BIG BLUES AND BIG MONEY IN BERMUDA TRIPLE CROWN

Who will take home the coveted title of champion team this summer?

- SAM WHITE

There are essentially two kinds of marlin fishermen in the world: those who have fished Bermuda's storied blue waters in the past and who look forward to returning, and those who have not yet had the opportunity. No matter which category you find yourself in, consider this your invitation to head to this welcoming island nation in July for some incredibly exciting fishing in the Bermuda Triple Crown.

How good does it get? Last year, the Bermuda Triple Crown champions on Builder's Choice released 16 blue marlin and five white marlin in just nine days of competition. A total of 42 teams fished at least one leg of the 2023 Bermuda Triple Crown series, which featured a record total payout of $1.5 million. The participating fleet caught 337 billfish in the series, including 266 blue marlin and 71 white marlin. All but eight of the blues and all of the white marlin were released, as tournament rules dictate a 500-pound minimum for boated blue marlin.

 

The Bermuda Triple Crown attracts the best of the best-the top professional crews on the water today, all seeking to determine who among them will emerge as the champion team. It's a career accolade for any pro, whether captain, owner, angler or crewman. Bermuda is also home to one of the top charter fleets in the world. These teams are well-versed not only in local knowledge but also in finding and catching big blue marlin-local teams have won several Triple Crown events plus some serious cash in previous years, so visiting anglers are always welcome to fish. Chartering can also be a great option for those who prefer not to relocate their vessel to Bermuda for the series. New for 2024 is a nonsonar optional jackpot category for any boats not equipped with omnidirectional sonar to encourage participation by all, including the local charter boats hosting local and visiting anglers.