About The Stuart Sailfish Club

Anchored in Tradition, Since 1941

Founded in 1941, the Stuart Sailfish Club is one of the oldest and most respected sportfishing clubs in the country. What began as a group of local captains and conservationists has grown into a vibrant, multi-generational community bonded by a love of fishing, friendship, and giving back to the waters we call home. Today, the club continues to thrive—hosting tournaments, awarding scholarships, supporting conservation efforts, and bringing people together both on and off the water.
Our Story

A Legacy That Started with a Sailfish Run

In the early 1930s, as sportfishing gained popularity along Florida’s coast, a group of local captains and community leaders in Stuart saw an opportunity to build something special. Inspired by the rise of charter boat competitions in nearby Palm Beach, they came together to form an informal fishing club that would grow into a cornerstone of the community. By 1941, the Stuart Sailfish Club was officially incorporated—just in time for one of the most remarkable sailfish migrations ever recorded.

That season, more than 5,000 sailfish were caught in the waters off Stuart. Boats returned to the docks with double-digit days, and the town quickly gained national recognition as the Sailfish Capital of the World. But amid the excitement, a deeper value began to emerge. Rather than glorify numbers alone, the club took a bold and forward-thinking stance: promoting conservation and catch-and-release practices at a time when most fish were still being brought back and hung on the docks.

Led by figures like Capt. Curt Whiticar, the club introduced a gold enamel release button and the now-iconic red pennant to reward anglers who released their catch. These early efforts helped shift the culture around sportfishing—not just in Stuart, but across the industry. From day one, the Stuart Sailfish Club was never just about tournaments. It was about doing things the right way, preserving the sport, and building a legacy that would last for generations.
Our Values

Guided by What Matters Most

Since the beginning, the Stuart Sailfish Club has been more than a fishing club. Our mission is anchored in four simple but powerful values—each one reflected in the way we fish, serve, and grow together.

Community

We believe in the power of connection—among anglers, families, local businesses, and the next generation of ocean stewards. Whether you're on the water or at a dock party, you're part of something bigger.

Camaraderie

From tournament docks to tiki bar BBQs, friendships made here run deep. This club is built on shared stories, mutual respect, and the kind of support you can count on—on and off the water.

Competition

We host some of the area's most respected sportfishing tournaments—events that celebrate skill, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. Every weigh-in, every release, and every title is earned with pride.

Conservation

We’ve led the way in ethical angling since 1941. From pioneering catch-and-release practices to funding youth education and protecting marine habitats, conservation isn’t a side note—it’s who we are.

Our Impact

Beyond the Catch

The Stuart Sailfish Club’s impact goes far beyond tournament trophies. Each year, we award scholarships to local students pursuing marine-related careers, support conservation initiatives that protect our fisheries, and host family-friendly events that strengthen our community.

From funding future scientists to promoting ethical angling practices, we’re proud to give back to the waters—and the people—that have given us so much.

The Tiki Hut

The Heart of the Club

Ask any member where the real memories are made, and they’ll point you to the tiki. From laid-back barbecues and board announcements to post-tournament celebrations and spontaneous get-togethers, our tiki hut isn’t just a structure—it’s the soul of our social side.

Located in Stuart, it’s where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the club’s spirit truly comes to life. Whether you're new to the club or a lifelong member, there's always a seat for you at the tiki.