The Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship starts on July 3rd

As we step into the second half of the year, the islands are preparing for new events, festivals, and sporting competitions. Coinciding with the July 4th holiday, Bermuda will host its Triple Crown Billfish Championship, welcoming sport fishermen from all over the world. 

The deep waters of this secluded paradise will once again become the setting for one of the most relevant big-game fishing competitions. The magic will happen from Jul 3rd to July 21st. 

A Yearly Competition North of the Caribbean

Although not geographically connected, the Bermudas and the Caribbean have many things in common. Roughly 1,000 miles north of Cuba lies this archipelago, which shares a history with the Caribbean and political ties, being an associate member of CARICOM.

Its isolated position on the North Atlantic Ocean makes it ideal for deep-water fishing, and this is why it hosts one of the world’s most prominent sportfishing events.

This July, as every year, some of the best anglers will team up to win the biggest prize: a handsome sum of one million dollars. To make things easier, they will have several jackpots to compete for. 

Competing in Different Categories

The Bermuda Billfish Blast is always celebrated around the 4th of July holiday, this year from July 3 to July 7. On July 9th, there’s the Taittinger and Tails Ladies Only Tournament, and a day later starts the Bermuda Big Game Classic, which ends on July 14th. 

This is the most prestigious blue marlin tournament worldwide, an opportunity for fishers to flaunt their massive, powerful vessels, and to show off their skills wrestling with the giants of the ocean: The Bermuda-native blue marlins can be as long as 13 feet and weigh over 1,000 pounds. 

The Triple Crown ends with the Sea Horse Anglers Club billfish tournament, celebrated from July 17 to July 21. 

What is Big-Game Fishing?

Bermuda comprises 7 main islands and several small islets, yet it lies in total isolation, approximately 640 miles from the mainland. This secluded position allows fish to grow larger, making Bermuda a world-class big-game fishing destination. For instance, in 2024, one of the Triple Crown Billfish contestants caught a 1268-pound specimen. 

This is actually the essence of big game fishing: standing up to these enormous creatures, usually billfish, tuna, and predatory fish like sharks. Like a modern Captain Ahab, each participant is set to hunt and dominate them. However, this is a friendly battle with no losers, as in most jurisdictions the specimens are protected by local legislation. 

Prizes at the Bermuda Triple Crown Encourage Release

Prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place according to each team’s score. They will earn points based on the specimen and its size.

The teams that catch the heaviest blue marlin and the largest meat fish by weight will get additional points, while the high-point anglers, top lady anglers, and top junior anglers will get specific recognition.  

To encourage sustainable fishing, the organization awards extra points to teams that quickly release fish back into the ocean, requiring video evidence.  The footage must clearly show how the line is cut, the hook is removed, and a clear shot of the fish swimming back to freedom. 

This demonstrates how the Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship is deeply committed to conservation and sustainability. Protecting these large specimens helps preserve the ecosystem as they lay many eggs. 

This July, fishing enthusiasts will come back to the lovely Bermuda to practice their favorite sport. Even though the archipelago’s stunning volcanic rock scenery and distinctive pink beaches will not be the main reason for their trip, they will surely be a great perk. One thousand miles north of the Caribbean, a new encounter between men and nature will occur, based on respect, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.