InTheBite Magazine

The stage is set for the 2026–2027 InTheBite Captain of the Year Presented by MTU Florida Division sponsored by Lindgren-Pitman. With an expanded 16-event schedule, legendary captain rivalries, and thousands of points on the line, the upcoming sportfishing season promises high-stakes competition across Florida’s top billfish waters.

Read more about the scoring breakdown and 2026 standings: https://inthebite.com/2026/09/inthebite-florida-division-2026-2027/

As the afternoon ticked away, doubt crept in. Keenan had traveled all the way from Charleston, South Carolina, fished for three days, and was about to head into her junior year of college. Summer 2026 would be a memory the moment the plane left the ground. It didn’t look like the odds were going to break her way.

Read more about InTheBite Publisher Dale Wills’ trip to Panama with Seakeeper: https://inthebite.com/2026/09/first-blue-marlin-panama/

From Hot Spots to Ghost Spots

As Gulf oil and gas platforms are removed, so are decades-old marine habitats that support fish, coral, and countless other species. Chris Horton of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation explores the ecological value of these underwater habitats, the Rigs-to-Reefs program, and proposed legislation that could help preserve them for generations to come.

Read the full story: https://inthebite.com/2026/06/saving-gulf-reefs-through-rigs-to-reefs/

Long before Capt. Nick Durham called Kona home, he was fascinated by Hawaiian lures from halfway around the world.

That fascination would eventually inspire the creation of Tantrum Lures and the Large Bandit, one of Durham’s signature shapes.

🔗 Read more about the story behind Tantrum Tackle Solutions: https://inthebite.com/2026/07/capt-nick-durham-tantrum-lures/

Few fisheries in America have sparked more frustration than South Atlantic red snapper. Jeff Angers, President of the Center for Sportfishing Policy, wrote about the federal and state-wide regulation of South Atlantic red snapper.

🔗 Read more: https://inthebite.com/2026/06/south-atlantic-red-snapper/

Full-Time Mate Wanted

📍 New Jersey, Charleston, South Florida, Bahamas, and Caribbean

Private sportfishing program seeking an experienced and professional mate to join a well-maintained, family-oriented operation. Vessel details and additional information regarding the program will be disclosed during further discussions with qualified candidates.

Experience:
Applicants should have a minimum of 3+ years of sportfishing experience, including strong experience with:
➡️ Dead-bait trolling for billfish
➡️ Offshore tackle preparation and rigging
➡️ General sportfishing boat operations
➡️ Billfish and tournament experience are strongly preferred.
➡️ Optional kite fishing experience

Apply and learn more:

Full-Time Sportfishing Mate - InTheBite A strong emphasis is placed on proper manners, professionalism, discretion, and demeanor around owners, family members, and guests. The ideal candidate should

The crew aboard Dixie, a 65-foot Donzi-Roscioli, has enjoyed an impressive summer of billfishing out of San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, recording two Grand Slams in less than a month.

Capt. Mitch Pierson and the Zierfuss family and friends recorded their first Grand Slam on July 10, 2026, followed by another on August 3. Fishing the Gordo Bank, roughly 17 miles from Los Cabos Marina, the trips featured flat-calm conditions and a group of young anglers—many of whom were catching their first marlin or billfish.

Read more about their action packed summer here: https://inthebite.com/2026/08/los-cabos-billfishing-on-dixie/

Barton & Gray Mariners Club – Seeking Crew, Captains, and Marine Maintenance Professionals!

📍Crew Positions: Location: Naples, FL

Barton & Gray Mariners Club is currently hiring for Harbor Support Crew Members to join our team in Naples, FL! This full time, seasonal position will support day-to-day operations and assist B&G Captains during the 2026-2027 Winter Season. You’ll gain hands-on luxury yachting experience while enjoying the perks of a land-based role. Harbor Support positions are expected to start November 1st, 2026.

Open Positions with The Club – All Locations:
➡️ Captains
➡️ Marine Technicians
➡️ General Yard Operations

We offer a competitive pay & benefits package, paid vacation time, company paid travel expenses, and additional company perks for our tenured employees’ career milestones.

Interested applicants may inquire about current job openings via [email protected] or apply directly through our B&G job website at https://www.bartonandgray.com/jobs.

🔗 https://inthebite.com/job/barton-gray-mariners-club-naples-fl-1391-crew-captains-marine-maintenance-professionals/

Few figures have reshaped the competitive big-game fishing landscape quite like Jamie Bunn. Over three decades, he has helped define South Florida’s modern tournament culture — not simply by running events, but by building experiences that anglers trust. What started as a small tackle-shop experiment has evolved into Bluewater Movements, a platform that now spans meat-fish classics, elite sailfish competition, and a growing push into international marlin territory.

Read more about the Fish Bluewater founder: https://inthebite.com/2026/07/saltwater-profile-jamie-bunn/