Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic

Taking place in one of the most productive fisheries in the United States, timed to coincide with the peak of the Gulf Coast’s blue marlin season and located at the South’s number-one ranked resort destination, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin® (ECBC) has set the precedent for world-class sportfishing tournaments. This annual event offers angling teams deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, red-hot billfish action, and cool green cash. While onshore, both tournament participants and their families can enjoy a variety of recreational activities offered at the Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort and The Village of Baytowne Wharf. The spectacular night time weigh-ins, held at the Baytowne Marina at Sandestin, are free and open to the public. 

Named as one of the top ten big-money tournaments in the world by Marlin magazine, the ECBC’s cash awards surpass $2 million – and with over 27 optional entry levels, there are plenty of ways to win a piece of the pie. 

The ECBC is a “modified-release” tournament in which blue marlin are the only billfish that may be weighed. Release points are awarded for blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish and spearfish. The three heaviest weighed blue marlin, dolphin, tuna and wahoo are eligible for cash awards, as are the top three teams in the Release Division and the top three in the Crew Division. Awards are presented to the top overall, release, lady and junior anglers. The top overall release team has its name engraved on the Magnificent Blue Perpetual Trophy, donated by Galati Yacht Sales and Viking Yachts, sculpted by Chris Barela and on permanent display at the Marina Bar & Grill.