Experience the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”

The phrase “world’s luckiest fishing village” is a huge understatement for Captain Johnny Dorland and the crew of Cotton Patch. They reeled in the record breaking big one for the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic 2015. Crew member Lance Hill fought the 899.6 pound winning blue marlin for nearly six hours. The record billfish was measured at 134-inches with a girth of 74-inches which earned Team Cotton Patch a payout of $195,277.  

The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is hosted by Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. For thirteen years this event has attracted anglers and their families from all over. 78 teams compete for a total of $1,586,400 in cash prizes that will be paid out to 29 of the teams entered in different divisions including marlin weight, billfish catch and release as well as game fish categories for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. No wonder this event is known as the richest big-game tournament in the Gulf of Mexico.

Team Cotton Patch was not the only one to go home with a win. Team Click Through of Gulf Breeze, Florida took third-largest blue marlin at 548 pounds along with a 150 pound yellowfin tuna, winning $173,002 in tournament and jackpot money. Team Pier Pressure of Grande Isle, Louisiana won $86,220 as the top overall release boat!

There is still some big fish swimming in our emerald green waters just waiting to take the bait! Whether you are staying in Destin, Seaside or Seagrove, Florida there’s a charter boat captain waiting to cast. Bring the family and spend the day with professionals from Fish Destin that will put you on a hole to hook the big one. Experience the ‘Luckiest Fishing Village’ for yourself and make plans to come out to The 14th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, June 22-26, 2016! 

Published on Tuesday, July 14, 2015