Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin kicks off Thursday
Call them dollar billfish.
As of Monday, 70 boats had registered for the cash prizes at stake in this year's Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Organizers expect more captains to sign up.
The Classic, the first World Billfish Series-sanctioned event in Destin, kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday from the Baytowne Marina at Sandestin with the annual boat parade. The fun continues with Friday and Saturday evening weigh-ins, which begin at 4 p.m.
With five successful years under its belt, ECBC at Sandestin has established itself as one of the must-fish billfish tournaments on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast. Since its beginning, ECBC has flourished, hosting more boats and anglers year after year. The prize pot also has increased each year with more participating teams paying big in hopes of winning big.
Last year, ECBC reached new heights with a record-breaking 84 boats, 451 anglers and $1.3 million in prize money, not to mention bustling crowds of spectators throughout the tournament weekend. Compared to its inaugural year, ECBC has seen an 87-percent increase in boats (45 in 2003, 84 in 2007) and an unprecedented 252-percent increase in prize money awarded ($371,250 in 2003, $1.3 million in 2007).
"It has been amazing to see this tournament evolve over the last five years," said Shawna Meisner, ECBC tournament director. "Each year we continue to break records and grow the tournament - all while safeguarding the experience for our participants, sponsors and spectators and providing the exceptional service that Sandestin is known for. The tournament has experienced tremendous growth in just five short years, and we are optimistic that the sixth annual ECBC will follow suit."
Meisner and ECBC event organizers anticipate another world-class tournament this year. New to the 2008 event is a $5,000 optional entry for each category - blue marlin, dolphin, tuna, wahoo and billfish release. Based on the number of teams who entered across the board last year, this new entry level could result in an additional $500,000 in the prize pot.
For more information, visit www.fishecbc.com, call (866) 505-4458 or e-mail info@FishECBC.com.