One of the top ten big-money sport-fishing tournaments in the world is set to return to the most visited Northwest Florida resort destination for vacationers, group and business travelers, families and adventurers. The 21st Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (ECBC), presented by MarineMax, gets underway June 21 and continues 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.”
Two Million Dollars in Cash and Awards
Participants will be competing for more than two million dollars in cash and awards, with blue marlin as the top prize. To qualify for the weigh-in, blue marlin must be at least 110 inches long, measured from the tip of the fish’s lower jaw to the fork of the tail. The average winning blue marlin typically weighs 652 pounds or heavier.
In addition to the blue marlin weight category, smaller blues, white marlin, sailfish and spearfish, that are successfully released, earn points in the competitive release division. Yellowfin and bigeye tuna, wahoo and dolphin are scored one point per pound and are verified by video footage.
The ECBC attracts multi-million-dollar sport-fishing yachts from across the Southeastern United States and Gulf Coast Region. Fishing begins after Thursday’s noon start from the Destin Pass and concludes Saturday afternoon. Eligible fish are weighed Friday and Saturday evenings at the Baytowne Marina. Viewing is free and open to the public. Additionally, the ECBC is a qualifying event for the Sport Fishing Championship, InTheBite’s Captain of the Year award and the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship.
The tournament’s registration contact is Julia Brakhage at julia@tournamentcontrol.com, 910-264-3947 or visit fishecbc.com.
Hancock Whitney Bank is sponsoring the ECBC Golf Scramble June 21, which is open to participants and sponsors. Advance registration is required and entry fees are cash only. To sign up, please visit fishecbc.com/scramble/.
The 2023 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic runs June 21-25 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. For registration, dockage, rules and schedule of events, visit fishecbc.com. Book now to get the best location and rates for the event weekend. Call 800-320-8115 or book online at sandestin.com. Use GROUP Code FISH23.
