Port Lincoln Tuna Classic March 20-22, 2026 Focuses on Catch-and-Release

Port Lincoln will host a three-day, tag-and-release Southern Bluefin Tuna tournament March 20-22, 2026 billed by the event site as "Australia’s premier catch-and-release tournament for Southern Bluefin Tuna." The Riviera event page calls 2026 the 20th annual Port Lincoln Tuna Classic and confirms the March 20–22 dates for competition off Port Lincoln, South Australia.

The tournament is run by the not-for-profit Port Lincoln Tuna Classic Inc., and sponsor pages list Twin Disc Pacific and Seakeeper Pacific as major backers. Twin Disc’s event copy reads "Twin Disc Pacific and Seakeeper Pacific are proud major sponsors of the 2026 Port Lincoln Tuna Classic–Australia’s premier catch-and-release tournament for Southern Bluefin Tuna." The Twin Disc sponsor page also carries its product navigation including Marine Transmissions, Veth Propulsion, ARNESON Surface Drives, ROLLA™ Propellers, Propulsion Control Systems, Marine Control Drives, Pump Drives, Sail Drives, Power Take-Offs, Seakeeper®, Seakeeper® Ride, Gear Boxes, Pumping, Municipal and Mining alongside its event messaging.

Conservation and fundraising are central to the Classic’s pitch. Twin Disc’s copy lists the target species as "Southern Bluefin Tuna (tag and release only)" and frames the weekend as one of "camaraderie, and conservation." The Riviera event page confirms a charity partnership with Variety SA and says "Through our Calcutta auction, a portion of the prize pool is donated to support Variety’s life-changing programs," with a site call-to-action to donate.

The event page leans into the milestone: "Join us for the 20th annual Port Lincoln Tuna Classic in 2026. Get ready to celebrate two decades of adrenaline-pumping action, epic catches, and unbeatable camaraderie in one of Australia’s most iconic fishing comps." Riviera’s 2025 event wrap-up preserves local names and memories, noting "We have been sailing on with the same passion, integrity and comradery that Russell, Gabriella, and the legendary Team Teakle instilled in it," and recording that "Steve’s crew on TOOSLOW caught the second heaviest fish" in both 2020 and 2023, with that wrap-up entry timestamped 04/12/2022 on the site excerpt.

The event’s heritage is framed two ways in captured material: Twin Disc traces the Classic back to 2006, saying "What started in 2006 as a friendly challenge between a handful of keen fishos has evolved into one of Australia’s most respected bluewater fishing tournaments," while the Riviera event site bills 2026 as the 20th annual edition. Entry logistics remain sparse in the captured pages; the Riviera site copy urges "Don’t miss your chance to be part of history – entries open soon!" but the supplied excerpts do not include entry fees, registration URL, prize-pool breakdowns, or a daily schedule.

Twin Disc’s sponsor page offers an alternate access route for those not on the water, noting "Can’t make it in person? Explore our virtual On Water and On Land tradeshows today!" Organisers have set the calendar for March 20–22, 2026 in Port Lincoln, with an emphasis on tag-and-release Southern Bluefin Tuna and community fundraising through the Calcutta auction. Riviera and Twin Disc close their messages with event good wishes and promotional optimism — "Whether you're a seasoned skipper or first-time entrant, this milestone year promises big fish, big prizes, and even bigger memories," and "Good Luck to All Competitors — We wish all anglers the best of luck for the 2026 tournament.