VBBT Fact Sheet
Looking for just the facts? Here’s a simple list of tournament details and history. If you’re looking for something in particular, just email Paula Davis at paula@vbbt.com or call/text 757-652-8409.
2023 Current Information
SUMMARY: August 23-26, 2023: 20th Annual Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament – an invitation only tournament with a focus on fun, conservation and charity. Eighty teams on average compete for a purse over $800,000. Call Paula for information at 757-652-8409 or email paula@vbbt.com; find details and a form to request to be added to the waiting list at www.vbbt.com.
DATES: Wednesday, August 23 – Saturday, August 26, 2023
HOST FACILITY: Southside Marina
LOCATION: Virginia Beach, Virginia USA
MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 568, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
SHIPPING ADDRESS: 524 Winston Salem Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
CONTACT: Paula Davis, Tournament Director
PHONE: 757-652-8409
FAX: 757-428-5935
EMAIL: paula@vbbt.com / fwm3650@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.vbbt.com
ENTRY FEE: $10,500, $15,500 with optional entries
PURSE: over $800,000
ENTRY LIMITS: by invitation an average of 80 teams, open to both private and charter boats
TARGET SPECIES: blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, spearfish, tuna, dolphin and wahoo
FORMAT: modified release: 110” or 400 lb. minimum on blue marlin, release only on all other billfish species
ANGLING RULES: IGFA saltwater equipment and angling rules are followed with exceptions outlined in the rules
SANCTIONED BY: InTheBite Captain of the Year Cup
MAJOR CHARITIES SUPPORTED: Achievable Dreams, Boys and Girls Club of Southside and Peninsula and The Billfish Foundation – see website for full list of charities
PUBLICATIONS: annual tournament program published by Liskey Printing, Norfolk, VA
History
History is updated after the tournament.
TOURNAMENT STARTED IN: 2004
FIRST YEAR STATISTICS: 42 teams, 231 anglers, $213,500 cash awards
2022 STATISTICS: 84 teams, 597 anglers, $813,000 cash awards
HIGHEST PURSE PAID TO DATE: $813,000 in 2022
HIGHEST PURSE PAID TO DATE TO A SINGLE TEAM: $409,500 in 2021 to Seven for 1st Place Team (released 9 white marlin and 1 sailfish)
HIGHEST NUMBER OF BOATS PARTICIPATING TO DATE: 84 in 2022
BEST YEAR FISHING TO DATE: 2013 – 483 billfish released
OTHER: only six blue marlin have been weighed in the tournament’s history (2004, 2017, 2018 [2], 2022 [2])
DESCRIPTION: The VBBT is part of the Virginia Beach Billfish Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to giving back to the community through youth and marine related charities—over $1.4 million has been donated to date. Started in 2004 to highlight the often-overlooked fishing opportunities off Virginia Beach, the VBBT is the area’s best known big game fishing tournament with a focus on fun, conservation and charity. Over the years the tournament has become famous for its evening dock parties which feature 5-star dinners, a top shelf bar and rockin’ live music. An average of 80 teams compete for over $800,000 in cash awards each year, and in addition to Top Boat awards there are awards for Top Lady and Juniors plus some uniquely awarded cash prizes. The tournament is a family-oriented event, and many family activities are available in Virginia Beach.
Record Fish
Record Fish is updated after the tournament.
BLUE MARLIN (2017) — 801.0 lbs., Qualifier, 57 ft. Paul Mann
Capt. Fin Gaddy from Manteo, North Carolina USA; angler Craig Revere from Hartfield, Virginia USA
DOLPHIN (2009) — 52.1 lbs., Big Oh, 63 ft. Ricky Scarborough
Capt. Ronnie Fields from Lake Park, Florida USA; angler Tim Lanahan from North Palm Beach, Florida USA
TUNA (2008) — 147.7 lb. bigeye, Skirt Chaser, 54 ft. Buddy Cannady
Capt. Barry Daniels from Wanchese, North Carolina USA; angler Shane Moore from Jarrettsville, Maryland USA
WAHOO (2005) —77.8 lbs., Huntress, 59 ft. Ricky Scarborough
Capt. Bill McAllister from Richmond, Virginia USA; angler Preston Smith from Manakin, Virginia USA