Awards Categories
The HBGFC Awards Program has been established for both Texas and International Divisions. Categories and rules are the same for each division, except where noted.
All Members of HBGFC are eligible for the Awards Program. There are no entry fees. Awards will be presented to the winners at the Annual Members Celebration and Awards Banquet held each spring.
NOTE: Please read all 2026 Awards Program categories and rules closely as they have been updated.
2026 Club Awards Program Rules and Regulations are available in the Reel Time App.
AWARDS CATEGORIES
TEXAS
Largest Blue Marlin – 3 Places
Blue marlin caught, weighed and counted in a recognized Texas tournament that awards prize money for weighed blue marlin. Blue Marlin weighed will count 500 points OR 1 point per pound for fish over 500 pounds to the Top Boat and Top Outboard Boat Category, Top Male, Top Female, Top Captain, Top Mate or Top Junior Angler Categories.
Largest Yellowfin, Wahoo, Dolphin and Swordfish – 3 Places
Minimum weight is 25 pounds for yellowfin, wahoo and dolphin. Minimum weight is 150 pounds for swordfish. Largest fish awards are given to the angler regardless of member classification, i.e. Male, Female or Junior. Fish may be weighed at any Club weigh station, IGFA certified scale, or certified by recognized tournaments as stated above. See weigh station information.
Swordfish – 3 Places
Swordfish are worth 250 boated or released. This is a boat only category and does not count toward overall release points or angler, captain or mate points.
Top Boat of the Year – 3 Places
Awarded to the private boat of a member owner for most weighed blue marlin points plus release points.
Top Outboard Boat of the Year – 3 Places
(Separate from Top Boat of the Year)
Awarded to the private outboard boat of a member owner for most weighed blue marlin points plus release points.
Top Male and Top Female Angler of the Year – 3 Places
Awarded to the adult male and female members for most weighed blue marlin points plus release points.
Junior Angler of the Year – 3 Places
Awarded to the junior member for most weighed blue marlin points plus release points. If no blue marlin are weighed or released points submitted, the award will go to the junior member with the heaviest weighed yellowfin tuna, wahoo or dolphin.
Top Captain and Top Mate of the Year – 3 Places
Awarded to the top professional (fulltime/paid) captain member and mate member on any HBGFC boats combined for most weighed blue marlin points plus release points.
INTERNATIONAL
Largest Blue Marlin – 3 Places
Blue marlin caught and weighed on a certified scale. Blue Marlin weighed will count 500 points OR 1 point per pound for fish over 500 pounds to the Top Boat Category, Top Male, Top Female, or Top Junior Angler Categories.
Largest Black Marlin – 3 Places
Black marlin caught and weighed on a certified scale. Blue Marlin weighed will count 500 points OR 1 point per pound for fish over 500 pounds to the Top Boat Category, Top Male, Top Female, or Top Junior Angler Categories.
Swordfish – 3 Places
Swordfish are worth 250 points boated or released. This is a boat only category and does not count toward overall release points or angler points.
Top Private Boat of the Year – 3 Places
Awarded to the private boat of a member owner for most weighed blue and black marlin points plus release points.
Top Charter Boat of the Year – 3 Places
Awarded to the charter boat of a member owner for most weighed blue and black marlin points plus release points.
Top Male and Top Female Angler of the Year – 3 Places
Awarded to the adult male and female members for most weighed blue or black marlin points plus release points.
Junior Angler of the Year – 3 Places
Awarded to the junior angler for most weighed blue or black marlin points plus release points. If no blue or black marlin are weighed or release points submitted, the award will go to the junior angler with the heaviest weighed yellowfin tuna, wahoo or dolphin.
Top Captain and Top Mate of the Year – 3 Places
Awarded to the top professional (fulltime/paid) captain member and mate member on any HBGFC boats combined for most weighed blue and black marlin points plus release points.
Top Boat, Top Outboard Boat, Top Captain, Top Mate, Female Angler, Male Angler, and Junior Angler Divisions may only win first place two years in a row. After the second year, they must abstain from participating for one year. Membership dues may not lapse during that year. This rule does not apply to meat pots.
Should there be no fish caught for awards in a category, the award may be presented based on other angling accomplishments at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
RELEASE SCORING
Points:
Blue Marlin – 500 Points, Black Marlin – 500 Points, White Marlin – 200 Points, Striped Marlin – 200 Points, Sailfish – 100 Points, Spearfish – 100 Points
Bonus Points:
Angler Grand Slam – 500 Points
(Any three billfish species caught by the same angler on the same calendar day)
Boat Grand Slam – 500 Points
(Any three billfish species caught on a Member’s boat on the same calendar day by different anglers)
Line Class World Record – 1000 Points
The Houston Big Game Fishing Club Scholarship Trust has been established to provide financial aid to qualified students who plan to attend a Texas university or college. The Board of Directors and Scholarship Committee will award scholarships each year, including one recipient designated as the Randy Bright Scholar, along with additional selected recipients. Scholarship amounts will be determined at the Club’s discretion and may be applied toward tuition, campus housing, or other university or college expenses.
Scholarships will be awarded in such amounts and to such students as determined appropriate by the Club. The following criteria will be considered:
The candidate must be a high school or GED graduate. Preference may be given to students pursuing degrees in marine sciences or conservation. Candidates must be accepted at a recognized university or college in the State of Texas and must pursue a course of study leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree. The minimum enrollment requirement is 12 hours per semester.
Personal qualifications considered will include, but are not limited to, evidence of general aptitude and ability in the area of study, the character of the candidate, and previous academic accomplishments. The committee will also consider the candidate’s relative financial need when compared with other applicants.
Completed scholarship applications must be received by the March 15 deadline of each application cycle. Questions may be directed to info@hbgfc.com.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
A COMPLETED SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM
TRANSCRIPT
High school and/or college transcripts.
PERSONAL ESSAY / LETTER (MAXIMUM TWO PAGES, DOUBLE‑SPACED)
FIRST‑TIME APPLICANTS SHOULD INCLUDE:
- Explanation of choice of university or college.
- Explanation of proposed degree.
- Explanation of financial need (a Student Aid Report may be submitted at the applicant’s discretion).
- Description of active participation in extra‑curricular, community, or charitable programs.
- Disclosure of any family members working in marine‑related industries (captains, mates, marine mechanics, marine biologists, game wardens, etc.).
PREVIOUSLY AWARDED APPLICANTS SHOULD INCLUDE:
- Explanation of degree progress over the past year and any changes in academic plans.
- Explanation of how prior scholarship funds were used and how future funds would be applied.
- Description of extra‑curricular, community, or charitable involvement over the past year, including participation in HBGFC activities.
- Updated financial need information.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Two (2) letters of recommendation from an advisor, school official, or someone familiar with the applicant’s character and academic qualifications. Letters should address character, personality, ability, scholastic performance, and extra‑curricular involvement. Optional for previously awarded applicants.
Applicants must also provide the names, addresses, and positions of the individuals submitting recommendations.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Completed applications must be submitted electronically (do not mail) and received by March 15 of the application year. Questions may be emailed to info@hbgfc.com. Applications or letters of recommendation received after March 15 will not be considered.