InTheBite Magazine

Rudder Design: How Modern Sportfishing Boats Balance Lift, Drag, and Control

Most medium-to-large-sized sportfishing machines employ submerged propellers on inclined shafts, with or without prop tunnels. Read more about specific rudder selections and some new technology now available: https://inthebite.com/2026/05/sportfishing-boat-rudder-design/

Back in the early 1990s, famed sportfishing photographer Richard Gibson decided he wanted to add another dimension to his photography, an underwater one. “I thought I’d try my luck with underwater offshore photography, and the Yucatan Peninsula and its gin-clear waters seemed a natural place to begin,” says Gibson, who founded Hi-Seas Photography in 1980, kicking off a four-decade-plus career as a professional billfish shooter.

🔗Read about Gibson’s adventures—from evading sharks to meeting Muhammad Ali— here: https://inthebite.com/2026/05/richard-gibson-sportfishing-photographer/

It was a huge weekend in the InTheBite Captain of the Year race as three captains posted 500-point performances to shake up the standings.

🏆 Capt. Landon Bell aboard Metal Masher claimed the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic title, adding to his second place in the Orange Beach Billfish Classic for a total of 800 points in the Galati Gulf Coast Division.

🏆 Capt. Victor “Bubba” Roof aboard Game On captured 1st Place at the HMY Lowcountry Cup Billfish Tournament for 500 points in the AIRMAR East Coast Division.

🏆 Capt. James Breen aboard Outnumbered earned 500 points with a 1st Place finish at the Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament in the AIRMAR East Coast Division.

Check out the leaderboards: https://inthebite.com/captain-of-the-year-cup-standings/

YOUR SUMMER BITE STARTS HERE

Dock where the captains do.

This summer, make Stock Island Marina your home port in Key West. Located just minutes from legendary offshore, reef, wreck, and backcountry fishing, our marina offers the ideal destination for transient and month-to-month boaters looking to spend the season where the fishing is hot and the amenities are unmatched.

Perfectly positioned between the Gulf and Atlantic waters — and only 90 miles from Cuba — Key West is known for producing some of the best sportfishing in the world. Whether you’re targeting mahi, tuna, marlin, sailfish, swordfish, tarpon, grouper, or snapper, you’ll spend less time running and more time fishing.

At Stock Island Marina, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable and productive stay all summer long, including:
• Deep-water dockage for vessels of all sizes
• Transient and monthly slip availability
• Fuel dock and in-slip pump-outs
• Complimentary ice daily
• 24-hour security
• Resort-style pool and private beach access
• Gym, sauna, and captain’s lounge
• Tiki hut lounge and waterfront dining nearby
• Easy access to both Gulf and Atlantic fishing grounds

After a long day on the water, relax dockside with all the comforts of a resort while staying close to the action that makes Key West one of the most sought-after fishing destinations anywhere.

Whether you’re running charters, tournament fishing, cruising through the Keys, or looking for a summer basecamp in South Florida, Stock Island Marina is ready to welcome you.

Stay where fishing meets comfort this summer.

Reserve your summer slip today: https://stockislandmarinafl.com/

Sometimes the biggest fish of the tournament starts with a move that could just as easily go wrong.

Captain Jonathan Henry aboard the 64’ Valentine made a big move during the Production vs. Custom Shootout, leaving an area southeast of the lighthouse and making a rough run north toward Guana Cay looking for better water and cleaner conditions. The gamble paid off with a 566.2-pound blue marlin, the heaviest fish of the tournament and a valuable 500-point addition to the Captain of the Year standings.

Read more about the fight here: https://inthebite.com/2026/05/captain-jonathan-henrys-566-lbs-bahamas-blue/

The 53rd Annual White Marlin Open, presented by Pure Lure, returns to Ocean City August 3-8, 2026 with major updates designed to give teams more flexibility, expand competition opportunities, and enhance the overall tournament experience both on and off the water.

New updates include:
➡️ “Fish 3 of 6” Tournament Format
➡️ Non-Sonar Division Added
➡️ Daily Big Fish Charity Entry
➡️ Updated Small Boat Division
➡️ Marlin Fest Expands to Six Days

Read more about the 2026 updates: https://inthebite.com/2026/05/white-marlin-open-expands-for-2026/

Full-Time Mate Wanted

Looking for a full-time mate for a late-model Viking Sportfish located in Eastern Long Island during the summer and South Florida during the winter. Seeking a motivated individual with both inshore and offshore fishing experience and a meticulous eye to detail and cleaning. The ideal candidate must be self-motivated, dependable, and committed to maintaining the boat to the highest standards.

Program operates out of Montauk, NY in the summer and South Florida in the winter. No tournament schedule and overall a fairly easy work program.

Responsibilities include:
➡️ All fishing and cleaning duties for the boat
➡️ Maintaining yacht-level standards of cleanliness and organization
➡️ Possibility of captaining a midsize center console as needed by the owner

🔗 Apply: https://inthebite.com/job/patriot-montauk-ny-in-summer-south-florida-in-winter-1391-full-time-mate-for-sportfish-boat/

Airmar’s NEW 300WX WeatherStation® Instrument

The NEW 300WX WeatherStation Instrument from AIRMAR delivers precise weather data to your NMEA2000® network and mobile device. True wind speed and direction even when moving, barometric pressure, air temp, relative humidity and more, from a
compact, rugged sensor with no moving parts to wear out. Have visibility of all the weather data on your MFD or through Airmar’s CAST app, it has never been easier.

Learn more: https://www.airmar.com/Catalog/WeatherStation-Instruments/300WX

Full-Time Mate Wanted for 64′ Viking Enclosed Bridge

Private Sportfishing Program | Immediate Start | Travel Included

Join a well-established private sportfishing program aboard a beautifully maintained 64′ Viking Enclosed Bridge. Based in Biloxi, Mississippi, this operation is focused on delivering premium fishing experiences and traveling to world-class destinations. We’re seeking a motivated and professional Mate to support the captain in all aspects of daily operations and angling success.

Program Highlights:�Home Port: Biloxi, MS

Seasonal Itinerary:
➡️ Spring–Fall: Gulf of Mexico (Biloxi, Orange Beach, Destin)
➡️ Winter: Bahamas, with possible travel to Turks & Caicos and the Dominican Republic
Program Type: Private

Position Requirements:
➡️ Proven experience with billfish, tackle rigging, and tournament-level techniques
➡️ Skilled in tender operations and general boat maintenance
➡️ Strong communication and professional demeanor with owners and guests
➡️ Must be a self-starter with a passion for bluewater fishing
➡️ Valid passport for international travel
➡️ Ability to pass a drug screening

Compensation & Benefits:
➡️ Competitive salary based on experience
➡️ Health insurance & 401(k) after six months
➡️ Two weeks paid vacation, with additional time considered
➡️ Liveaboard accommodations when traveling

Be part of a respected fishing program that values teamwork, travel, and time on the water.

Apply now to join a crew committed to quality and professionalism: https://inthebite.com/job/reel-blues-biloxi-ms-1391-full-time-mate-for-64%e2%80%b2-viking-sportfish/