BEACH HAVEN, N.J. — August 16, 2026 — The 57th Annual Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational, held August 10–15, 2026, came to a successful close Saturday after a memorable week of offshore fishing, near-perfect weather and record-setting results.
The tournament awarded a record $700,175 purse, the largest in the history of the Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational. The record purse was part of a week that produced a new tournament yellowfin tuna record, a new longfin tuna record, two qualifying white marlin and the largest single payout ever awarded in tournament history.
MJ’s captured the title of Overall Grand Champion, finishing the tournament with 1,925 billfish points. El Bendido finished second with 1,575 points, followed by Taylor Jean with 1,300, J+T with 1,250 and Kaarmaa with 1,125.
The tournament’s largest payout went to Shark Byte, which collected $166,590 — the largest single payout in the history of the White Marlin Invitational. The remaining top money winners were Disciplined, $101,194; MJ’s, $89,600; Crisdel, $59,472.50; and No Brakes, $42,476.
Record-Setting Fishing
The fishing produced several significant tournament records.
Team O.H.M. established a new tournament record with a 153-pound yellowfin tuna, while Jersey Nutz set a new longfin tuna record with a 64.3-pound fish.
The tournament also produced a rare and particularly memorable white marlin milestone. Two qualifying white marlin were caught during this year’s event — the first two qualifying white marlin caught in nine years. Even more remarkable, the two fish were caught just three days apart, first on El Bendido on Tuesday, then on Shark Bite, landing the tournament winner on Friday.
“We had a great week, and the weather was perfect,” said Dave Wittenborn, Tournament Chairman. “We had two qualifying white marlin this year, the first two qualifying white marlin we’ve had in nine years. To have them caught just two days apart is pretty special. It made for an exciting week and something that everyone involved with the tournament will remember for a long time.”
Top Anglers Recognized
The tournament also recognized outstanding individual anglers.
Gabrielle Alves, fishing aboard Kaarmaa, was named Top Lady Angler and Top IGFA Angler.
Gerald Barrett Jr., fishing aboard Harvester, was named Top Junior Angler for the fourth consecutive year. Barrett has now won the prestigious junior award every year for the past four years, making this year’s accomplishment an especially meaningful one.
“Winning it four years in a row is pretty special, and it’s been great watching Gerald grow as an angler,” said Wittenborn. “He’s been a tremendous competitor and a great representative of the next generation of offshore fishermen. We’re going to miss having him in the junior division, but we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do competing against the adults next year.”
A Tournament That Continues to Grow
For Wittenborn and the Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club, the record purse represents the continued growth of the tournament and its connection to the Beach Haven community.
“We’ve worked hard over the years to build this tournament and make it something special for the anglers, the town and everyone who comes down to watch,” said Wittenborn. “Seeing the purse grow to a record $700,175 is something we’re extremely proud of. The support from our sponsors, our anglers, our volunteers and the Beach Haven community has been incredible.”
Dock Road Marlin Fest Weigh-Ins Bring Tournament to the Community
The tournament’s public weigh-ins once again brought the excitement of offshore fishing directly into the heart of Beach Haven. Anglers, spectators, local businesses and visitors gathered at the Dock Road parking area throughout the tournament to watch the day’s catches come to the scales.
Wittenborn expressed his appreciation to the Town of Beach Haven for allowing the tournament to use the Dock Road parking area for its public weigh-ins.
“We are very grateful to the Town of Beach Haven for allowing us to use the Dock Road parking area for our public weigh-ins,” said Wittenborn. “It is arguably the best location anywhere on the coast to hold a big game fishing tournament. The deep-water location is perfect for spectator viewing. People can get right up close to the boats, the fish and the crews, and experience the excitement of big game fishing firsthand.”
The Dock Road weigh-ins have become one of the signature features of the Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational, giving spectators an opportunity to see some of the region’s best offshore fishing teams and the fish they bring home. The event also provides an important boost to local businesses as anglers, families and visitors fill the area throughout tournament week.
“A big part of what makes this tournament special is bringing the fishing back to the community,” Wittenborn said. “The support we receive from the Town of Beach Haven and the community is a huge part of why this event continues to grow.”
The 57th Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational continues a tradition that has made the event one of the premier offshore fishing tournaments on the East Coast. The combination of competitive billfish fishing, substantial prize money, community involvement and the Dock Road weigh-in has helped make the tournament an annual highlight of the summer on Long Beach Island.
The Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club extends its appreciation to all of the participating teams, sponsors, volunteers, tournament staff and the Beach Haven community for making the 57th White Marlin Invitational a tremendous success.
“We couldn’t put on an event like this without the incredible support we receive,” Wittenborn said. “Our anglers, sponsors, volunteers and the people of Beach Haven all play a part in making this tournament what it is. We’re already looking forward to next year.”
Media Contact: Dave Wittenborn, Tournament Chairman, Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club (609) 577-2797
