Whether fishing is your thing or not, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is an event that's not to be missed here in Destin. Established in 2003, this is a world-class event and one of the top marlin fishing tournaments in North America. Almost $2 million dollars in prize money is a big draw, but it's the bragging rights that really attracts anglers from all over the country. This is serious business with entry fees ranging from $5,000 to $71,561 per team.
It all begins on Thursday, June 23 at noon with a shotgun start, when close to 100 multi-million dollar fishing boats parade out of their respective marinas and shoot off through Destin Pass. It's not uncommon for these boats to travel 150 miles before reaching the perfect hunting ground.
Back at the docks it's one party after another, including fireworks while everyone awaits the returning weigh-ins. Here's summarized 2016 Schedule of Events - you won't want to miss a moment!
2016 Schedule of Events
Location: Sandestion Golf & Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, FL
Wednesday, June 22: REGISTRATION & CAPTAIN'S MEETING
- All Day Dock Walk at the Baytowne Marina
- 11:30am - 2:pm — NEW! Hatterascal ECBC Tournament Team Lunch: Dock, Dine & Drink
- 2:00pm–5:00pm — NEW! Champagne Dock Walk
- 4:00pm–8:00pm — Registration
- 6:00pm–7:00pm — Captain’s Meeting
- 7:00pm–10:00pm — Kick-Off Party
- 10:00pm–midnight — NEW LOCATION Kick-Off After-Party at the Baytowne Marina Bar & Grill
Thursday, June 23: TOURNAMENT START
- All Day Dock Walk at the Baytowne Marina
- 9:00am–12:00pm — NEW! Hatterascal Hangover Clinic
- 9:00am–12:00pm — Jackpot Entry
- 12:00pm — Start of Tournament Fishing
Friday, June 24: DAY ONE WEIGH-IN
- 12:00pm–2:00pm — NEW! A Taste of Wind Creek featuring tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo prepared by Wind Creek’s Executive Chef Peter D’Andrea and Chef Charlie Creelman (tickets required, purchase at Registration)
- 3:00pm — Conservation film by Costa del Mar, aired on the Baytowne Marina Jumbotron
- 4:00pm–9:00pm — Weigh-In at Baytowne Marina, Video Verification
- 6:00pm — Live Music at the Baytowne Marina Bar & Grill
- 8:00pm — NEW RETURN DEMARCATION Teams wishing to weigh fish or return scorecards must be under the Destin Pass Bridge
- 9:00pm — Fireworks at Baytowne Marina sponsored by The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Saturday, June 25: THE BIG WEIGH-IN
- 4:00pm–10:00pm — Weigh-In at Baytowne Marina, Video Verification
- 6:00pm — NEW TIME & RETURN DEMARCATION Teams wishing to weigh fish or return scorecards must be under the Destin Pass Bridge
Sunday, June 26: AWARDS BRUNCH
- 10:00am–1:00pm — Awards Brunch
- 11:00am — Awards Presentation
Download the full schedule here, or get more information at Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic website.
Photo by Guy Harvey
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