FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2025
Contact: Bert Merritt, Executive Director
Florida Panhandle Billfish Series
info@fishfpbs.com
850-380-8961
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.
Miller Lite returns as the sponsor of the Florida Man Captain’s Award, which consists of the captain’s belt buckle and a year supply of beer.
“The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is super excited about another great year being a part of the Florida Panhandle Billfish Series,” says ECBC Assistant Director Jonathan Boone. “This series showcases the best of Gulf Coast sport fishing, bringing together top anglers, thrilling competition and the camaraderie that makes our sport so special.” Sandestin hosted last year’s awards party and golf outing after the Series concluded.
The Florida Panhandle Billfish Series is also proud to announce a partnership with the International Game Fish Association through participation in their internationally renowned billfish satellite tagging program, The IGFA Great Marlin Race. In the first year of this partnership, satellite tags will be deployed on white marlin during Billfish Series events through the IGFA’s grant from Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund.
“We look forward to learning more about the behavior and habitat use of Gulf white marlin as well as engaging young anglers through scientific presentations and facilitating collaboration among the scientific community through IGFA and Stanford University’s data sharing of results,” says Pensacola International Billfish Tournament Director Robert “Robo” Whibbs.
“The series format and scoring was well liked by teams last year so we only have a small adjustment for 2025. For the Pensacola International, 10 points will be awarded to the heaviest, tournament legal, blue marlin.” Whibbs adds.
Competing teams are required to follow the rules for each applicable tournament. Series points will be accrued based on participation and standings for each event. The scoring format will award graduated points on weighed blue marlin and game fish, along with billfish releases. Boats catching a Grand Slam (blue and white marlin, sailfish) will earn bonus points.
The team with the highest point total at the end of the three tournaments will be crowned champion and awarded the 2025 Panhandle Billfish Series trophy along with cash prizes. The team (boat) name and list of anglers will be placed on a plaque on the perpetual trophy, which can be displayed for the next year at the winner’s choice location. The Series was created to foster camaraderie, sportsmanship and integrity among the participating teams.
To learn more about the specific rules or to sign up for the Florida Panhandle Billfish Series, please visit: www.fishfpbs.com