Launched in 1989, The Big Bend Saltwater Classic Fishing Tournament was created by The Organization for Artificial Reefs, Inc. (OAR), a private, non-profit, marine interest group based out of Tallahassee.  The family oriented Tournament was intended to serve as OAR’s primary fund-raising project.

In 1989, 223 anglers participated in the inaugural tournament.  In recent years, over 700 competitors have joined the competition to put this tournaments among the top saltwater fishing tournaments by participation (according to Florida Sportsman Magazine). 

The tournament is held in a rodeo format featuring multiple species in three divisions for Juniors to Pros.  The Tournaments is the Fishing Family’s place to be on Father’s Day weekend in North Florida.

Come out to the Port St. Joe Marina from June 18th-20th to join this fun filled competition.  If you’re vacationing to the Forgotten Coast, make some time to checkout the enormous catches these fishermen bring into the docks.  For more information, visit here.

Checkout our daily video from Destin and Pensacola Beach. The beaches are still pristine with only a few reports of tar balls along our 150 miles of shoreline in the past few days. We continue to monitor the sheen that is reportedly miles away from our shores. As always, we will update you if anything changes along the gorgeous beaches.

For more questions and answers, visit our Oil Spill FAQ.