Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Announces 2012 Plans

Tournament Celebrates its 10^th Anniversary at Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort.

DESTIN, FL, May 31, 2012 /CNW/ - The 10th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (ECBC) is scheduled for June 20-24 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Fishing takes place in the Gulf of Mexico, one of the most prolific fisheries in the United States. Target species include blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, spearfish, tuna (blackfin, bigeye and yellowfin), dolphin and wahoo. All billfish are released except for blue marlin measuring over 103-inches.

Since its inauguration in 2003, the ECBC has grown to be the most prestigious fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast. It is also the richest tournament on the Gulf having reached cash purses as high as $1.5 million, and was ranked by Marlin magazine as the #5 big money tournament in the world. The ECBC is also a key stop for the World Billfish Series and the International Game Fish Association's Offshore Championship, and is a supporter of The Billfish Foundation. Harvest House, a local charity, is also a beneficiary of the event.

Tournament week at Sandestin offers something for everyone, from family activities, special events and sponsor exhibits to the spectacular weigh-in at Baytowne Marina Saturday night. Spectators and participants alike will have the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of the biggest catch and discover the new 2012 winners. For registration forms and more information, visit www.fishecbc.com.

Tournament Sponsors

MOJO Sportfishing Gear will be the presenting sponsor for the second year in a row, featuring their Sportfishing line which offers everything from surfer-inspired moisture-wick fabrics to cutting edge marine life graphics. Additional sponsors include Alexseal, ATT-Yellowpages, Coca-Cola, Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison & MTU, Galati Yacht Sales & Viking Yachts, The Grand Marlin Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Grand Slam Jupiter Billfish Tournament, Gulf Coast Hatteras & Hatteras Yachts, HataBoix, Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, Larry Rackley Fine Art, Marlin Grill, King Sailfish Mounts, Miller Marine, News Channel 7 (WJHG-TV NBC), Saunders Yachtworks, Visit South Walton, and West Marine.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort was named the #1 resort on Florida's Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,300 Destin vacation rentals, villas, town homes and the best in hotel accommodations. A member of Visit South Walton, 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. Travelers are invited to download Sandestin's APP for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news. For more information on Sandestin visit www.sandestin.com or call 866-91-BEACH.

Shawna Harris
[email protected]