The 18th annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is set to get underway June 17 and continue through June 20 at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This world-class tournament is presented by Wind Creek Casino & Hotel-Atmore and is always one of the most popular stops on the Gulf of Mexico big-game fishing circuit.
“It’s been a challenge this year with the Corona virus complications, but we’re excited to once again welcome all the teams,” says Activities Director Jason Draughn. “We’re making the necessary adjustments to keep everyone safe and we’re sure there will be some quality entries brought to the Baytowne Marina weigh scales, which will be open to the public.”
Participants will be competing for awards and more than one million dollars in cash prizes with blue marlin the main focus. Eligible fish must be at least 110 inches long to qualify. That minimum is measured from the tip of the fish’s lower jaw to the fork of the tail. Qualifiers typically average 500 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. Releases are verified by video footage. Yellowfin, bigeye and blackfin tuna, wahoo and dolphin are scored one point per pound. The ECBC attracts multi-million dollar sport-fishing yachts from across the Gulf of Mexico as well as the southeastern United States. Fishing begins after Thursday’s noon start from the Destin Pass and concludes Saturday afternoon. Eligible fish are weighed Friday and Saturday evenings. Viewing is free and open to the public.
Hancock Whitney Bank is sponsoring the ECBC Golf Scramble, which is open to participants and sponsors. Tee-time is 9am at The Links Golf Club on Wednesday, June 19. Register for Golf Scramble
The tournament host, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and Presenting Sponsor Wind Creek Casino & Hotel-Atmore are joined this year by perennial sponsors Galati Yacht Sales/Viking Yachts, Gulf Coast Yacht Group/Hatteras, Visit South Walton, Hook & Tackle and our newest apparel sponsor, BOS (Big Ocean Sport).
The 2020 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic runs June 17-20 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. For registration, dockage, rules and schedule of events, visit fishecbc.com. Reservations for golf carts need to be made directly through the Baytowne Marina office. 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 FISH20.
About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a major destination for all seasons and all ages, and was named the #1 Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,300 vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 120-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife. People are invited to download Sandestin’s APP for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news.