Summer fishing tournaments

GULF COAST, FL - Get ready, anglers, it's time to head "back to THE Beach" for some great summer fishing. June is Florida Fishing Month and there is plenty of great fishing to be found at THE Beach. From inland streams, to bays, to the great Gulf of Mexico, fishing is not only a sport, it's a way of life.

Even if you don't fish, it's fun and educational to take a trip to the docks in the afternoon in Destin, Carrabelle or any of the other fishing towns to watch the fleet unload the day's catch. Grouper, blue marlin, red snapper, and bill fish at their most brilliant are the prized catches. You can learn more about fish and fishing at the Destin History and Fishing Museum.

However, if catching the "big one" for fame and fortune is your dream, fishing tournaments abound. Here are a few happening this month. For more fishing information and other events, see www.thebeachfla.com.

Here is a list of upcoming fishing tournaments:

Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
June 16-21, Sandestin, 866-505-4458.
The three heaviest weighed blue marlin, dolphin, tuna and wahoo are eligible for cash awards, as are the top three teams entered in the All Release Division, and the top three Crews entered in the Crew Division. Awards are presented to the top overall, release, lady and junior anglers.

31st Annual Pensacola Ladies Billfish Tournament
June 17-19, Lost Key Marina & Yacht Club, Pensacola, 850-453-4638.
Prizes and cash awards given in four categories of fish (tuna, dolphin, wahoo and swordfish) and catch and release only on marlin and sailfish. The tournament is part of the Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club.

39th Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo
June 18-21, Grand Lagoon Yacht Club, Perdido Key, 850-609-7569.
Registration for Open Division is $35. The Junior Division ages 12 and under is free. Cash and prizes will be awarded and a portion of the proceeds goes to benefit Ronald McDonald House.

23rd Annual Pensacola Junior Angler Tournament
June 19-21, Lost Key Marina & Yacht Club, Pensacola, 850-453-4638.
First, second and third place awards given in ten categories. The tournament is sponsored by the Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club.

21st Annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic
June 19-21, Port St. Joe, Carrabelle, and Panacea, 850-216-2272.
Three division, including Juniors, and over 14 types of fish make this tournament a must for saltwater anglers. With an average 700 competitors, it is the largest professionally run fishing tournament in the Florida Big Bend Gulf Coast.

5th Annual Gaskin Park Flathead Catfish Tournament
June 26-27, Gaskin Park Landing, Wewahitchka, 850-814-3180.
Go inland for this tournament on the Apalachicola River. Cash prizes for the largest flathead (five place winners) and the boat with the most poundage. Catfish must be at least 14 inches long.

World Shallow Water Slam
June 27-28, Pensacola Beach.
Anglers compete in the categories of Grand Slam, Redfish, Flounder and Speckled Trout. Cash and prizes are awarded, including the Grand Slam prize of a boat, motor and trailer.

Upcoming in July and August

39th Annual Pensacola International Billfish Tournament
July 1-5, Palafox Pier in Downtown Pensacola, 850-453-4638.
Part of the World Billfish Series, this Fourth of July weekend tournament offers $575,000 in cash and prizes. Competition is for first, second and third places for Blue Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo and Dolphin, as well as Broad bill Swordfish and Top Catch and Release Anger and Boat.

26th Annual Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament
July 15-19, Bay Point Marina, Panama City Beach, 850-233-1633.
Recognized as one of the most prestigious billfish tournaments along the billfish circuit the Bay Point Invitational made history last year by going full release for all billfish - a significant change that was embraced by participants and spectators alike. Spectators can catch the Friday and Saturday night weigh-ins.

Grand Lagoon National Saltwater Tournament
August 12-16, Panama City, 850-522-0955.
The unique format of this eight-tournaments-in-one event will appeal to virtually every kind of saltwater fishing enthusiast. Anglers in six divisions that include a Big Game division, Catch and Release, Offshore, Inshore, Flats and Party Boat will fish for Blue Marlin, Swordfish, Red Snapper, Amberjack, Spanish Mackerel and Trout among others. There's even a special Junior Anglers' contest and a Dive Division for those who like to fish below the waters of the Gulf.