Big Names and Big Fish Gather in the Bahamas for Second Annual Walker’s Cay Blue Marlin Invitational Fishing Tournament

When it comes to world-class fishing destinations, it’s pretty hard to compete with Walker’s Cay, about 90 miles east of Stewart, Florida.

“I’ve been going to Walker’s Cay since I was a kid,” says Carl Allen, who bought the island in 2016 and is in the process of rebuilding after it was destroyed by hurricanes and abandoned since 2004. “And I’m still amazed that I ended up being the guy that’s bringing it back to life.”

And to celebrate the rebirth of the legendary fishing destination, close to 40 highly motivated marlin fishing teams gathered there to compete in the Second Annual Walker’s Cay Blue Marlin Invitational Fishing Tournament recently.

“I’m so proud of our team, who worked so hard to get the marina ready for this tournament,” Allen said at the captain’s dinner held the night before the tournament began. “And seeing the marina full of boats like it used to be, and seeing the smiles on the faces of people who love Walker’s as much as I do, is incredibly special.”

Allen wasn’t the only one who got a bit emotional. Legendary Walker’s Cay fishing captain Billy Black and his soon-to-be-wife Karen were overjoyed to be back. So were all the other captains and crews that were able to score a coveted invitation to what was one of the most exclusive fishing tournaments of the year. 

However, when it comes to the celebrity star power at this year’s event, it’s pretty hard to top the owner of the distinctive Viking CATCH 23—Michael Jordan. He kept a low profile, but he also knew his fellow fishermen wouldn’t bother him too much because they like to get away and just fish as much as he does. And, better still, Jordan’s team aboard CATCH 23 won the trophy for best junior angler who caught and released several white marlin.

But as any of the lucky crews who fished this year’s Walker’s Cay Invitational will tell you, the fishing—74 billfish, 29 blue marlin, 29 white marlin, and 16 sailfish were caught and released!—was the true star of the show. And the vibe at the end-of-the-tournament awards dinner (that took place in an air-conditioned tent that was built especially for the event) reflected the gratitude and joy felt by the close-knit community of fishermen who love Walker’s Cay as much as the Allens do.

Because opening the marina is only the beginning. Allen and his team have big plans to make the marina better than ever. And they’re working to add state-of-the-art accommodations, including a pool and spa and even some bungalows at the opposite end of the island, that will not only attract fishermen, but anyone who wants to escape to the special beauty of this special place.