Article Courtesy: marlinmag.com | Originally Published: 8/26/2025 | By: Jack Vitek | Please Click Here for Original Article.
Teams battle through rough weather for incredible fishing and a chance at the $3.2 million payout
Above: The 34th Annual MidAtlantic saw 768 white marlin caught—761 released—marking one of the most prolific bites in tournament history and a total purse exceeding $3.2 million. Credit MidAtlantic Tournament
The 34th Annual MidAtlantic once again delivered on its reputation as one of the sport’s premier billfishing events, awarding more than $3.2 million and producing one of the most prolific white marlin bites in tournament history. Despite weather interruptions from Hurricane Erin, the 114-boat fleet still managed to tally 768 white marlin—761 released—marking the second-highest count in the event’s 34-year history with an impressive 99% release rate.
The Blue Marlin Division was headlined by Reel Toy, as Danny Jones’ Joppa, Maryland–based team brought an 804-pounder to the dock on Day Three to secure the heaviest blue marlin title and a $706,219 payday. BAR South, with angler Rob Gothier, followed with a 617-pound blue marlin that earned second place and $301,962. With no qualifying third-place fish, the unclaimed prize money was split between the two top teams based on calcutta participation.
Above: Jamie Diller’s Canyon Lady claimed the Heaviest White Marlin with a 75-pounder, securing a top prize of $875,363 and the division crown. Credit MidAtlantic Tournament
The White Marlin Division was equally lucrative. Canyon Lady, led by Jamie Diller, held firm with a 75-pounder caught on Day Three, good for $875,363. Jimmy Hahn’s Tail Chaser finished second with a 71-pounder caught on Day One, worth $394,144. With no qualifying third-place fish, the unclaimed prize money was split between the top two teams.
Day Six also reshuffled the Tuna Division as Joseph Posillico’s Torta weighed a 185-pound bigeye to take first place and $329,751. Veteran captain Michael Yocco’s MJ’s weighed a 173-pound bigeye for second and $101,683, while Nick Neary’s Lit Up took third with a 103-pounder for $135,148.
In the wahoo category, Scott Abeel’s Luna Sea never relinquished the lead, taking the division with a 94-pounder for $37,835. On the dolphin side, Charley Pereira’s Sushi won top honors with a 35-pound fish, earning $32,913.
Beyond the scales, the record-breaking pace on the white marlin grounds was headline-worthy. Dave Anderson’s Krazy Salts shattered the tournament record for Most Points Overall with 2,550, built from 32 white marlin and one blue marlin, eclipsing marks set as recently as 2023.
With over $3.2 million awarded across multiple categories, the 2025 MidAtlantic cemented its place as one of the premier big-game tournaments in the world.
