Reel In Big Fun at the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin
Sportfishing enthusiasts are excitedly counting down the days to one of the most thrilling events of the summer— the 2026 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic on June 17-21 at Sandestin. With more than 19,000 spectators estimated to attend, this year’s competition promises to deliver adrenaline-pumping drama as roughly 75 luxury high-powered sportfishing vessels hit the open water competing to bring home the $2-million-plus purse! Hosted by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the tournament is one of the premier billfish tournaments in the Gulf attracting top anglers and seasoned teams striving to reel in record-breaking blue marlin along with other exciting game fish.
Reeling In High Stakes Action
Described as a “summer showdown,” the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic attracts world-class anglers who are hoping to reel in a whopper of a marlin—last year’s winner was Ron Davis from the All-In Southern Charm team with a blue marlin measuring 118.5″ by 70″ and weighing 654.6 lbs! It’s no wonder that the catches are astounding as the tournament hits at the peak of the Gulf Coast’s blue marlin season in waters that are widely recognized as the most prolific fishing grounds in the United States.
“Taking place in one of the most productive fisheries in the United States, timed to coincide with the peak of the Gulf Coast’s blue marlin season and located at the South’s number-one ranked resort destination, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin® (ECBC) has set the precedent for world-class sportfishing tournaments,” according to tournament organizers.
Based out of Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the tournament isn’t solely focused on catching big fish with its “modified-release” featuring which sets the bar high with a minimum length for blue marlin. Anglers can rack up release points for blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and spearfish. Prize money goes to the heaviest catches of blue marlin, dolphin, tuna, and wahoo. The champs in the Release Division and Crew Division also earn prize money as well as the overall winner, top lady angler and best junior angler.
Exciting Weigh-ins, Live Music and Fireworks
If you’re new to sportfishing tournaments, you may think all the action happens on the water. That is not the case! Droves of spectators come out Baytowne Marina in the Village at Baytowne Wharf to witness the nightly weigh-ins where the excitement is palatable! Weigh-ins take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 19, and 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (or until the last fish are weighed) on Saturday, June 20, at Baytowne Marina. A variety of merchandise vendors will be set up around the weigh-in area offering event t-shirts and hats along with fishing gear and equipment.
If you’re interested in checking out the spectacular boats and talking to anglers and crew members, there is a Dock Walk all day on Wednesday, June 17, at Baytowne Marina. The boats head out from marina during a shotgun start at noon on Thursday, June, 18, and the fishing continues until Saturday, June 20, at 6 p.m. Of course, don’t forget the weigh-ins starting at 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Are you interested in entering the tournament? It’s not too late—get tournament details here and check out the schedule for tournament participants.
Spectators who come out to the tournament love the festival-like party atmosphere with live music, fireworks and great food and drinks. The live music starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at Baytowne Marina Bar and Grill. The evening ends with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. sponsored by The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
While you’re enjoying the festivities surrounding the tournament, you can also take a moment to learn about the two charities—Sandestin Foundation for Kids and The Billfish Foundation—that the tournament supports.
Learn More About Modified-Release Tournament
The 2026 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is a “modified-release” tournament. Rules state that blue marlin are the only billfish that can be weighed and must have a minimum length of 110 inches before they can be boated. If your intent is to release the fish, it must not be removed from the water, or it will be disqualified. Fish that you keep must arrive at the scales in edible condition. More official tournament information can be found here.
Reserve Your Rooms Now
Whether you’re into angling, checking out boats at the marina, shopping, dining, or enjoying the white sands and turquoise waters of the Gulf, you will not run out of fun things to do during the 2026 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic. Now is the time to make your plans for this exciting weekend as accommodations fill up fast for this premier tournament! Browse our Destin vacation rentals for condos, hotels, and vacation homes in a wide range of sizes and prices, or book your stay at one of many properties within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. For personalized help with accommodations, call a BeachGuide vacation planner at 888-404-2602.
This article was originally written in 2018 and updated annually.
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