There’s something magical about fishing off the Kona coast—the world’s ultimate playground for chasing blue marlin. And in 2025, that magic came full circle for our team at Tantrum Sportfishing, as we clinched the title of Hawai’i Marlin Tournament Series Champions.
We couldn’t be prouder of this crew: Capt—Nick Durham, Co-Captain/Crew – Lee Findley, 2nd Crew – Nick Watson, and Angler – Jeff Stafford. Together, they proved that success on the water is built on more than just skill—it’s built on trust, loyalty, respect, and faith in one another. The rest? Just fine details.
715 lb Blue Marlin
Competing Against Kona’s Finest
Ask anyone who’s experienced sportfishing in Kona and they’ll tell you: this fleet is stacked with world-class talent. Going up against such competition is daunting, but with this crew, anything is possible.
This season, we lived by the motto that in fishing, “everyone gets a turn.” And this year, it felt like it was ours.
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3 tournament wins out of 8 total
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7 top-three finishes
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715-lb Blue Marlin in the Kona Throwdown—heaviest of the entire series
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Pacific Cup Champions (a 50-lb tackle-only tournament)
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Total Points: 5,628.5 (a staggering 2,228.5 points ahead of 2nd place)
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Total Winnings: $879,810
For anyone who loves the challenge of blue marlin fishing in Kona, these results speak volumes about the caliber of the fishery and the team effort behind every strike, hookup, and release.
one of two big blue marlin
More Than Just Wins
For us, winning this series ranked high on our list of goals since Tantrum’s inception. To accomplish it using TANTRUM Lures and TTS hooks and skirts made it even sweeter—it was proof of both the gear and the grind.
But the glory doesn’t just belong to the anglers and crew. Our extended tournament family—boat owners Mike and Jodi, WAGs (wives and girlfriends), the tradesmen who keep our boats running, and the friends who cheer us on—deserve just as much credit. Without them, victories like this aren’t possible.
Honoring the Organizers
The Hawai’i Marlin Tournament Series has grown into the premier proving ground for big-game fishing in Hawaii, and that’s thanks to the dedication of so many behind the scenes.
Huge thanks to the Marlin team—Dave, Lacey, Laura, Robbie, Bradley, and everyone else—for continuing to elevate the series while honoring the foundation laid by Jody Bright. Their hard work ensures Kona remains the beating heart of tournament marlin fishing worldwide.
Why Kona is the Capital of Sportfishing
Kona isn’t just another fishing destination. Its calm waters, deep drop-offs close to shore, and year-round presence of billfish make it the Blue Marlin Capital of the World.
For anglers chasing the dream of a once-in-a-lifetime catch—whether it’s a 700-lb blue marlin in the Throwdown or a record-breaking grander—the Kona coast is unmatched. Our 2025 tournament season was living proof.
Looking Ahead
Winning the 2025 Hawai’i Marlin Tournament Series has been surreal, humbling, and unforgettable. However, in fishing, as in life, every season presents new challenges and opportunities. We’ll be back on the water, chasing the next strike, ready for the next turn.
Because in Kona, every trip offshore carries the promise of history in the making.
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