The Montego Bay International Marlin Tournament returns in late September 2025 for its 60th anniversary season, hosted by the Montego Bay Yacht Club with a week of blue‑water action, dockside camaraderie, and family‑friendly events that culminate in awards and a coveted berth at the global Offshore World Championship the following spring. A regional tournament calendar lists the 60th Annual International Marlin Tournament for September 20–25, 2025, while the tournament’s official social feed spotlights late‑September activity and a Wednesday, September 24, 2025, marlin “alarm of reels” teaser that aligns with the traditional fishing window at the peak of Jamaica’s blue marlin run. The club’s tournament program is a long‑standing qualifier for the Costa Offshore World Championship, which confirmed the 2024 MBYC champions among the OWC invites, a tradition that continues for 2025 winners toward April’s world finals in Costa Rica.
Dates, host, and where to be
- Dates: A Caribbean events digest lists “60th Annual International Marlin Tournament” for September 20–25, 2025, matching the late‑September pattern and social updates calling teams to be on station midweek (including Wed Sept 24) during prime fishing days.
- Host: Montego Bay Yacht Club (MBYC), Montego Freeport, with tournament logistics, skipper meetings, and weigh‑in or release scoring coordinated from the clubhouse and fuel dock.
- Why late September: Jamaica’s blue marlin bite peaks from August through October along the Cayman Trench. Destination fishing guides note Montego Bay “gets its turn in September,” which is why MBYC anchors its marlin week then, catching multiple shots per day when conditions line up.
Format, rules, and conservation
MBYC pioneered a conservation‑minded format in Jamaica’s tournament scene over the last decade, rewarding tag‑and‑release and reserving harvest for marlin over a minimum weight threshold (historically 300 pounds) to protect the fishery. A landmark 2019 briefing introduced cash prizes while reaffirming release‑first rules, and the event has remained a high‑profile, release‑centric qualifier since then. Release points typically decide champions unless a qualifying boated fish exceeds the minimum; the winning team earns an Offshore World Championship invitation, as noted in OWC’s 2024 qualifying write‑up.
What a tournament week looks like
While the 2025 notice to anglers and daily schedule post closer to the date, MBYC’s traditional structure follows a familiar rhythm:
- Registration day: Team check‑in, captain’s briefing, and welcome cocktail at the Yacht Club.
- Three main fishing days: Lines in just after sunrise, lines out mid‑afternoon, with radio roll‑calls for hookups and releases; dockside gatherings follow for stories and score updates.
- Lay day or weather day: Flex time for maintenance or family activities.
- Awards: A Saturday or final‑night ceremony recognizing top boat, top angler, top release team, and junior or lady angler categories, plus special species awards.
- This cadence aligns with previous MBYC tournament coverage and Jamaica press features that have documented captain’s meetings, three fishing days, prize‑giving, and a kids’ tournament add‑on in some years.
Species and bite window
- Target: Blue marlin are the stars, with white marlin and sailfish possible by‑catch; mahi‑mahi and tuna often appear on meat‑fish leaderboards.
- Seasonality: Montego Bay’s offshore action improves June through November, with blue marlin best from August to October and the most consistent shot counts in September and early October, according to angler guides.
- Tactics: Trolled lures and ballyhoo spreads cover the drop‑off toward the Cayman Trench; tag sticks and cameras are standard kit on release boats to validate catches for scoring.
The scene on shore
MBYC’s marina and clubhouse become a hub for anglers, families, sponsors, and curious onlookers. The club grounds in Montego Freeport provide fuel, slips, and late‑day socials. With Montego Bay’s resorts nearby, teams often pair tournament days with family time, while sponsors activate tastings and displays dockside. The vibe blends serious competition with the island’s signature hospitality, and the awards night typically draws a large, celebratory crowd.
Why anglers aim for MBYC
- OWC pathway: The winner’s invitation to the global Offshore World Championship is a major lure. OWC’s 2024 note confirms MBYC’s champions on the invite list for April 2025, underscoring stakes for the 2025 field as well.
- Consistent bite: The September slot aligns with Montego Bay’s peak marlin activity, translating to multiple shots on good days and electric radio chatter during flurries.
- Conservation leadership: MBYC helped move Jamaica’s tournaments to modern release standards, increasing prestige and aligning with international norms.
Travel planning for teams and guests
- Getting there: Fly into Sangster International Airport (MBJ), then a short drive to Montego Freeport and the Yacht Club.
- Where to stay: Montego Bay’s north‑coast resorts and Rose Hall properties are within easy reach of the marina; many teams book rooms with family amenities to balance long fishing days.
- Charter options: Private and local charters service the tournament; verify tackle readiness, teaser setups, tag kits, and release documentation protocols in advance.
- Weather and seas: Late September can bring afternoon squalls. Prepare for squally trades and a healthy swell along the trench edge; safety and comms checks at the captain’s meeting are mandatory.
Spectator and family tips
- Best times to visit the dock: Late afternoon on fishing days when boats return, tag flags fly, and teams trade stories; MBYC’s public areas let guests soak up the atmosphere respectfully.
- What to bring: Sun protection, camera gear, and respect for working docks; observe all safety perimeters when teams are docking and off‑loading.
- Day trips: Pair tournament time with Montego Bay activities — snorkeling, Rose Hall Great House tours, rafting on the Martha Brae — so the non‑anglers have their own highlights.
2025 watchlist and updates
- Dates and dailies: The “60th Annual” listing of September 20–25 is the current external anchor, with MBYC’s social channels teasing Wednesday, Sept 24, 2025, as an on‑water highlight within the mid‑week bite.
- Scoring app and comms: MBYC has posted prior tournament results and schedules on its website; expect a 2025 rules packet with any electronic verification or app‑based scoring notes published in the run‑up.
- Press and coverage: Jamaica press outlets typically cover kick‑off and awards; OWC will note the winning team among 2026 qualifiers in its year‑end roll‑up, as it did for 2024 champions.
Verified details at a glance
- Event: Montego Bay Yacht Club International Marlin Tournament (60th Annual).
- Expected dates: Sept 20–25, 2025, with MBYC social post highlighting Wed, Sept 24 within the fishing window.
- Host/venue: Montego Bay Yacht Club, Montego Freeport, Jamaica.
- Season context: Montego Bay’s marlin run peaks Aug–Oct; September is prime.
- Conservation: Release‑first rules; boated fish must exceed a minimum weight threshold, historically 300 lb; cash prizes were introduced in 2019 while retaining release focus.
- Championship path: Winners receive an Offshore World Championship invitation (e.g., 2024 MBYC winners were listed among OWC invites).
Set the spread for late September and make Montego Bay the big‑game goal for 2025. Lock in slips and rooms near MBYC, prep release documentation and tag kits, and be ready when the trench lights up. For families and fans, build a week around dockside returns and island days — and plan to toast the champions on awards night as Jamaica’s marlin tradition celebrates 60 seasons on the blue.