Now that Spring has officially sprung and we’re getting closer to Classic week, it’s time to share a couple of key developments. One is an important rule change and the other focuses on looking and feeling good on the water and docks.
In cooperation with the other Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship tournaments, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is raising the minimum length to boat blue marlin to 107 inches. All GCTC events are following suit. Like previous years, the measurements must be taken from the tip of the fish’s lower jaw to the fork of its tail. This new standard will be a significant step to conserve blue marlin stocks. It will also eliminate confusion among teams competing on the Gulf circuit.
“I’m really proud we made this change,” says ECBC Tournament Director Adam Alfonso. “It demonstrates our strong commitment to ensuring healthy blue marlin stocks and the future of our sport. It also simplifies the rules for the participating crews. As a group we are also looking at other ways to make things more uniform without detracting from what makes each tournament unique. As always, we’ll keep everyone updated with any future changes.”
From a sponsor perspective, Mojo Sportswear returns for 2018 as a Tournament Partner. The association is a natural synergy.
“The Mojo Sportswear Company story is unique but a typical entrepreneurial venture at the same time,” explains Mojo CEO David Harrison. “Back in 2010, a guy from Louisiana had sold his business and was enjoying his days fishing out of Destin aboard his Viking 62, The Mojo. As friends came down, stayed along the coast and fished with him, something just happened. No matter where they hailed from, a love of the Gulf and the outdoors, and of good friends and good times, made a common lifestyle bond them all together. It seemed natural to make some clothes celebrating The Mojo and the fun that was being shared. Others began asking where they could get some Mojo Sportswear and the seed was planted. With another local businessman, The Mojo’s owner started another company and the Mojo Sportswear brand was born.”
Today Mojo Sportswear makes a full line of technical fishing and casual attire for men and women. Anglers will appreciate the new Marlin Wireman line. The Marlin Vented Finny is made from lightweight microfiber fabric that offers UPF 30+ sun protection, is saltwater, odor and stain resistant and quick drying. The breathable side vents include a finny fish pattern to give the shirts a pop of color and style. The companion Finny hats are also part of the Wireman Series. Custom-made with raised stitching on the logo, water-resistant fabric and mesh backing for air circulation, this head gear comes in a choice of fish patterns including marlin, tuna and dolphin.
“On the tournament circuit you have to look good and catch fish,” says Gina Burdeshaw, Mojo’s Director of Marketing. “Every product we make is antimicrobial and stain resistant. They are also moisture wicking for super cool performance and are cut to fit perfectly. So you can Get Your Mojo On and focus on the fish.” ECBC participants will be doing just that this year; Mojo will be outfitting anglers with t-shirts, Finny Vented Wireman shirts and coastal linen hats. Captains will get one of Mojo’s performance polos.
Mojo Sportswear will have a booth at the ECBC kick-off party at the Sandestin convention center and near the scales at the Baytowne Marina during weigh-ins. So be sure to stop by, check out all the latest gear and get ready for your own Mojo moment with that trophy catch.