Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic hopes for record numbers in 19th year

SANDESTIN — Marine life beware.

Practically 100 groups will hit the Emerald Coast open waters Thursday by way of Saturday with the hope of reeling within the massive catch and cashing in on the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Basic.

Final 12 months’s match introduced in 79 groups with over $1.5 million awarded in prize cash. The stakes are even increased this 12 months with a handbag over $2 million and climbing by the day.

“The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Basic is a signature occasion for Sandestin and the group,” mentioned Jason Draughn, match director. “We began off with 20 boats and we’re pushing for 100, which is our objective. Everybody is worked up about it this 12 months.”

As of Wednesday, 77 boats are registered and will likely be fishing for blue and white marlin, sailfish, spearfish, dolphin, wahoo, and blackfin, yellowfin and bigeye tuna. 

After the COVID-19 pandemic restricted elements of final 12 months’s occasion, this 12 months will return to regular methods. The thrill is clearly evident by the anticipated turnout all through the weekend.

“That is the busiest 12 months on file for the Sandestin Golf and Seaside Resort,” Draughn mentioned. “The leisure pickup is big and out group enterprise is again. We’re at 100%.”

These attending will be capable to take part in quite a few leisure actions on the Sandestin Golf and Seaside Resort and The Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Maybe its most anticipated spectacle, the weigh-ins, will likely be held on the Baytowne Marina at Sandestin. Final 12 months’s largest blue marlin weighed in at 660.4 kilos, effectively wanting the match file of 899.6 kilos in 2015, and a 198.8-pound yellowfin tuna set a match file.

“This match brings lots to the realm,” Draughn mentioned. “It touches everyone, particularly these at Sandestin. Final 12 months a neighborhood boat received and it was an superior win for this group. Hopefully a whole lot of the native boats will likely be in as effectively.”

The match is a part of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship Sequence, which options tournaments in Pensacola, Orange Seaside, Ala., Biloxi, Miss., Venice, La., and Grand Isle, La.

These competing try for the elusive Triple Crown, an honor amongst opponents.

“It’s aggressive however a whole lot of these guys know one another and fish with one another in any respect the tournaments,” Draughn mentioned. “However on the finish of the day there’s some huge cash on the road, so it will likely be aggressive.”

With the assist of very best fishing climate, many will flock to the Emerald Coast and catch a glimpse on the scores of boats on the water, assist the distributors, have a drink with stay leisure, and watch the fireworks on Wednesday at 9 p.m.

“I believe it will be a great 12 months,” mentioned Julia Brakhage, match guide. “I am anticipating to have good climate, and Sandestin is getting again to regular. It is going to be enjoyable on the docks.”

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