1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Elisa Smith
Communications Coordinator
Walton County TDC
(850) 622-7807
elisa@visitsouthwalton.com
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Feeds More than Anglers’ Taste for Adventure
Proceeds from Event’s Catch Benefit Local Food Bank
SOUTH WALTON, Fla. (July 19, 2012) -- A well-known adage says if you give a man a fish,
you feed him for a day, but if you teach him to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. The anglers who
participate in the annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at the Sandestin Golf and Beach
Resort affirm this adage by donating the tournament’s catch to a local mission, which uses
those proceeds to feed the area’s hungry and provide a loving environment to help women in
need meet the challenges of a renewed life.
“Despite the name, there’s much more to the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic than blue
marlin,” says Tournament Director Shawna Harris. “Though big blue marlin excite the crowds at
weigh-ins – especially record fish, as we saw this year – the tournament includes other
categories, as well, namely tuna, wahoo and dolphin. And by dolphin, we don’t mean Flipper,
but what most people know as mahi mahi. Our participating teams donate their edible catch to
Harvest House to wholesale to local fish markets, with the proceeds supporting that agency’s
mission.”
Established in 1985, Harvest House is an area non-profit organization whose mission is to
provide food and shelter to those who are less fortunate or at a point of need. Since 2009, sister
agency Hosanna House has provided a safe haven for women who need help transitioning
through crisis situations. According to founder and board member Jerry Ogle, the organization
obtained a wholesale fish license about ten years ago, which allows them to sell the donated
catch at market prices, using the proceeds to help fund the ministry. “We are deeply grateful for
the generosity of the anglers who participate in this prestigious event. The tournament’s fish
sales account for a substantial portion of our annual funding, which helps us greatly in our
mission to provide food to those in need through Harvest House and shelter through Hosanna
House.”
This year’s event, held June 20-24, coincided with Tropical Storm Debby, which threatened
coastal communities along Northwest Florida and reduced the field of competitors from 71 to 38
teams. The smaller field resulted in fewer saleable fish, but the proceeds were still substantial at
$7,300.
Though a number of fish are brought to market, the majority of fish hooked in the Emerald Coast
Blue Marlin Classic are tagged and released, according to Jim Roberson, International Game
Fish Association representative for Northwest Florida. “In addition to helping local charities,

2. tournaments like the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic help create awareness of these
beautiful fish and our efforts to conserve them and our ecosystems. About 99 percent of the fish
hooked were tagged and released back into the wild, which not only preserves their numbers,
but allows us to learn more about how to better monitor and protect them for future generations
to enjoy.”
Of the 28 billfish caught this year – 16 white marlin, eight blue marlin and four sailfish - 27 were
released alive. All 16 white marlin and four sailfish were released. Of eight blue marlin caught,
only one was brought to the scales for weigh-in. Mr. Roberson adds, “All of the anglers at this
event are passionate about seeing these fish survive, For example, the vessel Islander out of
Destin cut off a tail-wrapped Blue Marlin rather than continuing to fight the fish to see if it was
eligible. This was to ensure that the fish would swim free and healthy. It is acts of sportsmanship
like this that make me proud to be associated with the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic. The
professionalism of these anglers and captains is at the pinnacle of the sport.”
Despite the reduced field of competitors, record fish were recorded in two categories. Travis
Dorland, of Mobile, Alabama, fishing for team Done Deal reeled in a monster blue marlin
weighing 783.6 pounds; and Jake Breaux, of Morgan City, Louisiana, fishing for team Testing
the Water reeled in a record yellowfin tuna at 190.1 pounds.
“Visit South Walton is proud to sponsor events like the Blue Marlin Classic because it
represents what’s so special about our community,” says the organization’s Executive Director
Dawn Moliterno. “Not only does it highlight the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and our unparalleled
coastal lifestyle, but it also serves to engender a deep appreciation of that ecosystem’s delicate
balance, while providing for a cause that enhances the quality of life for residents throughout our
area.”
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic photos and final results can be found at www.fishecbc.com.
For more information about other events in South Walton, go to www.VIsitSouthWalton.com.
About South Walton:
Located along a 26-mile stretch of Northwest Florida’s Coast, South Walton encompasses an
unparalleled strand of 15 distinct beach neighborhoods, each with its own traditions, charm and
visual style. South Walton is renowned for natural scenic beauty, turquoise waters and sugar
sand beaches, including one of Dr. Beach’s All-Time Top 20 Beaches. An upscale, yet casual,
place to unwind, rejuvenate and build lasting memories, it is here that visitors find their perfect
beach. Learn more at VisitSouthWalton.com.
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Hi-res photos are available at: http://93.93.130.134/?c=64&k=d09ccb3bcc