ABOUT US

MEET THE TEAM

HELLO!

WE’RE NICK AND JANA RAVLICH, THE FOUNDERS OF THE STRIPED MARLIN WORLD CUP.

We’re just your typical Kiwi couple with a passion for fishing. Every summer, we hit the road to explore New Zealand’s stunning coastline, and when it gets too cold here, we head off to warmer destinations to keep the fishing adventures going.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN.

In 2009, we launched the Soft Bait World Cup in Coromandel Town, NZ. What began as a small event grew significantly over the next ten years—by the final competition, more than 65 boats were vying for the cash prize for the biggest snapper caught on a soft bait.

After a recent trip to Kona for the Blue Marlin World Cup aboard the High Flyer, we realised just how thrilling the one-day, one-prize tournament format can be. With New Zealand boasting some of the largest striped marlin in the world, it felt only natural to create a new competition. And so, from our home base in Waihi Beach, NZ, we’re thrilled to introduce the inaugural 2025 Striped Marlin World Cup—bring it on!