TBF Celebrates Another Incredible Year at the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament and MidAtlantic Tournament
The Billfish Foundation (TBF) was honored once again to be part of the 2025 Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament in Manteo, North Carolina, and the 2025 MidAtlantic Tournament, held at both the Canyon Club Marina in Cape May, New Jersey, and Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland. These two premier events continue to provide TBF with valuable opportunities to connect with the billfishing community, share our mission, and advance awareness for billfish conservation.
At both tournaments, the TBF booths drew strong support from anglers, families, and supporters. Visitors participated in raffles, merchandise sales, and conservation conversations, all in support of our global conservation programs. The raffles were once again a highlight, thanks to our generous sponsors, which included YETI, Garmin, Pelagic, and Costa.
Starting with the newly managed Pirate’s Cove Tournament, we could not have been more impressed with the turnout for this tournament. Thanks to the leadership of Tournament Director Maddy Hazlett Rivers, Lisa Howell (Assistant Director), Ryan McKenzie (Chairman), and the entire team over there at Pirate’s Cove Marina, record numbers of anglers and fish were produced between the Alice Kelly and Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournaments. In addition to the incredibly generous donation of $25,000 to our foundation, TBF would like to thank everyone involved with this tournament for their longstanding support. Overall, the tournament achieved remarkable conservation results, with the vast majority of billfish released—underscoring the community’s deep commitment to sustaining the resource for generations to come.
Next up, The MidAtlantic Tournament, which continues to be such a valuable partnership with TBF. Through their long-term billfish data collection, scientific collaborations with TBF, and steadfast commitment to conservation, the MidAtlantic Tournament—led by President Rick Weber —continues to set the standard for responsible fisheries management and billfish conservation. Although Hurricane Erin brought its challenges to both locations, the dedication of the anglers and captains was undeniable as they continued to fish, gather under the tent each night, and show strong support for both the tournament and TBF. TBF staff had the privilege of engaging with anglers and supporters at both locations and we could not be more grateful to the community, tournament, and everyone who makes it possible each year. A special thank you to Costa Sunglasses, YETI, Garmin, Pelagic, Boat Outfitters, and Casa Vieja Lodge for their continued support. Without their generation donations, we simply would not be able to continue supporting billfish conservation!
TBF would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited our booths, entered raffles, or purchased merchandise during these tournaments. Your support directly contributes to protecting billfish and associated species worldwide while also ensuring the future of sportfishing traditions.
We are grateful for the continued partnership with both the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament and the MidAtlantic Tournament and look forward to building on this momentum as we advance our mission in 2026 and beyond.
