San Juan, Puerto Rico – The best anglers in sport fishing are now competing for the “Zane Grey Championship Trophy.” Today, the Sport Fishing Championship officially announced its partnership to immortalize the iconic fisherman and accomplished author by naming the championship trophy in his honor. The agreement provides the Sport Fishing Championship exclusive rights to use Grey’s name and likeness, a nod to his historic contributions to the sport.
From the pages of a book, Zane Grey ignited a passion for sport fishing in the hearts of his readers. From the bow of his yacht, the Fisherman, he became one of the most prolific anglers in bill fishing. Grey’s literary works helped him earn the title “the Father of the American Western.” Still, it was the encounters and adventures portrayed in books such as Tales of Fishing Virgin Seas, Tales of Swordfish and Tuna, and An American Angler in Australia that inspired the fishing community.
Grey’s literary success allowed him to pursue his passion for fishing. He was the first angler known to catch a 1,000-pound blue marlin on rod and reel. Renowned as a pioneer, Grey championed methods to hook the world’s most powerful game fish, the broadbill swordfish, and even introduced the concept of a mothership, which kept his smaller fishing boat supplied throughout long journeys. His accolades earned him an induction into the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame in 1998.
“It is an honor and a privilege to preserve Zane Grey’s legacy through the SFC’s world-class championship trophy,” said Mark Neifeld, CEO & Commissioner of the Sport Fishing Championship. “Zane was a visionary angler and iconic storyteller. His contributions to sport fishing introduced and inspired millions of anglers – which is what we set out to do when launching a legacy championship for saltwater fishing.”
The Zane Grey Championship Trophy is a 34” lead crystal marlin rising out of the sea, designed by world-renowned glass artist Susan Gott and crafted in the Czech Republic. It will make its debut at next week’s Blue Tide Caribbean Summit. Then, it will then be seen for the first time by competitors during the Sport Fishing Championship’s culminating event, the 69th San Juan International Billfish Tournament at Club Naútico de San Juan. The heated competition will crown its winner on Saturday, August 20, awarding the top angling team more than $1 million and the opportunity to “kiss the crystal.”
For more information on the Sport Fishing Championship, Zane Grey Championship Trophy, or the San Juan International Billfish Tournament, please visit sportfishingchampionship.com.
