Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf

Blue marlins are acknowledged as one of sport fishing’s ultimate challenges. These gorgeous blue demons can weigh over 1,000 pounds – they are huge! They’re aggressive, fast and athletic, bursting up out of the sea like dancing, twisty acrobats. You can’t ask for anything more in a great sport fish.

So if you’re into blue marlins and the world of competitive sport fishing and are looking for a tournament close to home, come on down to the beautiful Gulf Coast and the Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf. Hosted by The Wharf Marina, this self-proclaimed “greatest show in sports fishing” is held every July in Orange Beach.

The Ultimate Fishing Tournament

“Billfish Week” is July 9^th – 14^th, 2019. Tournament events start Tuesday, July 9^th at 6pm as things kick off with the Crew Party. On Wednesday, July 10^th, teams check in and at 7pm The Wharf Street Party starts and Billfish Boat Show opens. On Thursday (July 11^th) the boats leave the marina. Tournament weigh-ins are Friday and Saturday at 5pm. And there are private events throughout the tournament for the teams to enjoy. For an up-to-date, full schedule of events, visit the tournament’s webpage.

If you’re not competing in the tournament, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied while waiting for those exciting weigh-ins. You can compete in the Blue Marlin Miler 5K and 1-mile Fun Run for St. Jude on Saturday or take in the amazing water crafts on display at the boat show throughout the week. And the Wharf Marina has entertainment galore for anglers and non-anglers alike. Packed with bars, restaurants, shops, mini-golf, an amphitheater showcasing great entertainers (Jimmy Buffet, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kenny Chesney to name a few), and a Ferris wheel!

The Wharf Marina can be found at 4673 Wharf Parkway in Orange Beach. Email Beverly@cmmmarinas.com with questions regarding the tournament, or call 251-224-1900. Most events are free for spectators. The tournament entry fee is $10,000, including the non-refundable entry deposit of $2,500. Register online here. Check the Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf website for updates and additional information as it becomes available. And take a look at the tournament’s Facebook page for some great photos of past competitions and winners.

Land the Big One

If you weren’t able to schedule in that big overseas fishing trip to the Azores or New Zealand this year, no worries. Just come on down to Gulf Shores. We’ve got your sports fishing excitement right here. Contact Harris Vacation Rentals today to book your stay!