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With more than 27 optional jackpot entry levels, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic in Miramar Beach, Florida, offers lots of ways to get into the winner’s circle. The 22nd-annual running, held at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort from June 19-23, was impacted by Tropical Storm Alberto, but still attracted 33 boats and 222 anglers, which generated a cash purse of almost $850,000.
Capt. Robby Rushing and Just the Tip took top honors and $165,189 in winnings, thanks to Paul McMullen’s 508.6-pound blue marlin, the only billfish caught this year that exceeded the tournament’s 110-inch minimum length. A total of 33 blue marlin, six white marlin and 4 sailfish were caught by the fleet.
Team Supreme, captained by Chase Lake, took top release team with 3,500 points and seven blue marlin releases. Capt. Mat Thomas and the Share-E finished in second with 2,00 points from four blue marlin and one white marlin release. Capt. Jason Buck’s A Work of Art continued its strong 2024 campaign with a third-place finish thanks to four blue marlin releases worth 2,000 points.
In the gamefish division, four yellowfin tuna were brought to the scales, with Team Supreme taking the limelight thanks to Allen Krake Jr.’s 213.6-pound yellowfin tuna. The big tuna, along with the top release honors, earned Team Supreme $97,202. Bimini Babe’s Ryan Doxey reeled in a 95.4-pound wahoo to claim that division, while Devin Sarver on the GreSaMar finished atop the mahi division with a 28.8-pounder.
McMullen claimed top angler honors thanks to his big blue. Shery Polk of the Share-E claimed top release angler and top lady angler honors with her three blue marlin releases. Liam O’Brien, age 15, claimed the top junior angler award aboard Pensacola’s Panhandler, thanks to his blue marlin release and multiple gamefish catches.
In total, 19 of the 33 participating boats claimed cash prizes in this year’s tournament.
