El Jefe Invitational

Leg One of the Quest for the Crest Marlin Majors

The El Jefe Invitational debuts March 18–21, 2026, at Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina, launching a new era of high-stakes, all-release marlin competition as Leg One of the Quest for the Crest Marlin Majors.

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Presented by Fish Bluewater under the Marlin Majors banner, El Jefe Invitational introduces a three-leg series set across iconic Bahamian waters — culminating in the unveiling of the Series Champions Blue Jackets in 2027.

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This is not an open-entry event. It is a limited, invitation-only field of 50 elite teams competing for a projected $1,000,000+ purse (based on 50 boats).

Black Book Charters provides tournament-caliber sportfish vessels for qualified teams competing in El Jefe Invitational.

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A New Era of All-Release Marlin Competition

Inspired by the legacy of the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series and the tradition of the Burgundy Jackets, Marlin Majors is built on a simple belief:

The future of the sport depends on billfish release.

El Jefe Invitational is a 100% release-format blue marlin tournament where prestige and payout remain high, but conservation remains paramount. The “right one” still matters. The stakes remain significant. The difference is the fish swims away.

For a full Bahamas tournament schedule, visit our Bahamas Fishing Tournament Calendar.

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Tournament Overview

• Dates: March 18–21, 2026
• Location: Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina
• Field: Limited to 50 invited teams
• Format: All-release blue marlin
• Purse: $1,000,000+ projected (based on 50 boats)
• Dockage: Required at Boat Harbour Marina

All participating teams must dock at the host marina, reinforcing the elevated and unified tournament atmosphere.

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The Invitation Structure

Entry into El Jefe Invitational unfolds in three phases:

Priority Access (Nov. 1 – Dec. 1, 2025)
Reserved for existing Fish Bluewater clients committed to participating in all eligible calcuttas.

Requested Access (Dec. 2, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026)
Open to teams that formally request entry and commit to full calcutta participation.

Open Availability (Jan. 2 – Mar. 4, 2026)
Remaining spots offered first-come, first-served until the 50-boat field is filled.

Teams not accepted will be placed on a waiting list for future series invitations.

If you are building a competitive spring campaign, review our Sportfish Tournament Charter Guide for budgeting and calcutta planning insight.

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Fishing the Abacos in March

Abaco’s proximity to the Gulf Stream provides direct access to productive blue marlin waters. March conditions frequently offer:

• Strong blue marlin opportunities
• Competitive early-season offshore conditions
• Efficient runs from marina to fishing grounds

The Abacos have long been a proving ground for elite billfish teams. El Jefe Invitational positions itself squarely within that legacy.

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Charter a Marlin Majors–Caliber Vessel

Black Book Charters specializes in elite custom and production sportfish tournament platforms capable of competing at this level.

Our Bahamas Tournament Charter Packages include:

• Vessel selection guidance
• Tournament registration coordination
• Full calcutta participation planning
• Fuel and operational cost projections

For invitation-only events of this magnitude, vessel coordination should begin early.

Note: Bahamas charters are limited to vessels holding a valid Bahamas charter permit. Availability is restricted to approved boats only, please inquire for eligible options.

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Who El Jefe Invitational Is Built For

• Elite teams seeking a high-stakes, release-format marlin series
• Competitive anglers committed to full calcutta participation
• Manufacturers and owners competing at the top of the sport
• Teams pursuing long-term Marlin Majors Series Championship positioning

With a limited 50-boat field and significant purse potential, availability will not last.

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Secure Your El Jefe Invitational Charter

If you are pursuing entry into the 2026 El Jefe Invitational, early vessel alignment is critical.

Contact Black Book Charters to review qualified sportfish options and coordinate your campaign for Leg One of the Quest for the Crest Marlin Majors.

Charter Elite Sportfish Boats Around the World.