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Teresa

SoWal Guide
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Nov 15, 2004
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South Walton, FL
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Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin
June 21-25, 2023 | 21st Annual
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Florida​


More than $2 Million up for Grabs at the 21st ECBC​

By Capt. Dave Lear| 05/15/2023

Miramar Beach, Florida — One of the top ten big-money sportfishing tournaments in the world is set to return next month to the most visited Northwest Florida resort destination for vacationers, group and business travelers, families and adventurers. The 21st Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (ECBC) Presented by MarineMax gets underway June 21 and continues through June 25 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort®.

“We have another great tournament on tap and look forward to, once again, hosting our anglers, crews and guests,” says Tournament Director Jason Draughn. “None of this would be possible without MarineMax/Grady-White, Pelagic, Gulf Coast Yacht Group/Hatteras, Galati Yachts Sales/Viking and Visit South Walton. I’ve ordered perfect weather, fair seas and big fat qualifiers for the scales, so we’re all set for another exciting week of fishing.”

Participants will be competing for more than two million dollars in cash and awards, with blue marlin as the top prize. To qualify for the weigh-in, blue marlin must be at least 110 inches long, measured from the tip of the fish’s lower jaw to the fork of the tail. The average winning blue marlin typically weighs 652 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. Yellowfin and bigeye tuna, wahoo and dolphin are scored one point per pound and are verified by video footage.

The ECBC attracts multi-million dollar sportfishing yachts from across the Southeastern United States and Gulf Coast Region. Fishing begins after Thursday’s noon start from the Destin Pass and concludes Saturday afternoon. Eligible fish are weighed Friday and Saturday evenings at the Baytowne Marina. Viewing is free and open to the public. Additionally, the ECBC is a qualifying event for the Sport Fishing Championship, InTheBite’s Captain of the Year award and the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship.

Still accepting registrations, entries received before the early bird deadline of May 31 are eligible for the drawing to win $1,000, plus free dockage at the Baytowne Marina during tournament week. The tournament’s registration contact is Julia Brakhage at julia@tournamentcontrol.com, 910-264-3947 or visit fishecbc.com.

Hancock Whitney Bank is sponsoring the ECBC Golf Scramble June 21, which is open to participants and sponsors. Advance registration is required and entry fees are cash only. To sign up, please visit fishecbc.com/scramble/.

The 2023 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic runs June 21-25 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. For registration, dockage, rules and schedule of events, visit fishecbc.com. 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 FISH23.

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. Celebrating 50 years in 2023, the resort invites guests to experience 2,400 acres and 70 charming neighborhoods featuring over 1,000 vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and Hotel Effie. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than 7 miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 20 swimming pools, a 226-slip marina, a fitness center and spa. Shop, dine and play at the charming pedestrian village, The Village of Baytowne Wharf. New developments include Hotel Effie, a 250-room hotel that opened in February 2021, and Osprey Pointe which opened in the summer of 2020 adding an additional 77 vacation condominiums. For more info visit Sandestin.com @sandestin | #Sandestin | #Sandestin50.
 
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