FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2024
Contact: Bert Merritt, Executive Director
Florida Panhandle Billfish Series
info@fishfpbs.com
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.
The Florida Panhandle Billfish Series made its debut this summer to showcase the world-class big-game potential of Florida’s Emerald Coast. The competition included three prestigious events: the Pensacola International Billfish Tournament, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic in Miramar Beach and the Bay Point Billfish Open in Panama City Beach. Miller Lite is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2024 season.
Panhandler, another 63 Hatteras GT owned by Tim O’Brien with Capt. Nick Millsap at the helm, was the runner-up, based on a tie-breaker formula. Both teams fished all three events, but Panhandler scored 10 billfish versus Southern Charm/All-In’s 14. Panhandler calls Pensacola, its home port.
Capt. Chase Lake and Team Supreme, a 72 Viking based in Destin, came in third place overall. Team Supreme did not fish in Pensacola, but still scored 16 points as the top release boat in the ECBC and a grand slam late Saturday in Bay Point.
Competing teams were required to follow the rules for each applicable tournament. Series points were earned based on participation and standings for each event. The scoring format awarded graduated points on weighed blue marlin and game fish, along with billfish releases. Boats catching a Grand Slam (blue and white marlin, sailfish) scored bonus points.
In the Hard Luck category, owner/operator Bobby Rushing and the crew on Just the Tip finished fourth overall. The team recorded just two points in Pensacola, but scored the winning and only blue in the ECBC with a 508.6-pounder after missing out the previous year with a mutilated fish. With 14 points going into Bay Point, the Series trophy was within grasp. Unfortunately, boat mechanical troubles prevented the team from competing in Panama City Beach. Just the Tip is a 56 Viking from Pensacola.
The other top teams included Never Settle, A Work of Art. Lifeline, Lisa Jo, Rising Sons and Wynsong. A total of 122 boats competed in the inaugural series.
“I like the points system and the back to back to back format,” says Capt. Stan Blackman, skipper of Never Settle, a 74 Viking based in Destin. “It’s not just podium fish that count and every weekend you got a shot to make up points. That keeps everyone competitive and close. One team can’t run away with it. We really enjoyed fishing the Series this year.”
The Florida Panhandle Billfish Series was created to foster camaraderie, sportsmanship and integrity among the participating teams. It was free to enter.
“Overall, the Series was well received, the competition was closer than anticipated and the feedback from our teams and sponsors has been totally positive,” says FPBS Executive Director Bert Merritt. “We look forward to taking the 2025 Florida Panhandle Billfish Series to the next level.”
To learn more about the specific rules, sponsorship opportunities or to sign up for the 2025 Florida Panhandle Billfish Series, please visit: www.fishfpbs.com