Only 14 Days To Go
ONLY 14 DAYS TO GO: THE 2025 WALKER’S CAY BLUE MARLIN OPEN RETURNS TO SPORTFISHING'S LEGENDARY WATERS
Walker’s Cay, Bahamas – May 14, 2025 — The countdown is on, and excitement is building as we are now just 14 days away from the 2025 Walker’s Cay Blue Marlin Open, one of the most anticipated sportfishing events in the Atlantic. Anglers from across the globe are preparing to descend on the historic Walker’s Cay Marina, ready to chase glory in one of the most iconic blue marlin hotspots in the world.
More than just a tournament, the Blue Marlin Open is a celebration of Walker’s Cay’s remarkable legacy in the world of big game fishing. Located at the northernmost tip of the Abaco chain in the Bahamas, Walker’s has long been a beacon for offshore adventure—and its story is as rich as the waters that surround it.
A STORIED ISLAND WITH DEEP ROOTS
Walker’s Cay gets its name from Thomas Walker, a British judge who sought refuge from pirates in the early 1700s. After his death in 1722, the island lay deserted for more than two centuries. It wasn’t until 1935, when Florida businessman Buzz Shonnard leased the island, that Walker’s began its transformation into a world-class sportfishing destination. Shonnard built a hotel, marina, and airstrip, laying the groundwork for what would become a Mecca for anglers.
The island’s reputation only grew with time. Its close proximity to the deep Atlantic led to consistent catches of trophy blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and more. In the 1960s, inventor and conservationist Robert Abplanalp acquired the lease and further developed the island, emphasizing responsible fishing and marine stewardship.
During World War II, Walker’s Cay even served as a U.S. Navy anti-submarine base, further embedding it in the annals of both American and Bahamian history.
Perhaps no event cemented Walker’s status among sportfishing elite more than the first-ever Bertram-Hatteras Shootout in 1980, a head-to-head showcase of the two premier sportfish yacht builders of the time. That legendary shootout drew national attention and helped define the modern tournament circuit.
DESTRUCTION AND REBIRTH
In 2004, Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne devastated Walker’s Cay, leading to its closure and years of abandonment. Many feared the island’s glory days were over—until a passionate marlin angler and philanthropist stepped in.
In 2018, entrepreneur Carl Allen purchased the island and began a massive restoration project to return Walker’s Cay to its former glory. The relaunch of the Walker’s Cay Invitational Blue Marlin Tournament in 2021 marked the triumphant return of world-class sportfishing to the island.
Since then, Walker’s has once again become a destination of dreams, featuring a top-notch marina, state-of-the-art fuel dock, and exceptional service. New amenities and expanded lodging are on the horizon, signaling a bright future for the revitalized island.
THE STAGE IS SET FOR 2025
Now, with just two weeks to go until lines go in, anticipation for the 2025 Walker’s Cay Blue Marlin Open is at a fever pitch. The tournament is expected to draw top-tier crews, legendary captains, and sportfishing enthusiasts looking to test their skills in one of the most fertile billfish grounds in the hemisphere.
Beyond its offshore allure, Walker’s Cay also offers world-class bonefishing on its surrounding flats—further proving its reputation as an angler’s paradise. Its unique blend of history, accessibility from the U.S. East Coast, and record-setting fishing makes a springtime trip to Walker’s a bucket-list must for every serious fisherman.
As the boats begin to arrive and preparations shift into high gear, one thing is certain:
Walker’s Cay is back—and better than ever.
