THE MARLIN CLUB is proud to host the 2^nd annual SAN DIEGO OFFSHORE INVITATIONAL TAG AND RELEASE TOURNAMENT, to be held this September 6-9. This is the first all tag and release, cash award billfish tournament ever held on the West Coast of North America. In cooperation with scientists from the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, participants will conduct scientific research through tagging, DNA sampling and satellite tracking of marlin. In addition, a portion of the entry fees and a silent auction will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego.

Corporate sponsors include HAWTHORNE POWER SYSTEMS, COURTESY CHEVROLET, McDONALD'S, MICKELSON YACHTS, RIVIERA YACHTS and SUNCOAST YACHTS.

Major product sponsors include FISHERMAN'S LANDING TACKLE, PHANTOM MARINE ELECTRONICS, PRECISION MARINE HARDWARE, SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE, BLUEWATER MAGAZINE and TAG AND BRAG SPORTSWEAR.

Contributing sponsors include Melton International Tackle, Grande Sportfishing, Hook Line and Sinker, Grander Tackle, The Sunglass and Optical Warehouse and Zuker Lures.

Last year this tournament awarded over $40,000 in cash and prizes to participants and boasts what is believed to be the largest cash purse ever awarded for a single tag and released billfish in West Coast sportfishing history- over $15,000! There was also a DNA sample taken from a live released billfish, another tournament first.

Already an IGFA Invitational Tournament of Champions qualifying event, this year the Offshore Invitational becomes a World Billfish Series sanctioned event, with participants receiving points toward the prestigious WBS championship. The captain’s meeting is Thursday evening September 6 with the awards dinner held at SeaWorld the evening of September 9.

Entry fee is $1,290 per 5-person team with an optional $500 daily jackpot. Entry fees include a team bag, all necessary tagging supplies, DNA sampling kit, 5 tournament shirts, 5 dinner/raffle tickets, 5 IGFA memberships and 1 MARLIN CLUB membership, a great tournament value! Limited to 60 teams. For more information or to request an invitation, email or call: