The 2025 BD Outdoors Yellowtail Shootout, held on June 21, marked its 18th consecutive year, attracting fishermen from across Southern California eager to land the biggest yellowtail off San Diego’s coast. Despite the tournament's early morning start and less-than-ideal weather, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation as teams set sail in search of prize catches.
"We want to thank all of our teams for enduring the wind and putting together some great bags of fish," said the tournament organizers. Participants faced bouts of challenging conditions, yet competition remained fierce throughout the day, with anglers returning to the weigh stations amid the excitement of their potential catches.
Though the fishing bite wasn’t wide open, anglers reported spotting numerous fish. The highlight of the day came when the largest yellowtail was weighed in, tipping the scales at an impressive 36.6 pounds. The thrill of competition resonated among all participants as 63 boats and 218 anglers competed for the coveted trophy.
"We were ecstatic with the excitement and enthusiasm from all of our competitors throughout this past weekend," the organizers noted. The communal spirit among the anglers was palpable, further amplified by the generous support from sponsors who contributed to the awards ceremony. The tournament showcased a range of prizes, adding to the allure of the competition and culminating in a celebratory atmosphere.
The results for the top three teams were nothing short of remarkable, showcasing both skill and teamwork.
In first place, Team 52 – Elle J, with a bag weight of 94.0 pounds, claimed victory and collected a total of $16,070 in cash and prizes. "Winning this tournament means everything to us! The competition was tough, and we put in a lot of hard work right up to the final catch," said a member of the winning team. Their haul included Costa sunglasses, a Rainshadow rod made by M&M Custom Rods, and several other high-value fishing gear items.
Second place, Team 3 – FORK N TAIL, brought in a bag weight of 48.7 pounds, securing $1,575 and a variety of gear. "We are proud of our finish and really enjoyed the tournament experience," a team member commented. Their win also included prizes like a Dexter Dextreme 3-Knife Fillet Kit and YETI products, highlighting the tournament's emphasis on rewarding participation along with catch success.
Lastly, Team 30 – Reel Deal enrolled in the competition and scored third place with a bag weight of 48.0 pounds, earning $630. Team members expressed their appreciation for the event, stating, "Events like this foster camaraderie and allow us to connect with fellow fishing enthusiasts."
All teams showcased exceptional spirit and skill despite the challenges posed by nature, making the 2025 BD Outdoors Yellowtail Shootout a memorable event in the fishing calendar. The camaraderie present during this competition makes it evident that the bond of the fishing community remains strong.
As the dust settles on this year’s tournament, organizers have already expressed enthusiasm about the next edition, promising even more thrilling competition and exciting catches. "We can’t wait to run it back next year!" the team concluded, hinting at possibilities that await aspiring anglers looking to claim their spot on the podium in 2026.