The much-anticipated results from the 2025 Redd Reef Offshore Open are finally in, with excitement buzzing around the tournament that took place over three exhilarating days. A total of 22 boats hit the waters, leading to a remarkable payout of $75,000 and the release of 27 billfish, including three Blue Marlin and 24 Sailfish.
The Billfish Release category stood out with stellar performances from various teams. "Competitors brought their best skills to the water, showcasing both passion and expertise in the sport," said Jess Mitchell, the tournament organizer.
Taking the top position in the Billfish Release category was Daymaker Charters, who earned an impressive 1,400 points for releasing two Blue Marlin and one Sailfish, netting a prize of $5,250. "It feels amazing to win, especially with the competition being so fierce this year," said a representative from Daymaker Charters.
Following closely in second place was Outlier, securing 1,200 points from six Sailfish releases, which earned them $3,150. Redemption finished in third place with five Sailfish releases, racking up 1,000 points for a prize of $2,100. This category demonstrated not only skill but also the thrill of fishing in challenging conditions.
The tournament also featured a Total Weight Tournament (TWT) for Billfish Release, divided into three tiers. In the first tier, Sea Scaper dominated with 800 points, earning $4,250. Their achievement was matched by Back Haul, who also garnered 800 points, securing $2,550. Pipe Layer took home $1,700 with 400 points, highlighting a competitive edge among contenders.
In the TWT divisions, Daymaker again shone by taking first place in the TWT Billfish Release (SONAR) with 1,400 points for an additional $1,200. "Utilizing sonar is a game-changer, and it’s rewarding to see our strategy pay off so well," noted a crew member from Daymaker.
Unfortunately, the Swordfish Kill Division saw no successful landings this year, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the high-seas fishing environment. However, the Dolphin TWT segment brought some exciting catches to the table. Double Down led in Tier 1 with an impressive 18.8 lbs, netting $5,950, while Holy Mackerel followed with 13.3 lbs for a prize of $2,550. "The competition was tight, and we’re thrilled with our result," said a member of the Double Down crew.
The Tuna and Wahoo TWT categories underwent some challenges, as many slots went unfilled, with Triple Net taking the top Tuna prize at 13.6 lbs for $6,000, while Maddog claimed victory in the Wahoo category with a notable 29.70 lbs, also earning $6,000. It was a tough year for contestants, but the excitement remained high.
Youth and Ladies divisions also showcased impressive talent. Harrison McAfee aboard Redemption earned first place in the Youth category by releasing three Sailfish and catching a 3.3 lb Dolphin, which secured $1,750. "Fishing with my friends and being able to catch some fish was such a great experience," McAfee shared during the awards ceremony. Matthew Mandler and Lexie Edwards performed strongly in their respective categories, emphasizing the growing participation of young fishers and female anglers.
Looking ahead, Mitchell has announced that registration for next year's event will officially open on March 1. "We can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for us as the competition continues to expand and elevate the sport," she concluded, hinting at future innovations for the tournament.
The 2025 Redd Reef Offshore Open was a resounding success, reflecting the community's passion for sport fishing and their commitment to sustainable practices. As anglers prepare for next year, the anticipation is already building for another thrilling tournament filled with camaraderie, skill, and the pursuit of winning catches.