Fishermen's Day is observed in the Marshall Islands every first Friday of July and is recognized as a public holiday. The celebration originated in 1981 when four friends founded the Marshalls Billfish Club to participate in the Hawaiian Invitational Billfish Tournament, which they won. This inspired the establishment of an annual national tournament, with the first event held in 1982, supported by volunteers, local businesses, and the government. The Fishermen's Day Tournament, which takes place on the first Sunday in July, involves competing fishermen aiming to catch the heaviest or biggest fish across various categories. Participants return in the evening to measure and weigh their catches, after which winners are announced, leading to festivities enjoyed by hundreds. Fishing has been vital to the Marshall Islands' economy, making this celebration significant to the community.