Reel Fun at the 22nd Annual ECBC: Over $849K in Prizes and Unforgettable Catches!

Miramar Beach, Florida – The 22nd Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (ECBC) at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, held from June 19-23, 2024, was a splash-tacular event that left anglers and spectators buzzing! Despite some last-minute schedule changes due to weather, the tournament was a hit, with a jaw-dropping total payout of $849,200.

The shotgun start, initially set for Thursday, got pushed to Friday, June 21, thanks to Mother Nature. But no worries—participants were ready to reel in the big ones! Optional weigh-ins happened on Saturday, and the grand weigh-in and awards ceremony wrapped things up on Sunday. The competition was fierce, with amazing catches across all categories.

In the Heaviest Blue Marlin category, Paul McMullen on Just The Tip landed the big one with a 508.6 lbs catch, scoring $95,040.00 ($165,189.00 total purse). The Heaviest Dolphin went to Devin Sarver on GreSaMar with a 28.8 lbs catch, pocketing $10,560 total purse. Close contenders were Liam O'Brien on Panhandler with 20.5 lbs and Jack Rushing on Just The Tip with 20.3 lbs. Allen Krake Jr. on Team Supreme took home the prize for Heaviest Tuna with a 213.60 lbs catch, earning $10,560.00 ($97,202.50 total purse), while Ryan Doxey on Bimini Babe hooked the Heaviest Wahoo at 95.40 lbs, also snagging $10,560.00 total purse.

In the Release Division, Team Supreme dominated with 3500.00 pts, earning $18,062.50 ($97,202.50 total purse). Panhandler led the Crew Division with 2045.70 pts, securing $3,000.00 ($23,241.00 total purse). Paul McMullen on Just The Tip was crowned Top Angler for the Heaviest Blue Marlin. Sherry Polk on Share-E rocked it as both Top Release Angler and Top Lady Angler, with 1500.00 pts. And let's not forget Liam O'Brien on Panhandler, who nailed it as the Top Junior Angler in both the Billfish and Gamefish categories.

Even with the schedule shake-up, the ECBC team and participants kept the energy high and the competition fierce. Huge thanks to all the participants, sponsors, and volunteers who made this year's event a reel success.

Want to know more about the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic and keep up with future events? Check out FishECBC.com and follow us on social media. Mark your calendars for the 23rd Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, set for June 18 – 22, 2025, at Baytowne Marina. It's going to be another epic year!