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Florida Panhandle Billfish Series Gears Up For Season Two
After a well-received launch in 2024, the Florida Panhandle Billfish Series is prepping for the 2025 season with several exciting new changes. Designed to showcase the world-class action and historical roots of big-game fishing in the Panhandle, the FPBS includes three celebrated contests: the Pensacola International Billfish Tournament June 11-15, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic June 18-22 and the Bay Point Billfish Open June 25-29, 2025. The projected overall prize money of the combined three tournaments is expected to top $3 million this year. The Florida Panhandle Billfish Series is free to enter and prizes will consist of a perpetual custom trophy recognizing the top team and a sizable cash award. B&T Marine is the 2025 Presenting Sponsor. Josh Tice and Nathan Bearden own B&T Marine and compete on the circuit with the Devotion Sportfishing Team. B&T Marine is a full service boat yard in Orange Beach, Alabama and the regional SeaKeeper service facility. www.btmarineoba.com
“The first year of the series could not have gone any better,” says FPBS Executive Director Bert Merritt “We were overwhelmed by the sponsors who stepped up to provide the support we needed to launch this series. The fishing and competition were great and the scoring was close throughout, just as we had hoped for. We already have confirmation the 2024 champions, Southern Charm/All-In, will be returning to defend their crown.” Merritt is also the tournament director of the Bay Point Billfish Open, which celebrates its third edition this year.
By Captain Dave Lear
Southern Charm/All-In Wins the First-Ever Florida Panhandle Billfish Series
Southern Charm/All-In, based in Orange Beach, Alabama, has been crowned the 2024 Champion for the inaugural Florida Panhandle Billfish Series. Capt. Landon Bell runs the 63 Hatteras GT. The boat earned six points in Pensacola with the winning blue marlin (632.4 pounds) and a 123-pound yellowfin tuna, four points for the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (three blue marlin releases) and seven points in the Bay Point Billfish Open (four blue releases and three bonus points for fishing all three events). The Southern Charm/All-In team, along with names of all crew members, will be added to the Series perpetual trophy. The team will receive prizes and a $10,000 check for their accomplishment. Captain Landon Bell will receive the captain’s commemorative belt buckle and a year’s supply of Miller Lite (52 cases). The awards ceremony will be held August 6 at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Baytowne Marina.
By Captain Dave Lear
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Industry Partners
Tournaments
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
Bay Point Billfish Open
