The 28th Annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament was one for the books!

With 220 boats on the water and 145 billfish releases (a new tournament record!), this year’s KWLA was nothing short of legendary. Lady anglers released 63 blue marlin, 65 sailfish, and 16 white marlin — proving once again that the women of KWLA know how to put on a show offshore.

The leaderboard saw nonstop shakeups throughout the day, with Carterican and Following Seas locked in a tight race. In the end, Carterican pulled ahead with a double grand slam + extras — releasing 3 blue marlin, 3 white marlin, and 2 sailfish to take home the win and $111,563 in prize money.

Carterican’s crew fished in honor of their beloved friend Brittany, who is currently battling cancer. Angler Callie Smith shared:

“We were a small but mighty crew and we were definitely doing it for Brittany. My blue marlin was probably the toughest of them... I remember at one point I was getting ready to just give up and I thought — you know what, this is nothing compared to the battle that these ladies are fighting against cancer... so it was awesome.”

This is exactly the kind of heart, determination, and sisterhood that Keli envisioned when the KWLA Tournament began — and it’s a legacy that continues to shine through every year.

Following Seas secured second place, earning $24,862 with 3 blue marlin + 1 sailfish — just edging out Outnumbered, who matched their release count but finished just moments later to take third place. (Fun fact: Outnumbered got its name because the dad on board is literally outnumbered by his wife and daughters!)

In the @parkerboats Dolphin WTA Division, Team HARVEY made their tournament debut in unforgettable fashion — weighing in a 49.8 lb mahi aboard their brand-new 82’ Viking. Their first day fishing earned them a massive $108,800 payday. BAM followed in second with a solid 31.2 lb dolphin, earning $11,050.

The Wahoo Division saw Bootlegger land a beastly 43.5 lb wahoo for first place and $16,575, while Reel Hauler took second with a 38.3 lb wahoo, adding $11,050 to their tournament earnings.

And in the Tuna Division, Annie O claimed top honors with a 35.1 lb tuna, followed by Southern Grace with a 28.3 lb tuna — rounding out their winnings at $16,575 and $11,050 respectively.

With record-breaking releases, unforgettable moments, and an incredible community of women united by strength, passion, and purpose — this year’s KWLA Tournament reminded us all why it’s the largest lady angler tournament in the world.