The Shootout: Custom v Production

The Shootout – Production vs. Custom returns April 29 through May 2, 2026, at Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina. Hosted by Skips Tournaments, this invitation-only event brings together an elite field of just 60 inboard teams, 33 feet or larger, to settle one of sportfishing’s longest-running debates: production versus custom.

This is an all-release billfish tournament where performance, teamwork, and boat capability are tested against the best of the best.

Black Book Charters provides tournament-ready sportfish vessels for qualified teams competing in The Shootout.

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What Makes The Shootout Unique

Unlike open-entry tournaments, The Shootout is strictly limited and invitation-based. Teams are selected to represent both leading production manufacturers and premier custom boat builders.

Key Tournament Details:

• Dates: April 29 – May 2, 2026
• Location: Abaco, Bahamas
• Format: 100% billfish release
• Field: Limited to 60 invited inboard teams
• Minimum Size: 33 feet or larger

The result is a high-level competitive environment where every team is capable, every boat is dialed in, and every bite matters.

If you are mapping out a Bahamas tournament season, visit our Bahamas Fishing Tournament Calendar to align this event with other spring competitions.

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Production vs. Custom — The Debate on the Water

The Shootout rekindles the classic sportfishing conversation:

• Do production boats offer the edge in efficiency and refinement?
• Do custom builds deliver superior ride, wake, and fishability?

This event is where reputations are tested offshore. Competing in The Shootout places your team among the most respected names on today’s billfish circuit.

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Charter a Tournament-Proven Sportfish

Black Book Charters specializes exclusively in elite sportfish tournament vessels — both custom and production builds capable of competing at this level.

Our Bahamas Tournament Charter Packages include:

• Tournament coordination and planning
• Experienced tournament crews
• Fuel and operational budgeting
• Calcutta guidance

For anglers new to high-level tournament charters, review our Sportfish Tournament Charter Guide to understand entry costs, planning considerations, and competitive strategy. 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 The Shootout Is Built For

• Invitation-holding teams ready to compete at an elite level
• Manufacturers showcasing production or custom builds
• Competitive anglers seeking one of the Bahamas’ most prestigious billfish events
• Teams who thrive in small-field, high-performance tournaments

With only 60 boats accepted, this is not a volume event. It is a curated field of serious competitors.

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Secure Your Shootout Charter

Availability for this event is extremely limited due to the restricted field and high demand for tournament-caliber vessels.

If you have received a Shootout invitation and are evaluating charter options, now is the time to secure your boat.

Contact Black Book Charters to review qualified vessel availability and coordinate your 2026 Shootout campaign.

Charter Elite Sportfish Boats Around the World.