6th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Pays Out Over $1.5 Million!

The 60' Hatteras Up To It, captained by Jeremy Miles of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., took first place in the Blue Marlin Division with a 406.3 lb. blue marlin. The marlin, caught by Dave Perry, also of Fort Walton Beach, measured 106.5 inches. Perry, who brought in the first place tuna in 2007, took first place again in the Tuna Division with a 145.1 lb. yellowfin tuna. Overall, Up To It took home $437,158.33 in prize money.

And, in what we all agree must be some kind of record, the 2nd place marlin on C-Ya weighed in at 406.2 lbs. (106.0 inches) and 3rd place came in on Moveable Feast at 405.4 lbs. (103.0 inches).

The top dolphin, weighing in at 50.0 lbs., was caught by Jeremy Floden fishing aboard Shell Shock, a 48-foot Viking captained by Marc Wren. Aaron Aery, one of our younger anglers fishing aboard the 54-foot Bertram Smooth Finish, weighed in a 54.7 lb. wahoo for first place in that division..

Honey, a 60-foot Huckins captained by Ray Coleman won Top Release Team with one blue marlin and two white marlin releases. Sherry Polk, fishing aboard Share-E, a 48-foot Viking with Capt. Eddie Savoy, was the Top Lady Angler. Logan Spence, fishing aboard the 54-foot Bertram Contingency with Capt. Joe Hiett, was the Top Junior Angler.

Thirty-five billfish were released including 15 blue marlin, 15 white marlin and five sailfish. Overall, 60 gamefish were boated including 24 dolphin, 19 yellowfin tuna and 17 wahoo.

You can view complete tournament results at http://www.fishecbc.com/Local/news/2008/2008_Results.htm
"We are so excited to have set a new record in the Gulf Coast for cash award payouts," said Shawna Meisner, Tournament Director. "Each year this event gets better and better—I can't wait to see what next year brings!"

The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin donated 3,833 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, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast by donating cash funds raised through raffles, auctions and other activities.

The 2009 tournament dates are Tuesday, June 16 through Sunday, June 21.

The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin is presented by Galati Yacht Sales and Viking Yachts.

For more information about the event, contact Tournament Director Shawna Meisner at 866.505.4458, or find information online at www.fishecbc.com. For more information about Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, call 800.470.7389 or visit www.sandestin.com/pr.asp.

PHOTOS



Caption: Boats leaving Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Thursday evening to start the tournament.



Caption: Dave Perry of Up To It with his 406.3 lb. blue marlin.



Caption: Jeremy Floden and the team of Shell Shock with their 50.0 lb. dolphin.

 

Caption: Dave Perry and the crew of Up To It with the first place tuna (145..1 lbs.)



Caption: Aaron Aery of Smooth Finish with his 54.7 lb. wahoo.



Caption: The team of Up To It receiving their check for $437,158.33.