An astounding 118 billfish were released when the lucrative 2025 Scrub Island Billfish Series, produced by the Marlin group, was held from September 4-12, 2025, validating the legendary North Drop status. Photo: Scrub Island Billfish Series/Facebook

The 2025 Scrub Island Billfish Series, which received sponsorship from the Government of the Virgin Islands, welcomed 27 boats and awarded a total cash purse of $526,500. Right is Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). Photo: Facebook

With 8000 points + 16 Blue Marlin Releases, Team Harvey finished first at the 2025 Scrub Island Billfish Series and took home $65,925. Photo: Facebook

Salty Fare, skippered by Weston Caviness, won Leg 2 at the 2025 Scrub Island Billfish Series. Photo: Scrub Island Resort/Facebook

The 2025 tournament, which received sponsorship from the Government of the Virgin Islands, welcomed 27 boats and awarded a total cash purse of $526,500.

The fleet released 53 billfish during the first leg, followed by an even more impressive second leg with 65 billfish releases. During the six full days of tournament fishing, a total of 114 blue marlin, two sailfish, and two white marlin were released. This year’s winners are as follows:

 Leg I (Sept. 4-8, 2025)

First Place: Team Harvey / Captains Eric Soderholm & JJ Brumble

Second Place: LUNÁTICO / Captain Corey Gillespie

Third Place: Sodium / Captain Travis Butters

Leg II (Sept. 8-12, 2025)             

First Place: Salty Fare / Capt. Weston Caviness

Second Place: Team Harvey / Captains Eric Soderholm & JJ    Brumble

Third Place: Sodium / Captain Travis Butters

With 8000 points + 16 Blue Marlin Releases, Team Harvey finished first and took home $65,925!!! (1st Place Series, 2nd Place Leg 2, 2nd Place Leg 2 Overall Release Pts. Jackpot, 1st Place Leg 1)

Top Angler Leg I & II     

Shane Guidry (Team Harvey)

‘Experience extends beyond the fishing itself’

“This tournament brings together some of the best anglers in the world, and we’re proud that their experience extends beyond the fishing itself,” said Sandra Grisham-Clothier, General Manager of Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, in a press release.

“Scrub Island provides the marina, the views, and the hospitality that make the Billfish Series as memorable on land as it is at sea,” Grisham-Clothier stated.

During the tournament, anglers and their families enjoyed the resort’s top-tier amenities, including Ixora Spa, world-class restaurants, two private beaches, a four-tiered pool with waterfalls, a 55-slip marina and more.

Scrub Island’s Marina is the closest marina to the North Drop, and was the departure point for most of the water-oriented activities, allowing visitors to explore the breathtaking sea life and neighboring islands.

The 2026 Scrub Island Billfish Series is set for August 24-28, 2026 (Leg I) and August 28-September 1, 2026 (Leg II).