One of the top 10 big-money sport fishing tournaments in the world is set to return in June to Northwest Florida. The 21st Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Presented by MarineMax runs June 21 through June 25 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.
“We have another great tournament on tap and look forward to, once again, hosting our anglers, crews and guests,” says Tournament Director Jason Draughn. “None of this would be possible without MarineMax/Grady-White, Pelagic, Gulf Coast Yacht Group/Hatteras, Galati Yachts Sales/Viking and Visit South Walton. I’ve ordered perfect weather, fair seas and big fat qualifiers for the scales, so we’re all set for another exciting week of fishing.”
Participants will be vying for more than $2 million in cash and prizes. The top prize is blue marlin, which must measure at least 110 inches from the tip of the lower jaw to the fork of the tail in order to be eligible for the weigh-in. The normal blue marlin that wins an award weighs 652 pounds or more.
Smaller blues, white marlin, sailfish, and spearfish that are successfully released also receive points in the competitive release division in addition to the blue marlin weight category. Wahoo, dolphin, and yellowfin and bigeye tuna are all scored at one point per pound, and the results are corroborated by video.
The ECBC draws multi-million dollar sport fishing yachts from all around the Gulf Coast and Southeast United States. Fishing starts on Thursday at noon from the Destin Pass and ends on Saturday in the late afternoon. At the Baytowne Marina, eligible fish are weighed on Friday and Saturday nights. Public viewing is free and available. Additionally, the ECBC serves as a prerequisite for the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship, InTheBite’s Captain of the Year award, and the Sport Fishing Championship.
Before the early bird registration deadline of May 31, 2023, entries received before that date will be eligible for a drawing to win $1,000 and complimentary dockage at the Baytowne Marina for tournament week. The person to contact for registration is Julia Brakhage, who may be reached at [email protected], 910-264-3947, or online.
The ECBC Golf Scramble, which takes place on June 21, is sponsored by Hancock Whitney Bank and open to both participants and sponsors. Entry fees must be paid in cash only and registration is necessary in advance. Visit ECBC Golf Scramble to register.
Visit ECBC for information on registration, dockage, rules, and the event schedule. To secure the best location and prices for the event weekend, make your reservation now. To make a reservation, call 800-320-8115 or visit Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Apply the GROUP Code FISH23.
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