The Ultimate Blue Marlin Battleground
Pristine Waters. Legendary Marlin. Unforgettable Destination.
October 21-25 2026
The North Drop Open is an annual blue marlin, catch & release fishing tournament, based in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Island that welcomes one & all.
Destination Sponsor
The Squad That Never Backs Down (except on fish)
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Chad Lettsome
Tournament Director
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Kizzie Hodge
Deputy Director
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Luis Cordova
Growth Catalyst
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Roger Casellas
Brand Strategist
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the North Drop Open Billfish Tournament, including registration, fishing, scoring, jackpots, awards, and tournament events.
What is the North Drop Open?
The North Drop Open is a premier billfish tournament based in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, bringing together sportfishing teams for several days of competition, blue marlin fishing, island activities, dining, and entertainment.
When is the 2026 North Drop Open?
The 2026 North Drop Open takes place October 21–25, 2026.
Where is the tournament based?
Tournament headquarters and many tournament activities are based at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour (VGYH).
Do I need a fishing License?
Yes, your boat/vessel and all anglers above 18yrs must be registered/licensed with the BVI Government Fisheries Department in order to legally fish in the BVI. Your Registration at the NDO will cover all the angler licensing costs and facilitate the registraion process with the department of fisheries.
What species are eligible for points?
The North Drop Open awards points for qualifying billfish releases:
Blue Marlin — 300 points
White Marlin — 100 points
Spearfish — 100 points
Sailfish — 100 points
What is the entry fee?
The required base tournament entry fee is $2,950 per team.
Is the base entry fee optional?
No. All participating teams must pay the base entry fee.
Can I enter the optional jackpots?
Yes. Teams entered in the base tournament may also enter the optional jackpot categories.
Do I have to enter the optional jackpots?
No. Optional jackpots are completely optional. However, only teams entered in a particular jackpot are eligible to win prizes from that category.
When do I need to enter an optional jackpot?
Teams must be registered in the applicable optional jackpot before their first day of fishing to be eligible.
How is the tournament scored?
Teams earn points for qualifying billfish releases throughout the tournament.
Blue Marlin: 300 points
White Marlin, Spearfish & Sailfish: 100 points
How are the Overall Team Awards determined?
The Overall Team Awards are based on each team's total billfish release points accumulated during the tournament.
1st Place Overall Team
2nd Place Overall Team
3rd Place Overall Team
How are ties broken?
In the event of a tie, the team or angler that reaches the tied score first—based on the official release time—will be declared the winner.
Are there individual angler awards?
Yes. The tournament recognizes two individual angler awards:
High-Point Angler — Trophy + Prize Package
High-Point Lady Angler — Trophy + Prize Package
What optional jackpots are available?
The North Drop Open offers several optional jackpot opportunities:
Overall Billfish Release Points Jackpot — $500
Top three teams receive 50% / 30% / 20%.
Daily Billfish Release Jackpot
Daily Overall Release — $250
First Fish of the Day — $150
Last Fish of the Day — $100
Winner-Take-All Release Jackpot — $250
The team with the most release points wins the entire jackpot.
First Fish Jackpot — $100
Awarded to the team that releases the first fish of the tournament.
Last Fish Jackpot — $100
Awarded to the team that releases the last fish of the tournament.
What is the payback on optional jackpots?
All optional jackpot divisions have an 85% payback.
How does the Overall Billfish Release Points Jackpot work?
The entry fee is $500. The top three participating teams with the most overall billfish release points receive:
1st Place — 50%
2nd Place — 30%
3rd Place — 20%
How does the Daily Billfish Release Jackpot work?
The Daily Billfish Release Jackpot consists of three levels:
Level 1 — Daily Overall Release
Level 2 — First Fish of the Day
Level 3 — Last Fish of the Day
Teams must be entered in Level 1 to participate in Level 2, and entered in Level 2 to participate in Level 3.
If no billfish are released on a fishing day, the applicable jackpot rolls over to the next fishing day. If no billfish are released on the final day, the final-day jackpot is awarded to the previous day's winner(s), in accordance with the tournament rules.
What is the Winner-Take-All Release Jackpot?
The Winner-Take-All Release Jackpot has a $250 entry fee. The participating team with the most release points wins the entire jackpot.
What is the First Fish Jackpot?
The $100 First Fish Jackpot is awarded to the team that releases the first fish of the tournament.
What is the Last Fish Jackpot?
The $100 Last Fish Jackpot is awarded to the team that releases the last fish of the tournament.
How are fish releases verified?
Teams must follow the tournament's official release verification procedures, including the required release video check-in.
When are release videos checked in?
Release videos are checked in following each day's fishing period. Teams should follow all official tournament instructions for video submission and verification.
What happens during tournament week?
Wednesday, October 21
5:00 PM — VGYH Registration & Cocktail Party + Live Music
7:00 PM — Chez Bamboo, Buffet Dinner
Thursday, October 22
6:00 AM — VGYH Breakfast on the Dock at Brew Café
7:00 AM — Bimini Start
4:00 PM — Lines Out
5:00 PM — Release Video Check-In + Cocktails on the Dock
7:30 PM — Hog Heaven or Sugar Cane + Live Music
Friday, October 23
6:00 AM — VGYH Breakfast on the Dock at Brew Café
8:00 AM — Lines In
4:00 PM — Lines Out
5:00 PM — Release Video Check-In + Cocktails on the Dock
7:00 PM — Captain's Choice of Venue throughout Virgin Gorda
Saturday, October 24 — LAYDAY
Special Fuel Discount in the morning at VGYH
Cruise to Anegada
5:00 PM — Captain's Choice Dinner at Anegada Reef Hotel
Sunday, October 25
7:00 AM — Lines In
3:00 PM — Lines Out
4:00 PM — Release Video Check-In
7:00 PM — Coco Maya Award Ceremony, Dinner, Open Bar & Live Music
How is the base entry prize money distributed?
Fifty percent of the base entry fee prize pool is paid to the top three teams:
1st Place — 50%
2nd Place — 30%
3rd Place — 20%
The remaining 50% goes to the tournament.
When are prize winnings paid?
Prize funds are disbursed 30 days from receipt of all required documentation, provided all tournament entry fees have cleared the bank.
How can prize money be paid?
Prize funds may be distributed by check, ACH, or wire transfer. A signed Form W-9, when applicable, is also required.
When is the awards ceremony?
The 2026 North Drop Open Awards Ceremony takes place on Sunday, October 25 at 7:00 PM at Coco Maya.
The evening includes the Awards Ceremony, Dinner, Open Bar, and Live Music.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Chad Lettsome — Tournament Director
gamefishbvi@gmail.com
+1 284-340-6000
Kizzie Hodge — Deputy Director
kizziehodge1992@gmail.com
+1 284-340-9087
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