Jason Bailey Earns Bronze for Team USA as Mexico Captures Gold at the 2025 Pan-American Billfish Championship
The waters of Piñas Bay, Panama have once again written fishing history. The 2025 Pan-American Billfish Championship, hosted at the legendary Tropic Star Lodge, has concluded with unforgettable results:
Mexico wins gold. Team USA secures bronze. And our very own Jason Bailey stood right in the heart of the action.
For Top Anglers, this tournament is more than a competitive event — it represents the growth of our community, our international presence, and the evolving future of sportfishing.
Jason Bailey: A Top Anglers Ambassador on the Podium
As our US Sales Manager, owner of topanglersfishing.com and longtime friend of the Top Anglers family, Jason Bailey brought determination, talent, and heart to the world stage. He’s very cool and can help you get accommodated if you click here.
His daily updates from Panama told the story of a week filled with pressure, excitement, and the true unpredictability of billfish:
“We hooked two blue marlin today — one between 500–600 pounds. Fought it for an hour and forty-five minutes.”
“Sails coming up, hitting the lures with their bills, but not committing.”
“We’re waiting to see what the point totals are after today.”
“Mexico takes the gold! USA the bronze.”
Despite a bite that was famously selective all week, Jason and teammate Zak finished with the #1 boat within Team USA, contributing crucial points toward the nation’s overall bronze medal.
This is a moment of pride not only for Jason — but for every captain, angler, and friend who makes up the Top Anglers family.
🥇 Mexico: A Gold Medal That Reflects Decades of Excellence
When the final scores landed, Mexico claimed the gold, solidifying its position as one of the strongest forces in international billfish competition.
For us at Top Anglers — as a proudly Mexican family business — this win carries deep emotional meaning. It celebrates:
Mexico’s rise in competitive sportfishing
The talent found across Baja California Sur and beyond
The dedication of generations of captains and anglers
The international respect earned by Mexican fishermen
This gold medal is a victory for the entire Mexican sportfishing community.
The Global Stage: A Championship Under CIPS-M
The Pan-American Championship is sanctioned under CIPS-M (Confédération Internationale de la Pêche Sportive – Mer), the governing body recognized by and collaborating with the International Olympic Committee.
This isn’t just a tournament — it’s part of a larger mission:
The target: to make sportfishing an Olympic sport.
Every competition, including this one, adds structure, legitimacy, and international visibility to the movement.
Jason’s bronze and Mexico’s gold contribute to that global momentum.
Leadership That Shapes the Continent: Luis Miguel García
One of the most influential figures in today’s sportfishing world is Luis Miguel García, president of both:
The Mexican Sportfishing Federation, and
The Pan-American Sportfishing Federation
Under his leadership:
The Pan-American circuit has grown stronger, more organized, and more prestigious.
Collaborations with CIPS-M have intensified.
Conservation-focused, ethical angling has become a core pillar.
National teams — especially Mexico — have found international success.
His work directly impacts moments like the one we celebrate today.
Top Anglers: Competing at the Highest Levels
This tournament adds to the international footprint of Top Anglers, alongside our participation in:
Big Game Trolling World Championship, France: Where Top Anglers captains showed exceptional performance and earned the respect of international competitors.
Mexican National Championships: Where our brand proudly represents Baja California Sur and helps elevate competitive angling in Mexico.
Pan-American Billfish Championship, Panama: Where Jason Bailey now becomes part of our history with his bronze medal contribution.
From Cabo San Lucas to France to Panama — the Top Anglers name keeps growing.
A Win for the Sport, a Win for the Community
Whether fighting a 600-pound blue marlin for nearly two hours or celebrating the news of medal placements, this tournament showcased everything we love about big-game fishing:
Skill
Grit
Teamwork
Patience
Conservation
International unity
Jason’s bronze and Mexico’s gold are victories that will inspire anglers across the Americas.
And for us — they strengthen our belief that the Top Anglers legacy belongs on the world stage.
Congratulations to Jason, Team USA, and Team Mexico
We celebrate each of you.
You made history — and you made us proud.
Tight lines, always.
