Casco Bay Bluefun Bonaza | Boothbay Harbor Tuna Challenge | Bailey Island Fishing Tournament Cooperative.
Gulf of Maine Grand Slam Tournament Add-On
$250.00
Enhancing their efforts to support local communities and a sustainable bluefin tuna fishery, three Maine tuna tournaments joined forces to create a new series called the Gulf of Maine Grand Slam. Vessels that register for all three tournaments will be eligible for additional prize money — part of which will go to a charity of the winning captain’s choice.
The original Slam series began in 2024 with the Bluefin Benefit Battle in Portland.
“The Bluefin Benefit Battle is an inspiring event. Year after year, it continues to bring the community together, to not only support local fisherman but to support each other in the fight against cancer,” said Courtenay Needham, American Cancer Society Director of Development of Northern New England.
“The dedication of our volunteers, and our sponsors’ commitment to the ACS embodies the ‘local fish, local fight’ motto and we are grateful for their efforts to raise money and awareness to help local Maine families affected by cancer.”
The second tournament is the Bailey Island Fishing Tournament in Harpswell. Hosted by the Casco Bay Tuna Club, the event includes opportunities for both adult and youth anglers.
“The Casco Bay Tuna Club’s Bailey Island Fishing Tournament is thrilled to be a part of the opportunity for fishermen to participate in a Grand Slam,” said tournament president Monique Coombs.
“This marks our first year back after a short hiatus, and it’s more important than ever for tournaments to collaborate in demonstrating their steadfast commitment to sustainability and the health of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. We can achieve this by working together to encourage fishermen to responsibly handle their catch and promoting strong values rooted in stewardship and conservation.”
The third tournament is the Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza in South Portland. This event raises funds for Maine community college scholarships, internships, and supports bluefin tuna research at the University of Maine’s Pelagic Fisheries Lab. It features a Youth Day event, four fishing days, and a fundraising auction and dinner, where over $50,000 in prize money is awarded.
“I think this new initiative is a great way to demonstrate unity among the tournaments and how we’re all working together to benefit our communities,” said Bluefin Bonanza president Bob Humphrey.
For 2025, the Boothbay Harbor Tuna Challenge joins the Grand Slam series and will present their awards at their tournament’s wrap-up event — expanding the initiative’s reach along the Maine coast.
To qualify for the Grand Slam’s top honor, vessels must be registered in all three participating tournaments. The captain and crew that accumulate the most points across the series will win a trophy, a cash prize, and bragging rights as Maine’s Top Tuna Team.