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Welcome! Twenty-three years... That seems both completely impossible and, somehow, about right. Long enough that the kids who once ran wild under this tent are now grown, some with children of their own. Long enough that boats, crews and hat styles have changed, and a few stories have bigger fish than last time. Long enough to know that sometime in August something will go sideways—and we’ll figure it out. We always do. When we started this, none of us knew exactly where it would go. We loved offshore fishing and knew Rudee deserved a tournament that could stand with the best on the East Coast—great competition, a great party and the chance to give something back. And here we are. A full Inlet. Flags flying. Old friends walking the Hall of Fame. New friends becoming old ones fast. Stories told, something cold in your hand and—fish gods willing—a whole lot of hollering in the cockpit. There is still nothing quite like tournament week—after all this time, it’s still a thrill. Paula and I are truly stoked to get here, even if by this point in the summer we occasionally communicate in incomplete sentences, endless lists and threats to run away. Thank goodness we have Maggie in the mix to talk us off the ledge—a talent among many others. And somehow, here we go again. Exactly one year ago today as I write this, we lost our buddy Andy Morris. Andy was part of the VBBT fabric and offshore community. Earle Hall and Charlie Barker—two men who knew him especially well—helped spearhead an idea we are finally bringing to life: The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament Andy Morris Legends Award. It begins with Andy, but it is not simply a memorial award. There are legends whose stories we tell after they are gone, and legends still walking these docks, fishing these waters, sitting beside us at the bar and arguing about how many dredges you really need. We want to celebrate both and we hope you will join us as we honor Andy and begin the Legends story. And so from endings always come new beginnings, and the excitement that always brings us into our future—and nothing embodies that as well as our scholarship. The Woodington Scholarship also begins a new chapter this year, with a renewed focus on trade education and an ambitious effort to grow the fund. Charlie has helped introduce that mission to a new circle of supporters, and we are thrilled to welcome them on board—thank you all. Fishing tournaments can be wonderfully frivolous—we chase fish around the ocean and argue about how big they really were—but the good that emerges from the VBBT is very real: scholarships, medical care, opportunities for young people and stronger organizations. That part matters. And none of it happens without sponsors. To Towne Insurance and TowneBank, our Presenting Sponsors, and every business and individual behind this tournament: thank you. You make the tent, parties and prizes possible—but more importantly, you make the giving possible. The same goes for the people who make this whole production work. Mike, Kelly, Alex and the Mission BBQ crew are preparing their particular brand of food-and-beverage sorcery. Our bands are ready. The tent is going up. Somebody will need something nobody knew we needed until it happens. And someone will handle it. They always do. Our Board, volunteers, vendors, Julia, dock crews, weigh station team, photographers, hospitality crew and countless others are the machinery behind the magic. The bite has been lighting up to our south, which means mates are rigging baits, rumors are traveling faster than boats, and somebody is certain they know where the fish will be Thursday. May they be right. Whether you’ve fished every one or this is your first trip through the door, welcome. Fish hard. Laugh deeply. Make a new friend. Find an old one. Thank a sponsor. Thank a volunteer. Dance to the band. Eat too much. Stay for one more song. 2026 V I R G I N I A B E A C H B I L L F I S H T O U R N A M E N T 6
And maybe pay a little more attention than usual to the people around you. Tournaments may be measured in boats, fish and prize money, but people make the memories. So here’s to good fishing, fierce competition, loud music, generous hearts, old stories, new legends and whatever adventure this year’s VBBT decides to hand us. We’re awfully glad you’re here. And so, to every volunteer, captain, mate, angler, owner, sponsor and vendor who said “Yes,” offered a hand or a kind word—bless you and thank you. We really mean it. Paula & Deirdre T O U R N A M E N T D I R E C T O R Paula Davis M A R K E T I N G D I R E C T O R Deirdre Bell Loftin M A S T E R O F C E R E M O N I E S Bruce Rader W E I G H M A S T E R S Randy Gregory George Lott P H O T O G R A P H E R S Cameron Rhodes John Wright C O V E R P H O T O Cameron Rhodes G R A P H I C D E S I G N STEALTH MARKETING I N F O R M A T I O N M A N A G E M E N T Tournament Control M O B I L E L I V E S C O R I N G Reel Time Apps L I V E F O O T A G E pointclickfish.com WHAT ’ S INS IDE 8 MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS 12 2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 14 GROWING THE WOODY WOODINGTON SCHOLARSHIP FUND 16 CHARIT Y UPDATES 19 INTRODUCING THE ANDY MORRIS LEGENDS AWARD 28 TOURNAMENT RULES 48 2025 RECAP & WINNERS 52 F. WAYNE MCLESKEY TOP BOAT 54 WEBBY TOP MATE AWARD 64 2025 SNAPSHOTS 92 VBBT TOURNAMENT HISTORY P R E S E N T E D B Y T O W N E I N S U R A N C E & T O W N E B A N K 7
Mike Atkinson As the owner of some of Virginia Beach’s most popular restaurants, Mike manifests his passion for fishing and good food through the VBBT’s reputation as the best tournament hospitality to be found. Charles Barker With over 40 years of award-winning business performance, and an unwavering commitment to good citizenship, Charles has been a driving force for the VBBT’s success since its inception, and at the heart of our mission to give back to the community. Jim Bayne An avid angler, known to seek big game in locations far and wide, and participate in some of the sportfish world’s most respected tournaments, Jimmy has been integral in the VBBT being on a wait list since our early years. Jud Black In the boating biz since he was a teenager, Jud brings a wealth of industry experience to the VBBT board along with his passion for fishing, which has been essential to our notoriety as an incredibly fun and professionally run tournament. Dan Clarkson Inspired to fish with both friends and family, Dan brings a passion for our sport and a commitment to keeping the stoke alive for the next generation, along with exceptional business acumen and a strong network of industry relationships. Ryan Cool Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Ryan is an avid angler and outdoorsman. He has been a partner and supporter since day one when he ran our first ever seminar on circle hooks with Dr. John Graves of VIMS. Dennis Deans With a fully entrenched background in accounting, Dennis helps ensure the VBBT stays a well-oiled machine churning out great fun and big checks to our winners and charitable organizations. Earle Hall With a passion for fast boats, fish and cars since he could pursue each of them, Earle drives our crew to deliver the feeling of a winner’s circle finish for all participants and partners. Kelsea Hall Born into a fishing family, Kelsea has parlayed her love for the sport and a savvy business DNA into helping to grow the VBBT’s sponsor support and energy while managing the voice of the VBBT on social media. 2026 BOARD OF D IRECTORS 2026 V I R G I N I A B E A C H B I L L F I S H T O U R N A M E N T 8
Robert M. Stanton 1 9 3 8 - 2 0 2 2 In Memoriam F O U N D I N G B O A R D M E M B E R S Wayne C. Sawyer 1 9 4 3 - 2 0 2 1 The VBBT Board of Directors all share two passions—our sport and our charities. Each has spent their share of time on the water and all give more than you can imagine. They come from a variety of industries, but all bring a powerful set of talents to the direction of the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament. Every year they focus on how to do this better, how to show everyone a good time and how to maximize our chances to do good for our community. They are more interested in taking care of people than they are in accolades, and we hope you experience that here this week. Though they might rather hear you tell them what you think about the VBBT, both your ideas and your criticism, we hope you will join us in thanking them. We’re grateful for all they do, thank you all! 2026 BOARD OF D IRECTORS Chris Perry Even though the VBBT has passed the 20 year mark, we’re still young enough to need the invaluable guidance Chris shares with us from his career in business management and his expertise garnered from a world-wide tournament fishing career. Doug Russell An avid outdoorsman and supporter of our local community, Doug brings a wealth of relationship-building expertise and business leadership that helps enhance the VBBT tournament experience while expanding our charitable impact. Mike Standing Born and raised in Virginia Beach but with experience fishing all over the world, Mike is a business owner that brings many terrific entrepreneurial perspectives back to his hometown tournament. Brad Wachowiak As the co-owner of one of Virginia Beach’s oldest and largest fishing and hunting shops, Brad’s connection to the tackle industry, along with his personal passion for all things big game, helps keep the VBBT supported by the finest brands on the water. Bobby Whelan Another of our board members who spends most of their free time fishing around the world, Bobby brings the best practices he enjoys at other events to make sure the VBBT stays at the top of the game. Maggie Whittemore One of the most organized people we know, thanks to managing a significant fleet of resident and transient boats at one of Virginia Beach’s most popular marinas, Maggie helps ensure our operations run smoothly and efficiently. P R E S E N T E D B Y T O W N E I N S U R A N C E & T O W N E B A N K 9
VBBT SPONSORS PRESENTED BY PLATINUM SPONSORS DIAMOND SPONSORS Oyster Bar Virginia Beach,VA 2026 V I R G I N I A B E A C H B I L L F I S H T O U R N A M E N T 10
VBBT SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS SWOPE & Associates PMS 130C PMS BlackC Use the logo listed below ONLY! P R E S E N T E D B Y T O W N E I N S U R A N C E & T O W N E B A N K 11
SCHEDULE OF E VENTS SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 8:30am–3:00pm Fishing Day 3 12:00pm–7:00pm Scales Open 7:00pm–9:00pm Prime Rib Dinner 9:00pm–11:00pm Awards Banquet Sponsored by Desperado Sportfishing Live Music by Heather Edwards Band Sponsored by Beach Ford FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 8:30am–3:00pm Fishing Day 2 12:00pm–8:00pm Scales Open 7:00pm–10:00pm Dock Party Sponsored by Rudee Tours Live Music by Buckshot Sponsored by Beach Ford 7:00pm–9:00pm Seafood Fest Dinner WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 2:00pm–8:00pm Registration 6:00pm–10:00pm Kick-Off Party Sponsored By Full Strut Disposal Live Music by P, B & J Band Sponsored by Beach Ford 7:00pm–9:00pm Steak & Chicken Dinner 7:00pm Captain’s Meeting 8:00pm Charity Check Presentation THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 8:30am–3:00pm Fishing Day 1 12:00pm–8:00pm Scales Open 7:00pm–10:00pm Dock Party Sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Live Music by DJ Sponsored by Beach Ford 7:00pm–9:00pm Pig Pickin’ Dinner 2026 V I R G I N I A B E A C H B I L L F I S H T O U R N A M E N T 12
E VENT SPONSORS NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR Oyster Bar Virginia Beach,VA Meal Caterers TROPHY SPONSOR Weigh Station Sponsors Cup sponsors BAR TENT SPONSOR 5)*3% "//6"- .JE "UM BOU JD 3PDLGJ TI 4IPPUPVU 4:4$0 t 8"5&3."/ 4 t $*5: 0' 7*3(*/*" #&"$) t #-6&8 8/*4 t 9 t #0# '. t 85"3 t 5)& ;0/ ENDORSED BY PROFESSIONAL CHARTER BUILD AND DESIGN YOUR VERY JOIN THE FIFTY POUND CLUB! Want to catch Big Fish? Then you need the right stuff! CUSTOM TERMINATOR LURES The toughest fish catching lures on the market today! Our striper lures pass the hammer test. Bash the lure with a hammer and it will not even chip because of our innovative cutting edge coating process. www.customterminatorlures.com or call David Conly Good Luck Anglers! 2737 Seaboard Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23456 Ph: 757.301.8802 Fax: 757.301.8809 Proud Sponsor of the Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout Your A Start I-64 at Merc 1972 Power Pla 757. 1.800 www.b H Mon-Sat Sun 1 Proud Spons r of the 2007 VBBT! ood Luck AnGLerS! G od L k 2737 Seaboard road Virginia Beach, VA 23456 757-301-8802 C O N T R A C T DOMINION LIBATIONS & MERRIMENT P R E S E N T E D B Y T O W N E I N S U R A N C E & T O W N E B A N K 13
More than ten years ago, the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament established the Josiah Woodington “Captain Woody” Scholarship Fund to honor a dear friend, avid fisherman, tournament participant, and highly skilled electrician whose life reflected the value of hard work and craftsmanship. Today, we’re expanding that legacy. We believe that success doesn’t always begin with a four-year college degree. Our communities need skilled tradespeople—electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, pipe fitters, HVAC technicians, builders, painters, and many others—to build the future. That’s why the Scholarship Fund has been transformed into the Woody Woodington Trade Scholarship, supporting students pursuing careers through the skilled trade programs at Tidewater Community College. Scholarship administration and student award management will be provided by Access College Foundation, ensuring every dollar is invested in deserving students and their futures. Each year, scholarship recipients will receive financial assistance to pursue the education and hands-on training that leads to rewarding, high-demand careers. The result is stronger families, a stronger workforce, and a stronger Hampton Roads community and beyond. The current scholarship endowment is approximately $200,000. Our goal is to grow the fund to $500,000, creating a permanent source of scholarship support. By preserving the principal and awarding scholarships from the investment earnings, this fund will continue helping students for generations to come. As a donor, you and/or your company will be recognized on the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament website, in the official tournament magazine and throughout the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament week events. Together, we honor Captain Woody Woodington’s legacy by investing in the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Building the Next Generation of Skilled Trades Through the Woody Woodington Trade Scholarship JOS I AH WOOD INGTON “CAPTA IN WOODY” Trade Scholarship 2026 V I R G I N I A B E A C H B I L L F I S H T O U R N A M E N T 14
BECOME A FOUNDING PARTNER Stand alongside the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament Board as a Founding Partner. Your tax-deductible contribution will help establish a permanent legacy that empowers students, supports skilled trades, and strengthens our community for generations to come. Legacy Builder - $10,000+ Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament Board Joe Woodington Chris Perry Charles Barker Scott & Katie Taylor | Taylor Construction Ross Vierra, Vierra Construction & Development Jimmy Bayne, SNIPER Gardner Britt, SEVEN Mike Standing, WATERMAN Clint Evans, Chris Scerri, Bobby Whelan, FENDER BENDER First Team Automotive Captain’s Circle - $5,000 Checkered Flag Freedom Outdoors | Princess Anne Bait & Tackle Priority Lexus Jimmy Cottrell | Cottrell Contracting Corporation Hall Automotive Southern Automotive Group Master Craftsman - $2,500 Johns Brothers | Coastal Equipment Journeyman - $1,500 Tim Daffron Construction Apprentice - $1,000 Future Builder - $500 Wright Coast Photography WOODY WOOD I NGTON TRADE SCHOL ARSHIP Make your donation online at www.vbbt.com/donation or scan the QR code. Donate Today! Legacy Builder $10,000+ Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament Board Joe Woodington Chris Perry Charles Barker Scott & Katie Taylor | Taylor Construction Ross Vierra, Vierra Construction & Development Jimmy Bayne, SNIPER Gardner Britt, SEVEN Mike Standing, WATERMANS Clint Evans, Bobby Whalen, FENDER BENDER Captain’s Circle $5,000 Checkered Flag Freedom Outdoors | Princess Anne Bait & Tackle Priority Lexus Jimmy Cottrell | Cottrell Contracting Corporati n Hall Automotive Southern Automotive Group First Team Automotive Master Craftsman $2,500 Johns Brothers | Coastal Equipment Journeyman $1,500 Tim Daffron Construction Apprentice $1,000 Future Builder $500 and strengthens our community for generations to come. ES THROUGH IP. he Josiah Woodington erman, tournament ue of hard work and ear college degree. Our bers, welders, carpenters, y others—to build the he Woody Woodington ough the skilled trade stration and student n, ensuring every dollar is training that leads to ampton Roads community 0, creating a permanent nt earnings, this fund will ite, in the official ion of skilled trades professionals. 7/31/2026 12:18:54 PM P R E S E N T E D B Y T O W N E I N S U R A N C E & T O W N E B A N K 15
From the very beginning, back in 2003, we knew this tournament could be about more than fishing. Yes, we’re here to celebrate the thrill of sportfishing, the beauty of the ocean, and the camaraderie that happens when good people gather in one great place. But the heart of the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament has always been something deeper— using our shared passion to give back to the community we call home. Each year, we work to create a world-class experience that doesn’t just make memories, but also makes an impact. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time guest under the tent, you’re part of something bigger. Through sponsorships, shirt sales, auction bids, and plain old generosity, the VBBT family continues to lift up local organizations that are doing incredible work across our region. Some support health and wellness, others provide mentorship or critical care, and all of them are strengthening the fabric of our community in meaningful ways. We encourage you to take a moment to flip to the facing page and learn about the groups your participation helps support. It’s a powerful reminder that giving doesn’t always mean grand gestures—it can start with a bid on a silent auction item, a t-shirt for a friend, or just showing up and saying, “Count me in.” Together, we’ve already raised nearly $2 million—and we’re setting our sights on reaching that milestone before our 25th anniversary in 2028. Every dollar spent this week helps move the needle. Every act of support brings us closer. So please: bid generously, stock up on your favorite gear, and know that what you do here helps make a real difference, right here at home. We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you for showing up, for giving back, and for helping us prove that fishing can fuel something truly extraordinary. On a Mission S I N C E 2 0 0 4 2026 V I R G I N I A B E A C H B I L L F I S H T O U R N A M E N T 16
Access College Foundation AN Achievable Dream Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula Charles Barker Champions for Kids Cheryl P. McLeskey Charitable Foundation Chesapeake Bay Academy Chick’s for Charity Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Lighting the Way Eastern Virginia Medical School Development Families of Autism coming together, Virginia Beach Hampden-Sydney College Hampton Roads Academy Help a Special Child Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs RWB Hope Haven Children’s Home NAVY SEAL FOUNDATION NC State Veterinary hospital Riverside Foundation Sentara Foundation, Nightingale air ambulance Surfers Healing The Billfish Foundation The Chosen THE Mariner’s Museum Virginia Beach Police Foundation Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund Waterman’s Dream Wheels on Deck Young Hearts for Homeless P R E S E N T E D B Y T O W N E I N S U R A N C E & T O W N E B A N K 17
In Memoriam Captain Andrew "Andy" Morris January 27, 1954 – August 8, 2025 2026 V I R G I N I A B E A C H B I L L F I S H T O U R N A M E N T 18
I NTRODUC I NG THE ANDY MORR I S LEGENDS AWARD Some people leave a mark on an industry. Andy Morris left a mark on everyone he met. Andy's career on the water began the way so many great captains' stories do — as a mate on a small charter boat, his start being out of Rudee Inlet, aboard the Wahoo with Bill Meredith, learning the trade long before mono, dredges, sonar, and almost all of the technology that seems standard these days. Through decades on the water, he built a reputation that carried him from those early days in the cockpit in Virginia Beach to the helm of some of the finest sportfishing boats built. Along the way, he became known not just up and down the East Coast, but around the world, as one of the truly great watermen of his generation. But ask anyone who knew Andy, and the boats and the fish are almost beside the point. What they'll tell you about first is the man himself. Matt Serafin, his longtime mate, subsequently turned great friend, put it best, "Andy was the kind of captain everyone hoped to have by their side. No matter the time or the challenge, he was always just a phone call away, ready to lend a hand without hesitation. He put his fellow captains, crew, friends, and family before himself, leading not only with skill but with generosity, loyalty, and heart." That same devotion carried into every part of his life. As dedicated to his wife, and two daughters as he was to the many friends, captains, crews and more who counted on him, Andy was a family man first — and the same warmth and loyalty he brought to the water, he brought home tenfold. The Andy Morris Legends Award was created to honor that legacy - not just of skill and success on the water, but of the character that made Andy who he was. While the award was created to honor Andy’s legacy after he left us, it is equally intended to celebrate those who are still with us, ensuring they may have the opportunity to know how deeply their contributions to this sport and its people are valued. Instead of an annual award, this award will be given only when a truly worthy recipient comes along - someone who not only has made a mark on the sportfishing industry, but who reflects the same hard work, generosity, and unwavering willingness to help others that defined Andy's life. The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament is proud to carry his name forward through this award, and to recognize those rare few who, like Andy, become legends for so much more than just their accomplishments on the water. P R E S E N T E D B Y T O W N E I N S U R A N C E & T O W N E B A N K 19
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TOURNAMENT RULES 2026 VBBT Format & Entry Information Updated April 29, 2026 The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament is an invitation only tournament. Invitees have a limited amount of time to RSVP with their non-refundable deposit. Teams may request to be added to the waiting list at vbbt.com/waiting-list/. The waiting list does not carry forward to the following year; if you didn’t receive an invitation but still wish to be considered, you’ll need to add your name to the waiting list when it reopens each year on September 1st. TEAM CHECK-IN AND BAG PICK-UP Teams must check in to verify team information, pick up event tickets, tournament forms and team merchandise. Team Check-In takes place Wednesday, August 19 from 2:008:00pm at Southside Marina under the tent. Each team receives eight event tickets and a team bucket or bag with sponsor gifts and eight tournament t-shirts. Merchandise and event tickets for additional team members and guests may be purchased at the event. ENTRY FEE & PAYMENT The mandatory entry is $12,500, which is broken down into seven cash award categories. A $2,500 non-refundable deposit is required with your invitation RSVP and must be received by May 31st. Optional jackpots may be entered any time up to the end of tournament check-in. Teams may enter the Lay Day Tournament any time up to 8:30am on the final day of fishing. Entry fees may be paid by cash, check or credit card. There is a 3.75% convenience fee on credit card transactions. Make checks payable to the “Virginia Beach Billfish Foundation” or “VBBF”. Mail checks to VBBT, PO Box 568, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. CASH AWARD CATEGORIES CATEGORY 1 – Top Boats: $6,000 Awarded to the five teams accumulating the most overall billfish points—first through third place receive cash awards, fourth and fifth place are awarded trophies. The tournament retains a portion of this category for expenses, the amount allocated to cash awards is split 50-30-20. CATEGORY 2 – Billfish Jackpot: $1,000 Awarded to the three teams accumulating the most overall billfish points; split is 50-30-20. CATEGORY 3 – High Rollers Jackpot: $1,500 Awarded to the three teams accumulating the most overall billfish points; split is 50-30-20. CATEGORY 4 – Billfish Daily Jackpot: $1,500 The cash in this level is split evenly between each day of competition and is awarded to the top two teams that accumulate the most overall billfish points for the day. Cash allocation between the two winners is 70-30. At least 10% of the fleet must fish for the Daily Jackpot to be paid. CATEGORY 5 – Gamefish Division: $500 The cash in this level is split evenly between the three eligible gamefish species (dolphin, tuna, wahoo) and awarded to the teams weighing the single heaviest fish in each species category. If there are no winners in an entire species category, the cash award for that species rolls evenly into the remaining species categories. CATEGORY 6 – Blue Marlin Jackpot: $1,000 Awarded to the team weighing the single heaviest blue marlin. If no qualifying fish are weighed, the award goes to the team that accumulates the most billfish release points. 2026 V I R G I N I A B E A C H B I L L F I S H T O U R N A M E N T 28
TOURNAMENT RULES CATEGORY 7 – Charity Mystery Fish: $1,000 The cash in this level is split four ways with 25% going to the VBBF charities and 25% going to each of the daily winners based on a drawing. A “chip” is added to the bucket for each billfish the team caught that day. For example, if your team caught four billfish, you get four “chips” in the bucket. Drawings for all three days are done at the Awards Presentation. At least 10% of the fleet must fish for a drawing to take place for that day. Note: Everyone has a chance to win this category which normally pays out around $20,000 per day whether you release one fish or ten. But to win you must turn in your scorecard. Optional 1 – Legacy Jackpot: $5,000 Awarded to the two teams accumulating the most overall billfish points; split is 80-20. Optional 2 – 20-Year Jackpot: $2,000 Awarded to the team accumulating the most overall billfish points; winner takes all. NEW IN 2026 optional3 – Full Throttle Jackpot: $10,000 Awarded to the team accumulating the most overall billfish points; split is 50-30-20. NEW IN 2026 Optional LD – Lay Day Tournament: $5,000 The Lay Day Tournament is essentially a one-day “tournament-within-a-tournament” for those teams wishing to fish their lay day. All rules of the VBBT apply except for continuous GPS time. Scoring is based first on combined billfish points; ties are broken by time only – the day/date is not taken into consideration. The split is 70-30. Note: Ten percent of the optional categories is retained by the VBBF to cover expenses. OTHER TOURNAMENT AWARDS Trophies, plaques, and/or merchandise are awarded in the following categories: Top Overall Angler — Angler who accumulates the most total billfish points. Top Release Angler — Angler who accumulates the most billfish release points. Karen Feller Top Lady Angler — Lady Angler who accumulates the most total billfish points. Top Crew — Captain and crew who accumulate the most total billfish points. Bryan “Pick” Dalheim Memorial Top Junior Billfish Angler — Junior Angler (15 years or younger) who accumulates the most billfish points. Sponsored by the VA Pilots Association and comes with a $500 scholarship. Bryan “Pick” Dalheim Memorial Top Junior Gamefish Angler — Junior Angler (15 years or younger) who catches the largest single dolphin, tuna or wahoo. Sponsored by the VA Pilots Association and comes with a $500 scholarship. Wayne McLeskey Top Boat Perpetual Trophy — Trophy bears the names of the top boats from 2012 onward and is held in a place of honor throughout the year. Wayne Sawyer Victory Lap Hard Charger Award — Awarded to the team that makes the hardest charge but doesn’t place in the top five. Sponsored by the Sawyer Family and comes with a $5,000 cash award. Joel Webb “Tribute to Excellence” Top Mate — The “Webby” trophy is awarded to the top mate of the year who is chosen by a group of his or her peers. CASH AWARD DISBURSEMENT Disbursement Order — Before winnings are paid each team receiving a cash award must complete a Disbursement Order specifying how the funds are to be distributed. We suggest you decide how prize money is to be distributed before the tournament. Disbursement Orders are handed to the team at the Awards Celebration or emailed to the Team Contact. The Disbursement Order must be signed by the Team Contact as recorded on the Entry Form. P R E S E N T E D B Y T O W N E I N S U R A N C E & T O W N E B A N K 29
Cash Disbursement and Tax Documents — Cash awards are paid by check and mailed within two weeks after receiving the completed Disbursement Order and W-9(s). A 1099MISC is issued to the person or company to whom the check is made payable. TEAM CONTACT Also relates to prize money distribution. Please carefully read the following and choose your Team Contact accordingly. The Team Contact is the designated team leader; there can be only one per team and you must provide the Contact’s mailing address, mobile phone number and email address. The Team Contact must know how to reach each member of the team. Any instructions, confirmations or requests for information are sent to the Contact and they are responsible for passing it on to the rest of the team. In addition, the Team Contact is the person who signs the Disbursement Order designating how cash awards are distributed. 2026 VBBT Tournament Rules Updated April 29, 2026 Rules are subject to change. Final instructions are given at the Captain’s Meeting. It is the responsibility of the captain, crew and anglers to understand and abide by the Tournament’s rules, including any special instructions or changes that may be announced during the Captain’s Meeting. INDEX 1. Permits and Licenses 2. Fishing Dates and Times 3. Lay Day & Lay Day Tournament NEW 4. Tournament Communications 5. Official Clock 6. Weather & Cancellation Policy 7. Boundaries & Ports of Departure 8. Equipment and Angling Rules 9. Captains, Mates & Anglers 10. Mechanical Failures 11. Eligible Species and Points CHANGE 12. Blue Marlin Photo Verification 13. Official Billfish Release 14. Reporting Billfish 15. Scoring & Billfish Scorecards 16. Weighing Fish 17. Breaking Ties 18. Observers 19. Polygraph Examination 20. Protests 1. Permits and Licenses Registered boats and anglers are expected to comply with all Federal and State laws regarding fishing licenses, size limits, bag limits and any other regulations that may apply. For information regarding Federal HMS Permits refer to hmspermits.noaa.gov. For information regarding the National Saltwater Angler Registry program refer to www. fisheries.noaa.gov/recreational-fishing-data/national-saltwater-angler-registry. You may need to register with the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program (free) — review information at www.mrc.virginia.gov/FIP/. For information regarding Virginia state saltwater fishing licenses refer to www.mrc.virginia.gov/regulations/recfishh&l_licensing. shtm. If you wish to be eligible for a Virginia Citation, you must have a Virginia Saltwater Fishing License. For information regarding the Virginia Citation program visit dwr. virginia.gov/fishing/trophy-fish. 2. Fishing Dates and Times Tournament fishing days are Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Fishing hours are 8:30am to 3:00pm all three days. No lines or teasers may be in the water before the official start or after the official end of tournament fishing. Billfish hooked and reported to the Committee Boat prior to lines out may be fought until caught or released, except for the final day when any team wishing to weigh a fish must be within Rudee Inlet by 6:45pm. 3. Lay Day & LAY DAY TOURNAMENT Teams may fish any two of the three available fishing days (Captain’s choice). Lay Day forms must be signed, either digitally or physically, by a registered member of the team and submitted by 8:30am of the day being declared as a lay day, otherwise the boat is recorded as fishing that day. We prefer you submit your lay day online at vbbt.com/ layday/. You’ll receive an emailed confirmation and PDF copy of the form. Lay Day forms may also be turned in at Station #1 during Registration or at the Weigh Station the evening before your lay day. There is a green lay day form in the team envelope you were given at Registration as a backup. There is also a card in the team envelope you were given at Registration with instructions for submitting your lay day. TOURNAMENT RULES 2026 V I R G I N I A B E A C H B I L L F I S H T O U R N A M E N T 30
Special Circumstances - Should an issue arise regarding the submission of a Lay Day form, only verbal contact with Paula (757-652-8409) or Deirdre (757-287-4932) prior to 8:30am of the day at issue shall constitute notice, and resolution shall be at the sole discretion of these Tournament Officials. Voicemail, email and text messages do not apply—you must speak directly with either Paula or Deirdre. Lay Day Tournament - The Lay Day Tournament is essentially a one-day “tournament-within-a-tournament” for those teams wishing to fish their lay day. Teams may enter the Lay Day Tournament at any time up to 8:30am on the final day of fishing. All rules of the VBBT apply except for continuous GPS time. Scoring is based first on combined billfish points, ties are broken by time only – the day/date is not taken into consideration. 4. Tournament Communications Tournament Officials and Committee Boats monitor VHF Channel 74. 5. Official Clock The official tournament time is continuous GPS time and starts Thursday at 8:30am. Times are recorded to the full minute. 6. Weather and Cancellation Policy Weather related decisions are at the sole discretion of each Captain; the Tournament Committee does not declare a “weather” day in the event of severe weather conditions. If any of the boats registered in the tournament decide to fish on a particular day (based on lay day forms), that day is declared an official fishing day and all eligible fish are scored according to tournament rules. However, at least 10% of the fleet must fish for a Daily Award to be paid. 7. Boundaries and Ports of Departure All boats must fish into and out of Virginia Beach. Boundaries are 100 nautical miles from the Rudee Inlet Sea Buoy. Fish must be hooked within these boundaries but may be fought outside of the boundaries once hooked. 8. Equipment and Angling Rules IGFA Saltwater Equipment and Angling rules apply except for any special instructions given in these rules, and any instructions or changes that may be given during the Captain’s Meeting. Copies of the tournament and IGFA rules are in your team envelope. The VBBT is a Boat tournament—any member of the crew may set the hook, but a registered angler must then fight the fish unassisted. Unconventional non-trolling techniques are prohibited. No backing into schools, casting, use of casting tackle, use of live bait or live bait teasers. The use of Tinker (Chub) Mackerel or Atlantic (Boston) Mackerel for bait is prohibited. The use of omnidirectional sonar technology is allowed. 9. Anglers, Captains and Mates There is no limit to the number of anglers per team, and it does not matter on which day the angler fishes, but anglers must be registered with the tournament before fishing for the day starts. Captains and mates are also considered anglers. At a minimum, you must provide a First Name, Last Name, City and State for all team participants. Angler changes/additions must be made using the online form at vbbt.com/anglers/. Anglers and crew may not change teams during the tournament. 10. Mechanical Failures Should a situation arise where a boat cannot make it back by the deadline, the fish and angler with scorecards may be transferred to another tournament boat, after consulting with VBBT Officials. If a boat becomes completely disabled, another boat may be substituted. Substitute boats must be registered with the Tournament Director prior to fishing. TOURNAMENT RULES P R E S E N T E D B Y T O W N E I N S U R A N C E & T O W N E B A N K 31
11. Eligible Species and Points Species Minimums Points per Pound Release Points Limits Blue Marlin 110” (LJFL) or 400 lbs. up to 499.9 lbs.: 0.5 500.0 lbs. and up: 1.0 70 200 if photo verified 1/angler/day The capture of a blue marlin under 110-inches and 400-pounds results in the forfeiture of all accumulated points and disqualification of the team from further competition. Sailfish n/a n/a 70 n/a Spearfish n/a n/a 70 n/a White Marlin n/a n/a 70 n/a Dolphin n/a 1 (one) n/a 10/angler/day Albacore n/a 1 (one) n/a n/a Bigeye Tuna 27” CFL 1 (one) n/a n/a Bluefin Tuna 27” CFL 1 (one) n/a set by NMFS Yellowfin Tuna 27” CFL 1 (one) n/a 3/angler/day Wahoo n/a 1 (one) n/a 2/angler/day 12. Blue Marlin Photo Verification Released blue marlin may earn an additional 130 points for a total of 200 if the fish can be photo verified. If you wish to have your fish verified, you must submit a timestamped photo or video that clearly identifies the fish as a blue marlin and includes the verification card for that day along with your scorecard at the official VBBT weigh station. Verification cards are in the team envelope you were given at Registration. The color of the day is announced by the Committee Boat prior to lines in each day. When you bring your scorecard and photo/video to the weigh station, VBBT officials will view the media, determine the species and initial your scorecard that the blue marlin has been verified. If the species cannot be verified, or if the verification card for the day is missing, you will receive 70 points. You can use any type of media, including cell phones, if the image can be clearly viewed. Videos are preferred and give officials a better chance of identifying the species. Please bring photos/video of blue marlin only. 13. Official Billfish Release A billfish is considered officially released when the leader connection is wound to the tip of the rod, or the mate or other crew member touches the leader. Tagging is not required for tournament points but is encouraged if the billfish is under control and the tag can be placed without injury to the fish. If a gaff breaks the plane of the cockpit covering boards, the team has committed to a capture and the billfish will not count as a release whether it is subsequently captured or not. 14. Reporting Billfish As soon as you release or boat a billfish, call the Committee Boat and report Boat Name, Species, and Status (Released or Boated); you do not need to report lost billfish. In addition, billfish hooked within the last hour of fishing on any day and billfish still being fought at lines out must be reported to the Committee Boat. If the Committee Boat cannot be raised, a verifiable report must be given to another tournament boat and the boat name noted on the Billfish Scorecard. The Committee Boat is announced during the Captain’s Meeting. Billfish Scorecards are compared to the Committee Boat radio log for verification and official time of release. 15. Billfish Scoring & Scorecards Scoring closes Thursday and Friday at 8:00pm and at 7:00pm on Saturday. Scorecards are accepted after 8:00pm on the first two days of fishing only if the team is fighting a fish or their boat becomes disabled, however, the Tournament Director must be made aware of the situation delaying the team. On the final day of fishing, scorecards must be turned in by 7:00pm. Note: Everyone has a chance to win the Charity Mystery Fish drawing which normally pays out around $20,000 per day whether you release one fish or ten. But to win you must turn in your scorecard. TOURNAMENT RULES 2026 V I R G I N I A B E A C H B I L L F I S H T O U R N A M E N T 32
TOURNAMENT RULES Before turning in your Scorecard be sure it’s filled in completely including a middle initial and suffix, if necessary, for the angler (e.g. Jr., Sr., III, John A Smith, John B Smith). If the angler was a Lady, check off under the “L” column. If the angler was a Junior, write in the junior’s age under the “JR” column. The boat captain must print their name and sign, either digitally or physically, indicating they agree to the information as recorded. We prefer you submit your scorecard online at vbbt.com/scorecard/ if you do not have a blue marlin to verify. You’ll receive an emailed confirmation and PDF copy of the form. Scorecards may also be turned in at the Weigh Station. There are three scorecards in the team envelope you were given at Registration as a backup. If you have a blue marlin release to verify you must take your scorecard to the weigh station. There is also a card in the team envelope you were given at Registration with instructions for submitting your scorecard. 16. Weighing Fish All fish must be weighed at the official Weigh Station located at Southside Marina. Blue marlin to be weighed must be brought to the scales by boat, gamefish may be transported to the scales by vehicle. The scales open daily at 12:00 noon. On Thursday and Friday, the scales close at 8:00pm. On Saturday, the final day of fishing, the scales close at 7:00pm. On the final day of fishing, any boat wishing to weigh a fish must be inside Rudee Inlet by 6:45pm. The Weighmaster and VBBT Officials reserve the right to refuse to weigh any fish that does not meet tournament requirements. Additional Rules: • Boats are lined up to weigh in the order in which they arrive. • The weighing of blue marlin takes precedence over gamefish. • Fish must arrive at the dock in edible condition. • Mutilated fish are not weighed. In this case, “mutilation” is defined as any damage that would impair the fighting ability of the fish. • All fish are weighed to the tenth of a pound. • If anyone wishes to have a fish re-weighed, it must be done while the fish is still hanging. • The angler must remain with the fish throughout the weigh-in process, and before leaving the scales must sign the Weigh-In form. 17. Breaking Ties Ties between the weights of two or more fish are broken by the time the fish was weighed. Ties between Release Points are broken by the time of release. The date of Release is based on the boat’s fishing day (day 1 or 2) as opposed to the tournament fishing day (day 1-2-3). The Rules Committee may consult Committee Boat Logs to reach decisions on release time or sequence of releases. 18. Observers The Tournament, at their sole discretion, may assign an observer to any boat on any fishing day. If an observer is assigned, the boat is responsible for the observer’s comfort and safety, including providing lunch and non-alcoholic beverages. 19. Polygraph Examination Registered Participants agree to comply with all rules and submit to a polygraph examination if requested to do so by VBBT Officials. If requested, it is normally the boat captain or relevant angler who takes the examination. Whomever is selected must be sober. Failure to submit to a polygraph may result in disqualification of the Participant and, at the discretion of VBBT Officials, the Participant’s entire team. Disqualified Participants/Teams or Participants/Teams that fail a polygraph examination forfeit all entry money, prizes or prize money, and are refused entry to future VBBT tournaments. The decision of the Rules Committee is final. 20. Protests Registered participants may submit a protest against any fish entered. Protests must be submitted in writing to the Tournament Director by 9:00am on the day following the catch of the disputed fish or by 8:00pm on Saturday and must include verifiable evidence of a rule being broken. The Rules Committee at their discretion may use a polygraph examination to reach a decision. All participants agree to the final decision of the Rules Committee. P R E S E N T E D B Y T O W N E I N S U R A N C E & T O W N E B A N K 33
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