Anglers Hook Winning Catches at 2025 ECBC

Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic awards over $1.85 Million in 2025 tournament at Sandestin

The 23rd Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (ECBC) returned to Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort from June 18-22, 2025, bringing together 78 elite sportfishing teams for a week of high-stakes competition, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. With a total payout of $1,851,937, this year’s tournament delivered impressive catches and tight races across all categories.  

The action-packed week kicked off with the Captain’s Meeting on Wednesday night, followed by the thrilling Thursday shotgun start. By Friday and Saturday, Baytowne Marina was the center of attention as teams backed into slips and weighed in some of the Gulf’s finest game fish.  

In the Heaviest Blue Marlin category, All-In Southern Charm with angler Ron Davis claimed first place with a 654.60-pound marlin, earning over $522,000 in total winnings. Devotion and A Work of Art rounded out the top three with fish weighing 640.4 pounds and 604.4 pounds respectively.  

Other top winners included:  

• Heaviest Tuna: 181.4 pounds by Knot Done Yet (Blake Garland)  

• Heaviest Dolphin: 50.5 pounds by MAE (Drew Marshall)  

• Heaviest Wahoo: 54.9 pounds by Squid Row (Buck Gosnay)  

The Release Division was dominated by Team Supreme, taking home over $200,000 with 2,175 points. Devotion and Nikki Bella secured second and third in a close contest.  

Top Angler honors went to Ron Davis of All-In Southern Charm, while Team Supreme’s Alex Krake was awarded Top Release Angler. In the Top Lady Angler category, Helen DeLaney aboard Yellow Steel earned her title with 1,000 points.  

The tournament also recognized young talent:  

• Top Junior Angler in Billfish: Leah Pratt on It Just Takes Time, 700 points  

• Top Junior Angler in Gamefish: Ethan Cruz on Nikki Bella, 153.1 pounds 

The ECBC team extends a sincere thank you to every angler, crew member, sponsor, volunteer, and vendor who helped bring the 2025 tournament to life. Your passion fuels the heart of this Gulf Coast tradition.  

Mark your calendars, the 24th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic will return to Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina, June 17-21, 2026.  

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort 

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a major destination for all seasons and all ages and was named the No. 1 Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Sandestin invites guests to experience 2,400 acres and 70 charming neighborhoods featuring over 1,000 vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, townhomes, and Hotel Effie. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than 7 miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 20 swimming pools, a 226-slip marina, a fitness center, and a spa. Shop, dine, and play at the charming pedestrian village, The Village of Baytowne Wharf. New developments include Hotel Effie, a 250-room hotel that opened in February 2021, and Osprey Pointe, which opened in the summer of 2020, adding an additional 77 vacation condominiums. For more information, visit Sandestin.com or stay up to date by following @Sandestin and #Sandestin or #Sandestin50.