Dads in Destin will be hooked on the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, June 21-25

It is Father’s Day weekend and we’re excited to welcome all the Dads to beach for a week of fun with the family. We know that many Dads love fishing and there are lots of fishing options along the Emerald Coast, including taking a chartered fishing trip, pier fishing, shore fishing, Bay fishing and being a participant or spectator at  one of the richest fishing tournaments, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic. 

Destin is often referred to as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village due its proximity to deep water. The Desoto Canyon puts anglers at depths of 60-100 feet and is located just 10-15 miles off shore making the region attractive for anglers desiring to catch billfish, including Blue Marlin, Sailfish and Wahoo.   

The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic will hold the 17th annual tournament this week, June 21-25, bringing fishing excitement to South Walton and Destin. On Thursday, June 22, the tournament will begin with the fleet heading out to the Gulf of Mexico. Participants will be parading out of the Sandestin Marina starting at 11 a.m. and watching the parade of boats is always an exciting spectacle. Or spectators can watch the boats heading out into the Gulf of Mexico through the East Pass at Noriega Point or HarborWalk Village. 

On Friday, June 23, it’s fun at the marina with day-one weigh-in’s and the ECBC Kids Catch & Release Tournament. From 10 am to 2 pm, families can head over to the Baytowne Marina Beach to sign up for the kids’ tournament. At noon, Wind Creek Casino’s Executive Chef Peter D’Andrea will hold a live cooking demonstration at the Marina featuring techniques to cooking your fresh catch. At 4 p.m., Weigh-in’s begin at the Sandestin Marina as the first boats arrive to weigh their catch. At 9 p.m., Sandestin will wrap up the first day with fireworks over the Marina and the Village of Baytowne Wharf. On Saturday, June 24, the tournament will hold day-two weigh-in’s from 4 – 10 pm at the Sandestin Marina.

Haven’t booked your beach getaway with Dad? View our premier South Walton and Destin Vacation Rentals online, including Destin condos and Destin beach house rentals, or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.

See you @ the beach!