdoor division, Bonnier operates a series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events, including the Sands Sports Super Show, Off-Road Expo and Open Season Sportsman’s Expo. Bonnier is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating conglomerate with more than 200 years in publishing.
- Published in Events
Marlin University Relaunches as Marlin Expeditions
January 12, 2023 — WINTER PARK, FL — Marlin University, which hosts a series of all-inclusive and fully curated immersive fishing trips around the world, has relaunched as Marlin Expeditions, kicking off a new era of experiences and exploration.
Since 2002, Marlin University has been taking anglers to some of the world’s top billfishing destinations. As the program heads into its 21st season, it’s announcing a new name, a new website, and an ever-expanding list of expeditions for 2023.
“We’re rebranding to showcase this franchise’s primary calling card: adventure,” said Sam White, editor-in-chief of Marlin magazine. “While we will retain the program’s concept of providing professional instruction aboard top boats in the finest destinations, our attendees tell us that what they value most is the opportunity to share adventures with like-minded anglers. Those experiences happen on the high seas and not in a classroom.”
The reboot of Marlin Expeditions is the first of several expansions of the Bonnier Expeditions franchise planned for this year.
“Given Bonnier’s portfolio, and its deep connections with passionate anglers, hunters, boaters, sailors and motorsports enthusiasts, we have come to recognize that there is a significant appetite for highly curated, peer-to-peer skill-development programs,” said David Ritchie, Bonnier CEO. “Our consumers have an insatiable desire to learn and to experience, and to do so within an environment of luxury and full-service. Those have always been Marlin University’s hallmarks, so we’re excited to use that platform as our base of a new suite of Expedition offerings.”
This year’s Marlin Expeditions calendar is filled with both past favorites and new adventures. New for 2023 are Cape Verde, where anglers will be fishing the waters off western Africa during peak Atlantic blue marlin season, and the Dominican Republic, fishing for white marlin out of Cap Cana, one of the top destinations in the Caribbean. Due to popular demand, Marlin Expeditions is offering two trips to Los Sueños Resort and Marina in Costa Rica to chase billfish aboard the famous Maverick “Fly” boats. The program is also returning to Guatemala’s Casa Vieja Lodge, including a Ladies Only trip, and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to hunt for giant black marlin. More dates and locations will be added throughout 2023.
Marlin Expeditions is part of Bonnier LLC’s outdoor media and events portfolio, which includes Marlin, Salt Water Sportsman, Boating, Yachting, Offshore World Championship, Bermuda Triple Crown, Scrub Island Invitational, Los Cabos Billfish Tournament and SFTV.
For more information about Marlin Expeditions, visit marlinexpeditions.com, and follow @marlinexpeditions on Facebook and Instagram.
About Bonnier:
Bonnier LLC is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel. Bonnier has the nation’s leading portfolio of experiential events and iconic media brands in the marine category and an extensive series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events. Bonnier publishes Salt Water Sportsman, Marlin, Sport Fishing, Boating, Yachting, Cruising World, and Sailing World; produces award-winning SFTV television programming; and hosts world-class fishing tournaments, sailing regattas, and educational events across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia, and the Virgin Islands. Bonnier is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating conglomerate with more than 200 years in publishing.
Marlin Celebrates 40th Anniversary
In April 1982, the inaugural issue of Marlin was published, dedicated to the idea of “establishing in the eyes of the world that billfishing is the greatest sport in the world today.” Four decades later, the “magazine for the billfisherman” is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Marlin was launched in the spring of 1982 by Bill McLellan and Lee Stevens. The publication aimed to be a prestigious voice within the global offshore fishing community. By any measure, it has achieved that status. Today, Marlin is part of Bonnier Corp’s extensive fishing media and event portfolio which includes Salt Water Sportsman, Sport Fishing, Offshore World, Salt Water Sportsman Seminar Series, Offshore World Championship, Bermuda Triple Crown, Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, and Scrub Island Invitational. Forty years later, Marlin continues to provide the same high-quality content that offshore fishing enthusiasts have come to expect.
While it began as a quarterly, Marlin is now published seven times per year. It also has an educational component, Marlin University, an immersive, on-the-water classroom where world-class anglers teach the most exciting and cutting-edge techniques to catch billfish.
The brand will celebrate its anniversary throughout 2022, including a feature story about the magazine’s history in the February issue.
“I’m proud to continue the legacy of this brand with such a great history as we head into 2022 and beyond,” says editor-in-chief Sam White.
The magazine is not the only notable anniversary that Marlin is commemorating. Publisher Natasha Lloyd recently celebrated her 25th year with the brand.