Everyone of the Big Bend is happy to have the Big Bend Saltwater Classic back at Shield’s Marina in St. Marks!

 

 

The Big Bend Saltwater Classic fishing tournament was launched in 1989 by The Organization for Artificial Reefs, Inc, (OAR), a private, non-profit, marine interest group based in Tallahassee,Florida. To date, it is the longest running consecutive tournament in the Big Bend region. The family-oriented tournament was founded to serve as OAR’s primary fund-raising project.  All proceeds generated from the event are used to expand and develop a system of artificial reefs in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico, OAR’s purview of operation.  The tournament ranks among the top saltwater fishing tournaments, by participation, according to Florida Sportsman Magazine, with over 700 anglers registered during peak tournament years. The first tournament was held at Shield’s Marina in St. Marks. This was changed in 1990 to Panacea Harbor Marina, then in 1991 the Moorings Marina in Carrabelle. During the years of 2006 through 2016, the tournament continued to be headquarted in Carrabelle. This 2017 tournament year, the headquarters returns to Shields Marina in St. Marks. Multiple fish species will be open in Recreational and Junior divisions. The Big Bend Saltwater Classic is a North Florida angler’s tradition, held annually on Father’s Day Weekend. We look forward to another great year!

2018 Schedule of Events

 

if you’re new to the area and need some “insider” information on fishing our Big Bend,  check out The Saltwater Angler’s Guide To Florida’s Big Bend and Emerald Coast.

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