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2012 Tournament News

2012 Tournament News


Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

January 12, 2012 | Staff Writer | The staff of the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year—2012 is off and running, and we’re looking forward to another great year of outstanding sportfishing and top-notch competition. The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic has some great benefits for our participants, from our safe, secure marina facility and… read more

Save the Date

Save the Dates - June 20-24, 2012.

January 12, 2012 | Staff Writer | Just a reminder to save the dates for the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic. The 2012 event will be held June 20-24 and deadline for early registration is May 31st.

In 2011, the ECBC hosted 71 teams from the four corners of the sportfishing world, competing for a cash prize purse that totaled in excess of $1.4 million dollars.

Along the way, the participants enjoyed outstanding social functions and dockside camaraderie that’s second to none, in addition to the red-hot offshore action… read more

At Home at Sandestin

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

January 12, 2012 | Staff Writer | The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is much more than just the home of the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic—it’s a complete package. With a wide variety of accommodations, including hotels and condominiums, staying ashore is a convenient alternative to the boat, especially when bringing the family… read more

2011 Tournament News

2011 Tournament News


Save the Dates!

Leaderboard circa 2003.

November 17, 2011 | Sam White | The 2012 dates for the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin are June 20-24, 2012 and the deadline for early entry is May 31st. Be sure to mark these dates on your fishing calendar today. Named one of Marlin magazine’s top billfish tournaments, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic boasts outstanding competition as well as one of the richest prize purses in competitive sportfishing.… read more

Charitable Contributions

Gamefish are donated to Harvest House.

November 17, 2011 | Sam White | The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic ranks among one of the top billfishing events in the world and yet the tournament supports several local, regional and international charities, a tradition that it has carried on each season since its inception… read more



Ninth Annual ECBC Tops $1.4 Million!

Boats back in to the scales Saturday night for weigh-in.

June 30, 2011 | Sam White | Once again, the world-famous Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin topped the $1.4million dollar mark in prize money for 2011, further establishing this event as one of the finest (not to mention richest) in the world… read more



We had a great time at the ECBC!

We Had a Great Time!

June 30, 2011 | It's always a good time at the ECBC and now you can check it out for yourself!

Leaderboard and Team Information

Photo Gallery

Tournament Video on YouTube

Team Galati Wins with 6 Releases

June 26, 2011 | Teams are receiving their awards this morning after a busy night at the scales. No blue marlin were weighed this year. The Top Team honors went to Team Galati with 1 blue and 5 white marlin releases. Click on the links below for details (PDF reports).

Cash Award Distribution:
   • Tournament Awards
   • Blue Marlin Jackpots
   • Dolphin Jackpots
   • Tuna Jackpots
   • Wahoo Jackpots
   • Release Jackpots
Boat List with Entry Categories
Catch Master by Boat
Tournament Awards
Tournament Awards by Team

ECBC In the News

WJHG Newschannel 7Tune in to WJHG Newschannel 7 nightly at 6 and 10 for tournament coverage with Scott Rossman.

Video  June 10, 2011 — Channel 3 News, Pensacola

Notes From the Director

Notes From the Director

June 10, 2011 | Shawna Meisner
It’s almost tournament time! In less than two weeks, we’ll kick off the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin, an event that’s grown from humble beginnings to become one of the most prestigious billfish tournaments in the world in just nine short years. And judging by the response we’ve gotten so far from the participants… read more


HataBoix—A New Look on Hunting & Fishing

Sponsor Spotlight : HataBoix

June 10, 2011 | Sam White
HataBoix intends to carve a sizable niche within the hunting and fishing industries by offering a comprehensive line of products and services tailored to both the amateur and professional outdoor enthusiast. The initial lineup will include both fishing and hunting apparel and services to the marine and outdoor industries… read more

Video Tips--Make That Release Count!

Video Tips

June 10, 2011 | Sam White
Teams competing in the Billfish Release Division and/or Billfish Release Jackpots are required to submit a video recording of each billfish release. Here are a few tips to remember: The video must show the billfish next to the boat, identify the billfish species, and include the tournament’s verification… read more


Jackpot Entry & Video Judging

Mojo Bus

June 7, 2011 | We've moved the location of Optional Jackpot Entry and Video Judging. Our old office at the marina is now a Bait & Tackle shop so we're moving inside the MOJO bus for these two activities. Don't worry - you won't be able to miss the bus!

2011 Tournament Program

Jim Robeson displays a circle hook, which are required when using natural bait.

June 2, 2011 | Get a sneak peek at the 2011 Tournament Program featuring this year's tournament artwork by Steve Goione.

The updated rules are in the program, along with the Schedule of Events and a great article by Dave Lear on the history of Destin sportfishing. You can pick up your printed copy at the Tournament… Tournament Program, 6.53mg




Changes to the 2011 ECBC Rules

Jim Robeson displays a circle hook, which are required when using natural bait.

May 12, 2011 | Staff Writer | Each year we review our rules after the tournament and make updates. Most of the changes are just tweaking some wording, or trying to make things simpler. This year is no exception.

We always recommend that you read all of the rules thoroughly before the event, and of course a member of your team has to be at the Captains Meeting… read more

A Note From the Director

A Note From the Director

May 4, 2011 | Shawna Meisner | It's hard to believe that 2011 marks the ninth anniversary of the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin—time flies when you're having fun, and we've certainly had our share of fun over the years.

The event was conceived as a showcase for the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. While the resort has always been known as a world-class vacation spot for fans of… read more

Sponsor Spotlight : Mojo Sportswear

Sponsor Spotlight : Mojo Sportswear

May 4, 2011 | Sam White | Combining the tradition of function with a unique sense of style that's both classy and cutting edge, Mojo Sportswear is set to burst onto the tournament sportfishing scene as the Presenting Sponsor of this year's Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin. Started by Tim Mossberg and Rodger Bagwell, the company was founded on the premise of bringing fresh new ideas to the offshore sportswear marketplace… read more

Tournament Checklist

Tournament Checklist

May 4, 2011 | Sam White | If your team is planning to fish the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin this summer, there are three areas of vital importance: reserving your entry, slip reservations and booking your room at Sandestin… read more

2010 Tournament News

2010 Tournament News


A Big Little Fishing Tournament!

September 2, 2010 | Staff Writer | The Sandestin Celebration Fishing Tournament took place August 25th-29th at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Despite stormy weather, 20 boats signed up and headed out to the Gulf Thursday evening competing for an incredible $233,100. After two days and nights in almost contant rain and 5-7 foot seas, they returned wet and sore through and through, but triumphant. Fourteen billfish were caught, mostly swordfish… read more

Sandestin Celebration Fishing Tournament

August 2, 2010 | Staff Writer | You cannot keep a Gulf Coast fisherman down. As NOAA opened up more fishing area, we started getting anxious to get back out on the water—so let's go fishing! Save the dates, August 25-29, 2010… read more

2010 Tournament Canceled, Beaches Open

June 17, 2010 | Staff Writer | After careful evaluation and review of the most current NOAA Federal Fisheries Closure Area, Tournament Officials have determined that the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic cannot be held this year. We want to express our appreciation to the sponsors, boat captains, owners and… read more

Get Your Mojo On!

June 4, 2010 | Staff Writer | The Emerald Coast is sure to find its mojo at this year’s Blue Marlin Classic with the debut of the future of sportfishing apparel. Where better to unveil the world’s newest and edgiest line of sportfishing apparel than amidst the anglers who inspired it. Mojo Sportswear Company was created for you — avid anglers who understand the need for… read more

Proceeding with Optimism

May 18, 2010 | Staff Writer | The 8th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin®, one of the Top Ten Big Money Fishing Tournaments in the world, will take place… read more

Tournament Update/Gulf Incident

May 4, 2010 | Shawna Meisner | I’m sure you’re all aware of the situation in the Gulf, and are curious about our position so, first of all, I want to thank you… read more

Countdown to the Classic

April 20, 2010 | Dave Lear | A little over two months remains, yet the excitement is already building. The 8th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic kicks off June 22nd… read more

Artwork by Steve Goione

March 11, 2010 | Staff Writer | Steve Goione has been the ECBC tournament artist since the start in 2003. Every year his original artwork is framed and hung on… read more

Your Gateway to the Emerald Coast

March 11, 2010 | Staff Writer | Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) is the preferred aviation gateway to Florida’s Gulf Coast and the… read more

It’s Never to Early to Reserve!

February 2, 2010 | Staff Writer | There are three things that go fast at Sandestin® and Baytowne Marina before the ECBC—Rooms, Dockage and Golf Carts… read more

Save the Date!

January 1, 2010 | Staff Writer | The 8th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is scheduled for June 22-27, 2010. Save the date and we'll save you a place… read more

Newsletter Archives

eNewletter Archives


Tournament Winners

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2011

9th Anniversary Tournament Winners

Top Release Teams

BOAT CAPTAIN POINTS AWARD
Team Galati Craig Clark 1400 points - 1 blue & 5 white marlin; As the Top Release Team Team Galati will be invited to the 2012 IGFA Championship Tournament and their name will be inscribed on the Magnificent Blue Perpetual Trophy. $135,577.50
(includes jackpots)
Life is Good Ben Levi 800 points - 1 blue marlin, 2 white marlin $93,195.00
(includes jackpots and 2nd Place Crew)
Titanium 5.0 Mark "Sparky" McCann 600 points (on time) - 1 blue marlin, 1 white marlin $46,365.00
(includes jackpots)

Top Tuna

BOAT CAPTAIN ANGLER WEIGHT AWARD
Blanchita Robert Atwell Allen Phillips 166.7 $56,808.33 (includes jackpots)
You Never Know! Joey Birbeck Sari Turner 128.0 $69,185.00 (includes jackpots)
Sea Spray Bill Staff Jason Watts 115.7 $50,533.33 (includes jackpots)

Top Dolphin

BOAT CAPTAIN ANGLER WEIGHT AWARD
Quick Time Patrick Ivie Michael Burroughs 44.0 $127,053.33 (includes jackpots and
3rd Place Crew)
Wynsong Harold Staples Will Wilson 38.6 $106,175.00 (includes jackpots)
High C's Chuck Darring Chace Nelson 38.0 $57,103.34 (includes jackpots)

Top Wahoo

BOAT CAPTAIN ANGLER WEIGHT AWARD
Conundrum Jimmy Crochet Don MacMaster 59.2 $85,428.33 (includes jackpots)
Summertime II Howard Hice Glenn Summers 42.2 $32,262.50 (includes jackpots)
My Share Matt Condon Justin Fritz 32.7 $32,814.59 (includes jackpots)

Top Crew

BOAT POINTS
Ba Donk a Donk Capt. John Mitchell from Biloxi, MS and his mates Alex Cartwright, also from Biloxi, and Patrick O'Neal from Gulfport , MS led their team in accumulating 874 points for releasing 1 blue marlin and 1 sailfish and weighing in 3 yellowfin tuna (103.1 lbs., 99.2 lbs., 96.7 lbs.).
Life is Good Capt. Ben Levi from Freeport, FL and his mate Chris Schultz from Jupiter, FL, led their team in accumulating 800 points for releasing 1 blue marlin and 2 white marlin.
Quick Time Capt. Patrick Ivie from Orange Beach, AL and his mates Devon Potts, also from Orange Beach, and Shelby Johnson from Elberta, AL led their team in accumulating 793.8 points for releasing 1 blue marlin and 1 white marlin and weighing in 3 dolphin (44.0 lbs., 28.6 lbs., 25.8 lbs.) and 1 yellowfin tuna (95.4 lbs.).

Top Angler

ANGLER BOAT POINTS
Jason Benton Hello Darlin' Jason accumulated 800 points by releasing 2 blue marlin and will be invited to compete in the 2011 WBS Grand Championship.

Top Lady Angler

ANGLER BOAT POINTS
Peggy Ann Hudson Iona Louise Peggy Ann accumulated 600 points by releasing 1 blue marlin and 1 white marlin.

Top Junior

ANGLER BOAT POINTS
Neal Bonner Patron Neal (14 years old) accumulated 257.8 points by releasing 1 white marlin an weighing in 3 blackfin tuna (20.8 lbs., 18.8 lbs., 18.2 lbs.).

Other Jackpot Winners

BOAT CAPTAIN ANGLER WEIGHT AWARD
A Work of Art Ron Woodruff Craig Courville n/a - 1 white marlin $6,750.00 (release)
Ba Donk a Donk Jon Mitchell Carrol Castille 103.1 yellowfin
99.2 yellowfin
$77,838.75 (includes 1st Place Crew)
Hello Darlin' Darral Keys Jason Benton n/a - 2 blue marlin $3,847.50 (release)
Lit Up Clayt James Christopher Albritton 110.7 yellowfin $24,075.00
Nana's Girls Buck Phillips Curtis Griffin 28.7 wahoo $46,586.25
Reel Worthless Myles Colley Johnny Johnson 100.2 yellowfin $21,026.25

Media Resources

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Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet

Download PDF Version

CURRENT YEAR INFORMATION

DATES: Wednesday, June 20 – Sunday, June 24, 2012
HOST FACILITY: Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort
LOCATION: Destin, Florida USA
MAILING ADDRESS: Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Destin, FL 32550
CONTACT: Shawna Harris
PHONE: 850.267.6168
FAX: 850.267.5500
EMAIL: shawnaharris@sandestin.com
WEBSITE: www.fishecbc.com
ENTRY FEE: $5,000 (base entry) – $51,050 per team with optional entries, can enter Release Division only for $2,500
ENTRY LIMITS: no limits on number or size of boats, open to both private and charter boats
TARGET SPECIES: blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, spearfish, tuna (27” min.), dolphin (25 lb. min.), wahoo (25 lb. min.)
FORMAT: modified release: 103” minimum on blue marlin, release only on all other billfish species
ANGLING RULES: IGFA, circle hooks are mandated with live bait
TOURNAMENT SERIES AFFILIATIONS: World Billfish Series Gulf Coast Division, IGFA Offshore World Championship
CHARITIES SUPPORTED: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, The Billfish Foundation, Harvest House Food Bank
PUBLICATIONS: annual tournament program published by Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort

HISTORY

TOURNAMENT STARTED IN: 2003
FIRST YEAR STATISTICS: 45 teams, $329,625 cash awards
2011 STATISTICS: 71 teams, 352 anglers, $1,454,225 cash awards
HIGHEST PURSE PAID TO DATE: $1,536,850 in 2008
HIGHEST PURSE PAID TO DATE TO A SINGLE TEAM: $437,158 in 2008 to Up To It for 1st Place Marlin (406.3 lbs.) & 1st Place Tuna (145.1 lbs.)
HIGHEST NUMBER OF BOATS PARTICIPATING TO DATE: 84 in 2007
BEST YEAR FISHING TO DATE: 2006 – 48 billfish, 102 gamefish and two tournament record fish (blue marlin & dolphin)
OTHER: circle hooks are required with live bait, perpetual trophy awarded to team with most released billfish, average number of teams receiving awards each year: 22
DESCRIPTION: Fastest growing billfish tournament on the Gulf Coast, located at Baytowne Marina at the Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort. An expected 85 teams will compete for over $1.5 million in cash awards. Lady and Junior awards; family attendance is encouraged; many other activities available at resort. Dock-walks Wednesday and Thursday, and Weigh-ins Friday and Saturday nights are open to the public (no admission fee).

RECORD FISH

BLUE MARLIN (2008) — 714.7 lbs., Jasper Time, 60 ft. Hatteras
Capt. Tommy Braden from Destin, Florida USA; angler Chip Temple from Stockbridge, Georgia USA
DOLPHIN (2006) — 53.1 lbs., Fly By, 74 ft. Viking
Capt. Marco Gaona from Elberta, Alabama USA; angler James Justice from Lawrenceville, Georgia USA
YELLOWFIN TUNA (2007) — 179.0 lbs., Up To It, 60 ft. Hatteras
Capt. Jeremy Miles from Fort Walton Beach, Florida USA; angler Dave Perry from Fort Walton Beach, Florida USA
WAHOO (2005) — 95.3 lbs., Blue Heron, 50 ft. Hatteras
Capt. Scott Kettenring from Gulf Breeze, Florida USA; angler Candace Knowles from Gulf Breeze, Florida USA