Ocean City’s Talbot Street Pier came alive July 24–26 for the 13th Annual Huk Big Fish Classic, bringing together offshore anglers, fishing fans and the local community for another unforgettable weekend.
Despite less-than-favorable offshore conditions, 54 boats took on the challenge, competing for the tournament’s biggest fish and a share of $695,104 in total payouts. This year also marked Huk’s 12th year as the tournament’s title sponsor—a partnership built around a shared love of competition, community and offshore fishing.
The Catches That Cashed In
MJ’s claimed the 2026 Huk Big Fish Classic title with a 187-pound bigeye tuna, the heaviest fish of the weekend. The catch earned the team payouts across multiple divisions for a tournament-leading total of $256,681.
Godzilla also delivered a standout performance, weighing a 72-pound white marlin and taking home $115,740. Other top-earning teams included El Jefe with $53,880, Little Limits with $53,123 and Instigator with $38,475.
Huk-sponsored boats Restless Lady and Restless Lady II also landed on the money board. The teams tied for second place in the dolphin division with matching 23-pound fish, earning $3,229 each.
For the full list of payouts, visit: https://www.bigfishclassic.com/
A Historic Win for Women’s Offshore Fishing
This year introduced the tournament’s first Ladies Marlin Release Division, creating a dedicated opportunity to recognize the women making an impact in offshore fishing.
Karissa Moss made tournament history aboard High Yield, winning the inaugural division with the release of a white marlin. High Yield earned $1,800 for the achievement.
“The Huk Big Fish Classic represents everything we love about this sport: great competition, strong community, and a deep respect for the traditions that have shaped offshore fishing,” said Bryan Johnston, CEO of Huk. “We’re especially proud to support the launch of the Ladies Marlin Release Division, creating another opportunity to celebrate the talented women who continue to make an impact in our sport while honoring Ocean City’s remarkable billfishing heritage.”
Tournament Director and co-founder Brian Roberts said the new division was a natural extension of the event’s founding mission.
“When we created the Huk Big Fish Classic, we wanted to build more than a tournament. We wanted to celebrate the incredible history of Talbot Street Pier and the people who made Ocean City the White Marlin Capital of the World,” Roberts said. “Women have played an important role in this fishery for generations, and we’re excited to provide a dedicated stage for today’s female anglers to compete, inspire others, and make history of their own.”
A Big Weekend for the Next Generation
The future of offshore fishing was also on full display. Thirteen-year-old Colt Duffie was named the 2026 Top Junior Angler after catching a blue marlin and two white marlin aboard Billfisher.
Colt’s performance earned him a $250 Huk gift card, while Billfisher finished second in the tournament’s marlin release levels with a team total of two blue marlin and seven white marlin.
More Than a Weigh-In
The action extended well beyond the scales throughout the weekend. Fans packed the Big Fish Village to watch the catches come in, connect with the fishing community and take part in the festivities.
At the Huk tent, fans lined up for a chance to spin the prize wheel and walk away with free Huk hats and swag. From celebrating the teams at the scales to outfitting the next generation of anglers, it was a weekend centered around the people who make the offshore fishing community what it is.
The tournament also continued its tradition of giving back to Ocean City. Following the weigh-ins, donated fish were cleaned and provided to Diakonia, which supports individuals and families throughout Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore with food assistance, shelter and other critical resources. This year, 300 pounds of tuna were donated to help feed members of the local community.
Until Next Year
Thirteen years in, the Huk Big Fish Classic continues to deliver the big catches and fierce competition its name promises. More importantly, it brings anglers and fans together while honoring Ocean City’s offshore fishing traditions, supporting the local community and creating new opportunities for the sport’s future.
Congratulations to MJ’s, Karissa Moss, Colt Duffie, our Huk-sponsored Restless Lady teams and every angler who competed this year. We’re already looking forward to seeing what comes over the rail in 2027.
Visit the Huk Big Fish Classic to follow tournament updates and register for the 14th Annual tournament on Talbot Street Pier. When it’s time to get back on the water, gear up with Huk.
