Destin Florida Events Calendar | Attractions in the Destin Area

2008 Tournament Dates: Tuesday, June 17 through Sunday, June 22

FIFTH ANNUAL EMERALD COAST BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC
AT SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT SHATTERS RECORDS

Destin, Fla. (June 27, 2007) – A record-breaking 84 boats filled with over 500 spirited anglers competed for a payday of more than $1.3 million in cash awards at the fifth annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (ECBC) at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, June 19th-24th.

Dreamin' On, an 80-foot Garlington captained by Randy Hodgekiss of Orange Beach, Ala., took first place in the Blue Marlin category with a 627.7 lb. blue marlin. The marlin, caught by Steve Keinath of Parachute, Colo., measured 114 inches. Dreamin' On took home $318,565.00 in prize money which included third place in the Dolphin category and first place Top Crew.

The top dolphin, weighing in at 52.7 lbs., was caught by Paul Mayson fishing aboard Sea Spray, a 65-foot Resmondo captained by Bill Staff. Dave Perry aboard the 60-foot Hatteras Uptoit set a new tournament record for his 179.0 lb. yellowfin tuna. The top wahoo, weighing in at 87.8 lbs., was caught by Jeff Singleton aboard the 65-foot Donzi Borderline Crazy with Capt. Scott Templeton.

CE, a 65-foot Hatteras captained by Russell Craft won Top Release Team with one blue marlin and one white marlin release. Tammy Jackson Rowell, fishing aboard Annie Girl, a 62-foot Resmondo with Capt. Mike Rowell, was the Top Lady Angler. Gabrielle Sutton, fishing aboard the 52-foot Breaux Southern Cross with Capt. Chris Blanchet, was the Top Junior Angler. Thirty-eight billfish were released including 18 blue marlin, 18 white marlin and two sailfish. Overall, 77 gamefish were boated including 36 dolphin, 24 yellowfin tuna and 17 wahoo.

"The fifth annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin was a huge success," said Shawna Meisner, Tournament Director. "We set three new records this year—for attendance, total cash awards and yellowfin tuna so we're more than excited about the event's continued success and are already looking forward to next year."

The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin donated 4,036 pounds of meatfish weighed from this year's tournament to Harvest House, a local food bank. The tournament also supports The Billfish Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the conservation and enhancement of the billfish population worldwide, by donating cash funds raised through raffles, auctions and other activities.

For more information about the event, call 866/505-4458.

PHOTO CAPTION
The crew of Dreamin’ On show off their winning blue marlin, weighing in at 627.7 pounds. Angler Steve Keinath (with sign) reeled in the marlin on Saturday, June 26, 2007.