FISH THE TRADITION Pensacola International Billfish Tournament celebrates its 50th year by Kelly Oden
From June 30 to July 4, 2021, local anglers have the opportunity to enjoy some friendly competition at Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club’s (PBGFC) annual event, The Pensacola International Billfish Tournament. Celebrating 50 years in 2021, this year’s event is sure to be one for the record books. Since its inception in 1970, the Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club has been the host to the country’s largest billfish tournaments. The first gathering, launched in 1971 as a club affair, involved only a handful of boats and anglers. The event quickly developed a reputation as the premier fishing
Tournament Dates: 6/30/21 - 7/3/21 Registration: Open until 7/1/21 10 am CST Species: Sailfish, Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Wahoo, Spearfish, Yellowfin Tuna, White Marlin, Swordfish, Unidentified Billfish, Blackfin Tuna and Bigeye Tuna 14 Pensacola Magazine
tradition and turned a three-day blue water Gulf of Mexico deepsea fishing competition into the sporting event of the year, luring a record number of anglers and boats from across the nation.
sponsors and vendors will have tents displaying goods and services. The public is invited to watch the weigh-ins on July 2 from 4 -7 pm and on July 3 from 3-7 pm. This year also features the return of Ron Thomas, who emceed the event back in the 70s. Thomas will team up with George Ballard to provide commentary
PBGFC’s goals go beyond the Held on the last weekend of competition, however. Their June at the famous Palafox Pier mission aims to stimulate and in downtown Pensacola, the encourage the sport of big game competition draws large crowds fishing in northwest Florida and offers sizable cash and prize coastal waters, to demonstrate awards. This year’s total award the recreational facilities and payments land at $56,400. the abundance of big game fish off and near “We’re excited to get back Two additional events, the the coast of Pensacola, to to normal and have the Junior Angler Tournament tournament down at the Palafox encourage and promote and Pensacola Ladies the conservation and Pier where spectators and the Billfish Tournament, study of game fishes and both hosted at the WCI whole city of Pensacola can to promote the sport Lost Key Marina Yacht come down and watch.” of big game fishing as Club, complement the recreation and as a source trio of tournaments. – Ken McIlhenny, Tournament Chair of scientific data. While last year’s event was low key due to the pandemic, this year promises to be loads of fun for anglers and spectators alike. Several food vendors will be serving up delicious eats, and
and weigh-in results. In addition, local angler and owner of Outcast Bait and Tackle, Tommy Holmes will serve as dock master.
For more information, and to register for the tournament, visit pbgfc.com.
