A record-setting 261 billfish were released at the Construction Industry’s premier big game fishing tournament in Costa Rica!!
 
 The April 2026 Buds & Suds Saltwater Challenge once again delivered on the hype, bringing together construction industry professionals from across North America for an unforgettable week of competition, connection, and adventure.
 
 Held April 22–26, 2026 at Los Sueños Resort on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, the four-day experience featured private networking events, chef-curated dinners, golf, ATV excursions, waterfall adventures, and two incredible days of offshore competitive fishing. The celebration closed with a spectacular beachfront fireworks show honoring the top placing teams and the camaraderie built throughout the week.
 
 Tournament Results
 1st Place Overall – Reliance Worldwide Corporation & PDI - Kitchen, Bath, & Lighting
 A dominant and unrelenting performance with 27 billfish and 2,700 points secured the championship for the team from Georgia. Led by Ryan McDowell (RWC), Brandon McNeal and Alan Thurmond (PDI), alongside Bruce McGrew, Joshua McGrew, Benjamin Riggle (Hallway Plumbing), and R. Zachery Hudgins (Pointer Agency).
 2nd Place – Battersby Danielson Azbell (BDA) & OmegaFlex
 This team surged up the leaderboard with 21 sailfish and 1 striped marlin, totaling 2,400 points. Led by Joe Azbell and Austin Dartt (BDA), joined by John Hartman (Northside Plumbing), David King (DR’s Plumbing), Terry Mann (Fenner Plumbing), and Chris Wilds (TPC Mechanical).
 3rd Place – Cregger Company Inc. Company & Viega LLC
 With 1 blue marlin and 19 sailfish, the "Carolina Reel Men" finished with 2,200 points. Led by Brendan Donohue(Cregger Company) and Frisco Tshiams, MBA (Viega), joined by Greg Andrews, PE, Jerman Rosa, Jonathan Sutton, and Kevin White (Charlotte Mechanical). They also captured the Dorado Jackpot with a 40.92 lb dorado.

 Tuna Jackpot Winner – Milwaukee Tool
 Team "Monkey Wrench" landed a 120.59 lb yellowfin tuna to claim top tuna honors. Led by Tim Laupert (Milwaukee Tool), with Gary Perky and Matt Gerber (Shambaugh & Son).
 As we look ahead to the December 2026 Saltwater Challenge, Buds & Suds continues to raise the bar—blending elite networking, world-class sportfishing, and unforgettable experiences into the most unique event in the construction industry. Fish On!

The next Buds & Suds Saltwater Challenge will take place December 9th - 13th 2026 at the Los Sueños Resort in Costa Rica where teams of construction pros will try their luck and test their skills in what’s widely known as the billfish capital of the world. 

Buds & Suds Fishing Adventures specializes in curating luxury corporate events, VIP services, event management, and produces and hosts the Construction Industry’s premier big game fishing tournament and networking event in Costa Rica.