One of the world’s top big-game fishing tournaments is returning to Northwest Florida. The 23rd Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (ECBC) is set for June 18–22, at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, bringing high-stakes competition, family-friendly entertainment and a dose of summer energy to the Gulf Coast.
“The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic has become a summertime tradition, and it’s all thanks to our generous sponsors and the passion of our teams,” tournament director Jason Draughn said. “We’re excited to welcome back our anglers, crews and spectators for another incredible year.”
With more than $2 million in cash and prizes on the line, top teams from around the Gulf and beyond will battle it out to land a qualifying blue marlin, while each fish must measure at least 110 inches from the lower jaw to the fork of the tail. Past champions have hauled in marlin weighing over 650 pounds.
In addition to the blue marlin division, the tournament features catch-and-release contests for white marlin, sailfish, spearfish, and additional weighed divisions for tuna, wahoo, and dolphin (mahi-mahi) scored at one point per pound.
The action officially begins at noon on Thursday with boats departing through the Destin Pass, but the biggest scenes unfold each evening at Baytowne Marina. Thousands of fans pack the docks Friday and Saturday nights for weigh-ins. The event atmosphere features live music, vendor booths and Friday night fireworks adding to the summer spectacle.
The ECBC also serves as a qualifier for the Florida Panhandle Billfish Series, InTheBite’s Captain of the Year Program and the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship.
Teams registering before May 31 will be entered into a drawing for $1,000 and complimentary dockage at Baytowne Marina during tournament week. Also returning is the ECBC Golf Scramble, taking place on Wednesday, June 18.
“We’re proud to host such a prestigious tournament that blends world-class sportfishing with the spirit of coastal camaraderie,” Sandestin’s Director of Marketing and Communications, April Sarver said. “Whether you’re competing or just soaking in the excitement, it’s a weekend not to miss.”
Banji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic returns to Sandestin June 18-22
Reporting by Banji Bamidele, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
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