Record Payout & Purse at 2014 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic

Angler Steve Brown and Team Reel Worthless combined with the Reel Fuelish crew to land the biggest—and only—blue marlin of the 2014 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, held at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort June 18-22.

The 594.9-pound fish was worth an ECBC record payout of $498,450. Reel Worthless swept the marlin division, top crew, and all but one of the optional jackpot entries to claim the biggest share of the overall $1.68 million in prize money. 

“I felt like our fish would place for sure,” said team member Johnny Johnson. “But I had no idea it would be the only one brought in. That’s what made it so special. Reel Fuelish has been a super host and when we combined our teams it’s been great for everybody. These are some of the best fishermen in the world we’re competing against, so it’s a very meaningful win.”

In addition to blue marlin, eligible species in the ECBC include tuna, dolphin and wahoo, and these gamefish categories resulted in stiff competition. The leaderboard in each division changed constantly throughout Saturday night as more than half of the overall 77-boat fleet brought fish in to weigh. Besides tournament cash prizes for the largest fish, teams can enter optional jackpots, in effect betting on themselves to claim a share of the overall purse.

“It was a fantastic, record-breaking event,” said Tournament Director Adam Alfonso. “We had a spectacular turn-out with perfect weather and great support from all our teams and sponsors. The huge crowds enjoyed seeing all those big fish weighed in, too. Once again we showed why the ECBC is one of the top big-game tournaments in the world and we look forward to seeing everyone back next year, June 17-21.”

The 2015 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is scheduled for June 17-21, once again hosted by the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar Beach, Florida.

For more news and information about the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, email Tournament Director Adam Alfonso at adamalfonso@sandestin.com, call 850-267-6364 or find information online at www.fishecbc.com.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort was named the #1 resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. In addition to a variety of accommodations, 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 113-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a pedestrian village with shopping, dining and nightlife.