Armed Forces Shootout

About this tournament

The Armed Forces Shootout (AFS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit offshore sportfishing tournament held annually at Abaco Beach Resort in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas. The 4th Annual event runs May 7–9, 2026, presented by CAT Marine. AFS uses a unique anglers-only format: 20–25 donor sportfish yachts host 30+ vetted active-duty and veteran U.S. Armed Forces special warfare operators — primarily Navy and Army — for two days of marlin and meat fishing at no cost to the veterans. Founded by Capt. Cory Gillespie of "Lunatico," the tournament covers roundtrip flights from South Florida, hotel at Abaco Beach Resort, all meals, and open bar for every Armed Forces angler. The format is three days, two fishing days. The AFS committee assigns up to three vetted Armed Forces anglers to each participating vessel, and only AFS-approved anglers score points. Trophies go to the top Armed Forces anglers and the top overall boat. 100% of proceeds benefit the Bird's Eye View Project, which funds veteran suicide prevention and mental-health research, including work with the Dallas Brain Institute. To date, AFS has raised over $150,000 for veteran and first-responder suicide-prevention programs.