The 2025 Port Douglas Marlin Challenge tournament is officially done and dusted… and it was a “nail biter”.

Fishers in total had 54 strikes, 41 hook ups and 31 tags with the biggest fish weighing in at 800lb, 700lb, 600lb and 450lb.

Challenge master Lynton Heffer thanked the long list of great sponsors who funded the huge pool of cash prizes for the competition.

They included: Joel Pallister (Australian Steel Traders), Nicole & Darren Sandy (Sandridge Roads), Ben Aitken (Phoenix One Luxury Charters), Dan Begamo (Australian Sportfishing Charters) & Coastal Coverings.

Also needing a special mention were the people who helped pull the event together and made it a huge success - Brett Goetze, Joel Pallister, Chris Miles, Dan Begamo, Ben Aitken, Damian and Patty Collete, Dave Evans, Nick Gibson, Ross and  the team from the Port Douglas Coast Guard, Andrew Renwick On the Spot Signs, the Salsa Bar Team and Dan McCarthy.

“Not to forget all the incredible Skippers, crew and anglers who embraced the tournament with enthusiasm, amazing fishing prowess and a very professional approach,’’ Heff said.

“We hope we lived up to all expectations in our control.’’

Heff said next year's dates for the Challenge would hopefully be announced soon and he added some “very interested’’ parties are looking to increase the prize pool next year considerably.