Published On: January 23rd, 2025Last Updated: January 23rd, 20252.9 min read

2025 Fish For Holly Sailfish Tournament

2025 is in full swing, and the first quarter brings a busy schedule of sailfish tournaments for our Main Attraction crew. Each year, we look forward to the first tournament, the Fish for Holly, which generally happens on the first weekend of January. For those that are unfamiliar, the tournament is in memory of Holly Givens, an Islamorada local that lost her life tragically to domestic abuse. The tournament director, Annie Hagan, was her best friend. This tournament raises money for victims of domestic abuse and has a huge following.

Mark Busch, a good friend and client of Main Attraction, splits his time between Ohio and Key Colony Beach, Florida. He’s an avid fisherman and was eager to participate in the Fish for Holly Tournament during his stay in the Keys.

Mark Busch

Mark Busch fighting a sailfish during the 2025 Fish For Holly Tournament.

Knowing the Bowcock family, also close friends and clients of Main Attraction, were in town for the New Year, Mark invited Alexis to join them as an angler on their team for the tournament.

Alexis Bowcock

Alexis Bowcock aboard the Main One with the Main Attraction in the background.

Not only was the Main One in the tournament, but another wonderful customer, the Anderson family, chartered the Main Attraction, with Captain Alex and James as the crew. It would be a memorable day as the weather was sporty, there was a chill in the air, and there was no shortage of big waves! The tournament, as usual, drew in a crowd with over 352 registered anglers.

A Crew member of the Main Attraction throwing a cast net on ballyhoo before the Fish For Holly tournament begins.

Although many anglers were fishing that day, the bite was slow. Our teams kite fished all day, hoping to raise some sailfish. The captains worked depths all the way from 240’ to 140’, hoping to find that sailfish highway, but it remained elusive.

While Main Attraction did catch a big Blackfin Tuna and a Dolphinfish that day, they didn’t get any shots at a sailfish. The Main One team was fortunate to get two Sailfish bites, making them count with two releases. The first fish was caught in 240’ of water, and their second in closer at 140’. Despite a challenging tournament with only 70 sailfish releases across 76 boats, angler Mark Busch secured a third-place finish in the male angler category with two successful releases. Team Main One was grateful to be on the board!

The Main One flying its ‘laundry’ for the day.

When the fishing ended, both teams returned to Marathon Sailfish Marina, and the Main One crew headed to the awards banquet for Mark to accept his trophy. The team quickly showered and headed north to Islamorada. The banquet was at the Islander, and it was a fun event. We love attending events like this because we get to see our fishing peers and friends on dry land, which is a treat! Soon we will update you on the results of the 2025 IFC Captain’s Cup Sailfish Tournament!

Mark Busch Angler Award

Team Main One accepting Mark Busch’s angler award.

If you are interested in fishing the Florida Keys either in a tournament or for a private charter, give us a call at (305)-289-0071 or visit our contact page!

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