Event overview: The Pirate’s Cove Sailfish Classic has long held its place as one of South Florida’s most anticipated billfishing tournaments, drawing top crews to Stuart, Florida, widely known...
The Pirate’s Cove Sailfish Classic has long held its place as one of South Florida’s most anticipated billfishing tournaments, drawing top crews to Stuart, Florida, widely known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” Hosted at Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina, the event combines serious competition with a laid-back atmosphere that keeps anglers coming back year after year. This year, the tournament will be held December 9th – December 12th.
Fished over three action-packed days, the tournament features live leaderboard updates throughout, allowing teams and spectators to track the bite in real time. With a prize purse payout of nearly $200,000 last year, the stakes are high as crews chase sailfish releases in one of the most productive fisheries in the world.
The tournament kicks off with a captain’s meeting and welcome reception on Wednesday, December 9th, setting the tone for the days ahead, and wraps with an awards ceremony and celebration on Saturday, December 12th, that highlights both the competition and camaraderie that define the event.
Wednesday, December 9th: Captains Meeting
5 – 7 pm: Tournament check-in and late registration
7 pm: Captains Meeting in the manatee room (Captains MUST attend!)
7:30 pm: Pirates Welcome Reception – Cocktail party and hors d’ouvres
Thursday December 10th: Day 1 of 3 Fishing
7 am -Check out begins; boats must check out with Committee Boat
8 am- Lines in
3 pm - Lines out
4:30 pm - Deadline for boats to check in with Committee Boat
5:30 pm - Deadline for boats to deliver tournament log
Friday December 11th: Day 2 of 3 Fishing
7 am -Check out begins; boats must check out with Committee Boat
8 am- Lines in
3 pm - Lines out
4:30 pm - Deadline for boats to check in with Committee Boat
5:30 pm - Deadline for boats to deliver tournament log
Saturday December 12th: Day 3 of 3 Fishing
7 am -Check out begins; boats must check out with Committee Boat
8 am- Lines in
3 pm - Lines out
4:30 pm - Deadline for boats to check in with Committee Boat
5:30 pm - Deadline for boats to deliver tournament log
6 pm - Open Bar & Awards Dinner by Pirate's Cove Restaurant (Wristbands required)
8:30 pm - Awards Ceremony
As part of the prestigious Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship series, the Pirate’s Cove Sailfish Classic attracts a strong fleet of experienced teams, all looking to capitalize on the region’s consistent sailfish bite. From seasoned captains to rising crews, the tournament offers a level playing field where every bite can shift the leaderboard.
To see more information and sponsor opportunities visit: https://piratescovesailfishclassic.com/
To Register: https://www.reeltime.app/tournaments/sailfish-classic/2026/register
If you or someone you know wants to get involved email dfreeman@pcrm.net or call (772) 287-2500
Tournament Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pirates_cove_sailfish_classic/
Pirates Cove Resort & Marina Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piratescoveresortstuartfl/
Pirates Cove Resort & Marina Facebook: