55th Annual Pensacola International Billfish Tournament Underway — Public Welcome at Weigh-In Today and Tomorrow

Pensacola, FL (NewsRadio 92.3) -- One of the oldest fishing tournaments in the Gulf of Mexico is happening right now off the coast of Pensacola — and the public is invited to watch the action at Plaza de Luna today and tomorrow.

The 55th annual Pensacola International Billfish Tournament has 35 boats competing for more than a quarter million dollars in prizes this weekend. Tournament director and Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club President Brian Johnson says the event has a rich 55-year history and draws teams from across the Gulf circuit — including at least one team that came straight from the Biloxi tournament weigh-in Tuesday night and was docked at Palafox Pier by Wednesday morning.

Weigh-In Schedule

Today's weigh-in runs from 4 to 7 p.m. at Plaza de Luna at the foot of Palafox Street. Johnson says today may be lighter on fish but if a blue marlin comes in the club will push it out on social media immediately. Tomorrow is the main event — boats must be checked in south of Palafox Pier at Yacht Harbor by 6 p.m. with weigh-in starting at 3 p.m. Johnson says tomorrow afternoon downtown Pensacola is the place to be.

The Prizes

The blue marlin category is the centerpiece — worth upwards of $20,000 depending on optional cash entries. On top of that a $40,000 big blue award goes to the first team that brings in a blue marlin over 700 pounds. Swordfish carries a $10,000 guaranteed prize. There is also a highly competitive catch and release division based on points and video verification — Johnson says it draws as much competition as the kill division because teams have more scoring opportunities.

Conservation Built In

The tournament enforces a 110-inch minimum on blue marlin — protecting younger fish that haven't yet had the chance to spawn. Johnson says the theory is straightforward — larger fish have already contributed to the population and if one is going to be harvested it should be a true trophy. Smaller fish are released. The catch and release division gives teams a competitive outlet without harvesting at all.

Fish Fed to the Homeless

Every blue marlin brought in doesn't go to waste. The tournament partners with a ministry out of Ocean Springs Mississippi that harvests the meat from killed fish and uses it to feed homeless and less fortunate residents across Gulf Coast communities. Johnson says celebrating the fish means making sure it serves a purpose beyond the competition.

How Far Do They Go

Teams fish anywhere from 35 miles off the coast — where fish attracting devices called FADs draw bait and predators — to 150 or 200 miles out near oil rigs to the west. Johnson says Pensacola is uniquely positioned with productive nearby fishery that gives teams options regardless of how far they want to run.

For more information visit pbgfc.com.