Drawing off the popularity of the annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort announced they are the new site for the championship round of the Emerald Coast Redfish Circuit (ECRC). The Emerald Coast Redfish Circuit Championship at Sandestin will take place November 6-8, and will be the circuit’s season finale. The weekend will not only crown the tournament winner, but award the season champion of the 10-event Emerald Coast Redfish Circuit.
“We couldn’t be happier to partner with the Emerald Coast Redfish Circuit to be the host site for their season finale,” said Jason Draughn, director of activities at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. “We know that Northwest Florida is a fishing hotbed and the Emerald Coast has some of the best redfish action along the Gulf Coast. We plan to make this an annual event, so redfish enthusiasts and their families can enjoy the event and all the amenities Sandestin has to offer.”
The entry fee is $160 per boat (two-man teams) for both days and registration is open to the public. Four optional $20 Calcuttas will be offered: Most Weight (Day 1), Most Spots on Redfish, Biggest Trout and Biggest Redfish.
The Emerald Coast Redfish Circuit has a schedule that features monthly redfish tournaments from February through November. The ECRC is based in the Florida Panhandle and 2015 tournament locations have included Apalachicola, Destin, Miramar Beach, Panama City, Pensacola, Navarre and Delacroix, LA.
The fishing series was founded by local anglers with a desire to promote ‘artificial only’ catch and release redfishing in a fun and competitive atmosphere. The ECRC is open for all levels of angling skill from weekend novices to full-time professionals.
Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina will serve as the host location with weigh-ins scheduled for 3:15 p.m. each day. The post weigh-in festivities on Saturday, November 7, will include broadcast of the LSU vs. Alabama football game on the big screen at Marina Bar & Grill. Live concerts will take place each day from 4-7 p.m. at Marina Bar & Grill.
The event is free and open to the public. Marina Bar & Grill will offer happy hour pricing from 4-7 p.m. daily, including $5 appetizers.
Tournament schedule:
Friday, November 6
6-7 p.m.: Registration at Marina Bar & Grill
7 p.m.: Captain’s Meeting
5-8 p.m.: Live music at Marina Bar & Grill
Saturday, November 7
5-6 a.m.: Check-in
6 a.m./Safe Light: Official tournament start
3 p.m.: Boats must return to the Marina
3:15 p.m.: Weigh-ins
4-7 p.m.: Live music at Marina Bar & Grill
TBD: LSU vs. Alabama on the marina outdoor screen
Sunday, November 8
5-6 a.m.: Check-in
6 a.m./Safe Light: Official tournament start
3 p.m.: Boats must return to the marina
3:15 p.m.: Weigh-ins
4-7 p.m.: Live music at Marina Bar & Grill
Accommodations for the weekend with rates starting from only $79 can be made at the resort’s new website at Sandestin.com/ECRC or by calling 877-496-4975. Use promo code: ECRC15.
Participating sponsors for this event include AFTCO, Costa Del Mar, Matrix Shad, The Grand Marlin Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Pensacola Beach, FL, Baytowne Marina, Zman Baits, SaltLife and Power Pole.
Fishermen who wish to compete in this event can visit The Redfish Club, or call Mike Patterson at 850-377-0195.