As with any precious resource, billfish require protection from over fishing or the sport and its long standing traditions could be in jeopardy. In an effort to preserve sportfishing for generations to come, TBF is proud to have entered a Conservation Partnership with Gulf Coast Hatteras.

Headquartered in Orange Beach, AL Gulf Coast Hatteras is an authorized dealer of the Hatteras, Cabo, and Albemarle brands. Their network of offices, brokers and service team spans the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. Under the leadership of owners Eric Jung and Rod Windley, Gulf Coast Hatteras specializes in the sale of new and pre-owned boats and have a highly decorated sales and service team who take pride in their commitment to the environment.

TBF is excited about our new partnership because GCH is committed to conserving the marine resources upon which its customer base relies and upon which everyone draws great benefit and inspiration in the quality of everyday life. “By linking the recreational offshore fishing community in the Gulf of Mexico together to support billfish conservation, and other migratory species, we believe that we can cultivate strong fishing ethics, sportsmanship and safe boating practices that benefits the entire boating and sports fishing industry” remarked TBF President, Ellen Peel. “Built on this foundation, we believe our partnership with GCH will create a strong economic base for the recreational fishing community throughout the Gulf of Mexico.”

To raise awareness of our goals, our organizations will share resources at boat shows and tournaments along the Gulf of Mexico to strengthen our presence before the bill fishing community. In addition TBF & GCH will jointly sponsor a Gulf of Mexico Top Release Award for the captain, angler, mate and female angler, who are TBF members and who release the most billfish, excluding swordfish, in the Gulf of Mexico during a competition year. Two youth awards will also be presented to anglers under age 18, who release the most billfish of any species, except for swordfish. “We believe that our sponsorship of these Release Awards will communicate and reinforce the importance of our mission of conserving these vital marine resources” stated Eric Jung, CEO of Gulf Coast Hatteras. “GCH will help grow TBF memberships among its customer base, and in return, TBF will work with GCH’s customers to provide them the most current and informed news on great fishing and boating opportunities that our conservation efforts are helping to preserve” Jung added.

At TBF, we are excited about the future. By partnering with GCH to protect our wonderful natural resources and raising the profile of ethical sports fishing practices throughout the industry we hope to grow interest in our conservation efforts and keep the tradition of sports fishing alive for generation to come.

To learn more about the conservation efforts of The Billfish Foundation and how you can get involved visit www.BillfishFoundation.org. For more information on the products and services offered by Gulf Coast Hatteras call 866.369.2220 or visit www.gulfcoasthatteras.com.