Big Fish were Plentiful at 19th Annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic Fishing Tournament
The 19th annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic Fishing Tournament was held this past Father's Day weekend, June 15 through 17, at the Carrabelle Boat Club in Carrabelle, Florida. Close to 1000 anglers participated in this year's event, making it the largest on record. All proceeds from the tournament benefit the Organization for Artificial Reefs, Inc. (OAR), a private, non-profit marine interest group out of Tallahassee. (Pictured (L to R): Emily Oliver, Chad Hancock, James Trafton, Shaun Harris, and Cam Kirbo show off their winning Amberjack)
The Saltwater Classic, a family-oriented two day event, is always held on Father's Day weekend. The tournament follows a rodeo style format, featuring multiple species in three divisions with competitions for kids, recreational anglers, charter boat captains, and commercial fisherman.
The first weigh-in began on Friday, June 15th, from 3:00 pm until 7:30 pm. The second weigh-in was held on Saturday, June 16th, again from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm. There were three official weigh stations, including Panacea Harbor Marina in Panacea; the Carrabelle Boat Club in Carrabelle; and Marquardt's Marina in Mexico Beach. The official headquarters of the tournament was at the Carrabelle Boat Club, which is where most of the action took place (other than out on the water!) throughout the weekend. An awards ceremony and fish auction was held on Sunday morning from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
The biggest fish of the weekend was a 90.90 lb. amberjack caught by Shaun Harris, followed by Cam Kirbo, who landed a 64.40 lb. amberjack. Please click on the following links to see detailed winners results in each category:
Outdoors 
The 19th annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic Fishing Tournament was held this past Father's Day weekend, June 15 through 17, at the Carrabelle Boat Club in Carrabelle, Florida. Close to 1000 anglers participated in this year's event, making it the largest on record. All proceeds from the tournament benefit the Organization for Artificial Reefs, Inc. (OAR), a private, non-profit marine interest group out of Tallahassee. 
Subscribe to this comment's feed
