The 22nd Annual Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament (VBBT) will be remembered not only for incredible fishing, but also for how the fleet and staff overcame the challenge of Hurricane Erin. Despite a delayed start due to the storm’s near-miss, 39 dedicated teams hit the water and put on a world-class showcase of East Coast billfish fishing.
In just two days of fishing, the fleet released an impressive 420 billfish—including 409 white marlin, eight blue marlin, two sailfish, and one spearfish.
Waterman Dominates the 2025 VBBT Leaderboard
Local boat Waterman, a 70’ Ricky Scarborough owned by VBBT Board Member Mike Standing and led by Capt. Ben Horning, proved unstoppable. With 33 white marlin releases (2,310 points), Waterman took home the Top Boat awardand swept multiple jackpots. Their performance earned them a $298,500 payday and solidified their place among the best Virginia marlin fishing teams.
The crew—Tom Baer, Garrett Holden, Antonio “Tony” Huerta, Jason Votzi, and Jaden Bobbitt—also celebrated another highlight when Tony Huerta weighed in a 74.1-pound tuna, securing the Top Tuna award and an additional $9,750.
Don’t Panic and Fender Bender Round Out the Top 3
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Don’t Panic (64’ Viking/Capt. Bryan Peele, owned by Andrew Norris) surged on the final day with 19 white marlin releases to finish second overall with 26 releases (1,820 points). Their performance earned $55,575 in prize money.
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Fender Bender (62’ Spencer/Capt. Colin Oxnard, Manteo NC) secured third with 22 billfish (1,540 points) and $66,525 in winnings. Fender Bender also scored in the Legacy Jackpot and the Day 2 Charity Mystery Fish drawing.
Other standout teams included:
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Outnumbered (65’ Viking/Capt. James Breen) – Fourth place, 22 releases, winner of the Wayne Sawyer Victory Lap Hard Charger Award ($5,000).
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Griffin (65’ Rybovich/Capt. John Adams) – Fifth place, 19 releases, and $8,775 for a daily jackpot win.
Individual Tournament Winners
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Top Dolphin: William “Wayne” Enroughty Jr. aboard Sniper (58’ Paul Mann/Capt. Chris Raiford) with a 25.6-pound mahi mahi, good for $9,750.
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Top Lady Angler: Whitney Simmons (Sea Toy, 59’ Spencer/Capt. Bull Tolson) with 10 white marlin releases.
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Top Junior Angler: Sutton “The Kid” Paul (Sea Escape, 53’ RG Boatworks/Capt. Kevin Paul), winner of the Bryan “Pick” Dalheim Memorial Trophy at just 15 years old.
Save the Date: VBBT 2026
Mark your calendars—the 23rd Annual Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament is set for August 19–22, 2026. After this year’s mix of marlin fishing action and weather challenges, it’s clear next year will be another can’t-miss event.
