Get ready, anglers. June is Florida Fishing Month and there is plenty of great fishing to be found at THE Beach. From inland streams, to bays, to the great Gulf of Mexico, fishing is not only a sport here, it’s a way of life.
Even if you don’t fish, it’s fun and educational to take a trip to the docks in the afternoon in any of the fishing towns to watch the fleet unload the day’s catch. Grouper, blue marlin, red snapper, and bill fish at their most brilliant are the prized catches. You can learn more about fish and fishing at the Destin History and Fishing Museum.
But if catching the “big one” for fame and fortune is your dream, fishing tournaments abound. Here are a few that we know of. Let us know if there’s one we’ve missed.
Northwest Florida Fishing Tournaments
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, June 16-21, Sandestin, 866-505-4458
The three heaviest weighed blue marlin, dolphin, tuna and wahoo are eligible for cash awards, as are the top three teams entered in the All Release Division, and the top three Crews entered in the Crew Division. Awards are presented to the top overall, release, lady and junior anglers.
31st Annual Pensacola Ladies Billfish Tournament, June 17-19, Lost Key Marina & Yacht Club, Pensacola, 850-453-4638
Prizes and cash awards given in four categories of fish (tuna, dolphin, wahoo and swordfish) and catch and release only on marlin and sailfish. The tournament is part of the Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club.
39th Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo, June 18-21, Grand Lagoon Yacht Club, Perdido Key, 850-609-7569
Registration for Open Division is $35. The Junior Division ages 12 and under is free. Cash and prizes will be awarded and a portion of the proceeds goes to benefit Ronald McDonald House.
23rd Annual Pensacola Junior Angler Tournament, June 19-21, Lost Key Marina & Yacht Club, Pensacola, 850-453-4638
First, second and third place awards given in ten categories. The tournament is sponsored by the Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club.
21st Annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic, June 19-21, Port St. Joe, Carrabelle, and Panacea, 850-216-2272
Three division, including Juniors, and over fourteens types of fish make this tournament a must for saltwater anglers. With an average 700 competitors, it is the largest professionally run fishing tournament in the Florida Big Bend Gulf Coast.
5th Annual Gaskin Park Flathead Catfish Tournament, June 26-27, Gaskin Park Landing, Wewahitchka, 850-814-3180
Go inland for this tournament on the Apalachicola River. Cash prizes for the largest flathead (five place winners) and the boat with the most poundage. Catfish must be at least 14 inches long.
Shallow Water Slam, June 27-28, Pensacola Beach
Anglers compete in the categories of Grand Slam, Redfish, Flounder and Speckled Trout. Cash and prizes are awarded, including the Grand Slam prize of a boat, motor and trailer.
Okay anglers, reel ‘em in!
Tags: fishing