Spanish Fly Shark Tournament 2026: Jose Wejebe’s Legacy Returns
The Spanish Fly Shark Tournament is more than just another Florida Keys fishing tournament-it is a celebration of fishing community, conservation, and the enduring spirit of Captain Jose Wejebe. Founded by Jose’s daughter, Krissy Wejebe, the tournament was built to be a one-of-a-kind event that honors her father’s “made-for-TV” brilliance.
Inspired by Jose’s pivotal role in producing the legendary Madfin Shark Tournament, Krissy wanted to recreate that same mold-breaking energy that turned saltwater fishing into a high-production spectator sport. Long before today’s headlines were dominated by shark fishing debates, Madfin delivered a level of adrenaline usually reserved for the NFL or the X-Games. It was a cultural shift—a masterpiece of fishing media—and it is that exact spirit that drives the mission of the Spanish Fly Shark Tournament in 2026.
I love watching these old Madfin Shark Tournament clips on YouTube.
“But wait,” someone might say, “they didn’t even have drones back then.”
“Nope. But they used helicopters buzzing the surface to track high-speed chases across the flats, delivering a level of production value that was simply unheard of at the time. Jose didn’t just show us how to fish; he captured the true ‘theatre of the hunt.’ He proved that elite saltwater angling belonged on the big stage—and that is exactly why this tournament is television worth watching.”
It was the one fishing show I truly looked forward to every single week—an awesome, fast-paced event that made the Florida Keys fishery feel like the biggest stadium on earth.
Florida Keys Shark Fishing “Conditioned Avoidance”
In a recent podcast interview, Krissy Wejebe and I dove deep into the modern controversy surrounding shark fishing.
Spanish Fly Shark Tournament is designed to be more than just a game—it is a source of vital data. Through research partnership with the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), teams are encouraged to participate in tagging and data collection to help better understand shark behavior and the long-term sustainability of our fisheries.
At the heart of this effort is the “Conditioned Avoidance” philosophy. By catching and releasing sharks using non-stainless, in-line circle hooks anglers are teaching these apex predators to associate boats and hooked fish with a “negative experience.”
This isn’t just a theory; it is a proven method that Jose Wejebe pioneered with Barracudas on the flats years ago. I began sharing this philosophy of conditional avoidance with anglers back when I first started as a fishing guide, and it has been a recurring theme throughout my podcast because it works.
For years, myself and many other veteran fishing guides have witnessed a tangible shift in behavior when practicing this method with barracudas. These fish learn that a boat and a hooked catch aren’t just an “easy meal”—they are a source of negative reinforcement. Over time, the fish become “smarter” and more cautious, eventually becoming less likely to swarm every hookup in the area.
In episode 34 of Good Karma Sportfishing Podcast I talk about how to the avoid the “tax man”. This technique works for me when it comes to avoiding barracudas. Listen to this older episode by clicking here.
By applying this same logic to the Spanish Fly Shark Tournament, we are suggesting a path forward that helps the entire fishing community. When sharks are ethically caught and released, they learn that human activity is something to be avoided, not sought out.
This “education” of the sharks aka ” The Tax Man” from eating your catch—and restores a necessary, natural balance in between fisherman and sharks. Yes it is a forward approach in conservation that protects the shark species while preserving the integrity and future of our sport fishing. This move toward a smarter, more balanced ocean is a true reflection of the “Spanish Fly” way.
Make sure to get signed up for our free “How to Not Get Sharked” informational guide by clicking here.
The 2026 Spanish Fly Shark Tournament Technicals
For the professional guide, recreational angler, tournament fishing team and fishing influencers, the Spanish Fly Shark Tournament (April 2–4, 2026) represents the pinnacle of light-tackle shark fishing. This is not a “meat hunter” event; it is a high-stakes, technical challenge that rewards intelligence, species identification, and elite fishing skills.
The 2026 Format: Strategic Expansion
This is the third year of the tournament, they have moved beyond the initial focus on bull sharks. Under our new NOAA registration, the 2026 species list has expanded to include the “Big Five” of the Keys: Tiger, Bull, Lemon, Blacktip, and Nurse sharks.
Divisions & Awards
- Offshore Division: Targeting the deep wrecks and blue water.
- Inshore Division: Focused on the backcountry, flats, and channels.
- Podium: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies (crafted by David Wirth) awarded in each division.
The Scoring Matrix: Conventional vs. Fly
We recognize that sticking a 300lb Tiger on an 12-weight fly rod is a different game than using a spinning reel. Our 2026 scoring reflects that disparity, offering a 50% point premium for fly catches.
| Species | Conventional Tackle | Fly Fishing (The Bonus) |
| Tiger Shark | 500 pts | 750 pts |
| Bull Shark | 200 pts | 300 pts |
| Blacktip Shark | 50 pts | 100 pts |
| Lemon Shark | 15 pts | 30 pts |
| Nurse Shark | 10 pts | 20 pts |
| Open Class | 5 pts | 10 pts |
| Open Class includes any other legal shark species not listed above. |
Integrity & Verification: The “Madfin” Standard
To maintain the prestige of a televised event on Outdoor America, our verification process is airtight. We have moved away from “honor system” photos and toward a high-integrity digital workflow.
- The Slap Bracelet System: Each morning, captains and anglers are issued a unique, color-coded slap bracelet.
- The Mandatory Visual: For a catch to be scored, this bracelet must be clearly visible in the photo or video submission. This prevents the “recycling” of old footage and ensures every point is earned in real-time.
- Video Submissions: We now utilize the Web Pro Tournament Manager (WPTM) app for direct video uploads. This allows our judges to verify species ID via tail shape and fin morphology, reducing handling time and stress on the fish.
The Social & The Legacy
- Day One Happy Hour: Join us for a mid-tournament “Strategy Session” (Location TBD).
- Awards Gala: Key West Yacht Club.
- Proceeds: 100% of tournament proceeds benefit the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation, funding “Dream Trips” for veterans and foster youth.
Shark Tournament Registration
Secure your spot in this historic event, registration is handled directly through the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation official website at josewejebefoundation.org. Once there, navigate to the “Tournaments” section to find the 2026 registration portal, where you can select your division—Inshore or Offshore—and enter your team’s details. Because the tournament utilizes the Web Pro Tournament Manager (WPTM) app for real-time video scoring and species verification, ensure your primary contact has the app downloaded and ready for the captain’s briefing. Space is limited to maintain the high-integrity, televised nature of the event, so we encourage early sign-ups to ensure your team is part of the “theatre of the hunt” this April.
The Spanish Fly
The Spanish Fly Story Continues
In 2026, the fishing world will come full circle with the return of Spanish Fly. More than a decade after the passing of the legendary Jose Wejebe, the iconic series has been revived not as a simple reboot, but as a heartfelt tribute to the man who redefined saltwater angling.
Here is the summary of this modern-day revival:
The 2026 relaunch is a collaboration between Jose’s daughter, Krissy Wejebe, and Outdoor America. To bridge the gap between the original fans and a new generation, the show features James Marko as co-host. The production blends breathtaking new 8K cinematography with never-before-seen archival footage and “Best Of” originals, creating a narrative that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
As Krissy famously put it during the revival’s announcement: “My dad didn’t just change the way people fish—he changed the way they feel about fishing.” The 2026 episodes return to classic Spanish Fly locations, from the turquoise flats of the Florida Keys to remote international waters, focusing on:
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Conservation-First Storytelling: Highlighting the “Conditioned Avoidance” philosophy and partnerships with organizations like the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.
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The Foundation Spotlight: Each episode honors Jose’s legacy by featuring the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation, which makes fishing dreams come true for veterans and foster youth.
When you watch the video below, compare the intensity of these classic broadcasts to the “flat-calm” pacing of typical modern YouTube fishing content—you’ll immediately see why this show was special.
Where to Watch
The 2026 season airs across Outdoor America’s massive broadcast platform, reaching over 80 million households, and is available for streaming on Samsung TV Plus and Amazon Prime.
The return of Spanish Fly in 2026 proves that while the gear and the technology have evolved, the “Magic in the Water” remains exactly the same. Jose’s spirit is back on the water, and as Krissy says, “The world could use a little more Jose
The excitement doesn’t end when the boats return to the dock. You’ll be able to witness the “magic” for yourself when the Spanish Fly Shark Tournament airs on Outdoor America later this year, with full coverage of the 2026 season to follow.
The Good Karma Sportfishing Podcast: THE KRISSY WEJEBE INTERVIEW
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Krissy Wejebe to discuss the evolution of the Spanish Fly Shark Tournament and the incredible work being done through the Foundation. During our conversation, we tackled the big question: What would Jose think about this new age of fishing?
Conclusion
The “magic in the water” Jose always spoke about hasn’t faded—it has evolved. The Spanish Fly Shark Tournament is the living proof that we can bridge the gap between high-octane entertainment and deep-rooted conservation.
In an age of endless digital noise, there is a lesson to be learned from the house that Jose built. To every modern content creator, fishing influencer, and outdoor producer: Go back and watch Jose. Watch how he handled the camera, how he respected the resource, and how he turned a simple day on the water into a cinematic masterpiece. He didn’t just film a hobby; he captured a feeling. If we want to ensure the future of our sport is as bright as its past, we must continue to blend that same heart, humility, and high-production “theatre” into everything we do. Because, let’s be honest—the world could always use a little more Jose.