A new tournament series launches this summer that will showcase the world-class big-game potential off Florida’s Emerald Coast. The competition includes three prestigious events starting with the Pensacola International Billfish Tournament on June 12-16. The next leg is the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic on June 19-23 and the series concludes with the Bay Point Billfish Open June 26-29, 2024. The Florida Panhandle Billfish Series is free to enter and prizes will consist of a perpetual custom trophy recognizing the top team and a sizable cash award. Miller Lite is the Presenting Sponsor for the inaugural season.
“The Florida Panhandle has a long and distinguished track record in the history of big game sport-fishing and we wanted to showcase that world-class potential once again,” says Bert Merritt, series creator and tournament director of the Bay Point Billfish Open. “The goal is to recognize the top team each season competing in the Florida Panhandle events and to rekindle the sportsmanship aspect of this wonderful sport. The Gulf of Mexico is home to some of the top crews and boats in the world and this series will highlight their skills and our trophy blue marlin and other big-game fish.”
“We are excited to be part of the Florida Panhandle Billfish Series,” says Robert “Robo” Whibbs, tournament director of the Pensacola International Billfish Tournament. “This summer marks our 53rd annual event and the series adds another fun and spirited twist to the club’s long and noteworthy contributions to the sport. The competition for the championship trophy will be intense.” The Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club hosts the International each year.
“The Florida Panhandle Billfish Series is an awesome way to focus on the tremendous big game opportunities along our beautiful coast,” says Jason Draughn, tournament director for the 22nd annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic. “During each event, there’s always the possibility of a thousand-pound blue marlin or a 300-pound tuna coming to the scales. The Champions deserve to be recognized for their accomplishments throughout the season.”
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Competing teams will be required to follow the rules for each applicable tournament. Series points will be accrued based on participation and standings for each event. The scoring format will award graduated points on weighed blue marlin and game fish, along with billfish releases. Boats catching a Grand Slam (blue and white marlin, sailfish) will earn bonus points.
The team with the highest point total at the end of the three tournaments will be crowned champion and awarded the Panhandle Billfish Series trophy along with cash prizes. The team (boat) name and list of anglers will be placed on a plaque on the perpetual trophy, which can be displayed for the next year at the winner’s choice location. The Series was created to foster camaraderie, sportsmanship and integrity among the participating teams.
Additional sponsorship opportunities for the Florida Panhandle Billfish Series are still available. For details, please contact Bert Merritt or Robo Whibbs at 850-324-0390.
To learn more about the specific rules or to sign up for the Florida Panhandle Billfish Series, please visit: www.fishfpbs.com
