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Orange Beach Billfish Classic Kicks Off 2024 Big Game Fishing Season

R. Ken Cooper • Apr 25, 2024

Alabama Gulf Coast Hosts Prestigious Billfish Tournament in May

2023 Orange Beach Billfish Classic Winners

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The 28th Annual Orange Beach Billfish Classic (OBBC) will be held from May 14-19, 2024 at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama.


This prestigious tournament is the start of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series and is committed to sustainable billfishing, donating over $730,000 to the Billfish Foundation and other conservation entities over the years.


The tournament will feature various events throughout the week, including a Captain and Crew Party on Tuesday, May 14th, an Optional Cash Awards Pot Party on Wednesday, May 15th, and a Mandatory Captain's Meeting on Thursday, May 16th.


 Fishing will commence at 12:00 noon on Thursday, May 16th, with weigh-ins taking place on Friday, May 17th from 7:00-10:00 PM and Saturday, May 18th from 6:00-10:00 PM. 


The tournament will conclude with an Awards Breakfast on Sunday, May 19th.


Anglers can register for the tournament by mailing a $2,000 deposit to the OBBC at PO Box 1645, Orange Beach, AL 36561, or by calling Kate Ferrara-Dorland at 225-892-2146 to pay by credit card.


The tournament is open to both private and charter boats, and there are various cash award categories for different species of billfish.


The Orange Beach Billfish Classic is known for its competitive format and stunning coastal setting, drawing top anglers and teams from across the region.


2023 Winners Article from OBA News


2024 Schedule of Events

Tuesday, May 14th

7:00 pm: Captain and Crew Party under the big tent at the Wharf (Private)


Wednesday, May 15th

4:00 – 10:30 pm: Registration and Optional Cash Awards open under the big tent

6:00 – 10:30 pm: Optional cash Awards Pot Party with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and dinner (Private)


Thursday, May 16th

9:30 am: Mandatory Captain’s Meeting under the big tent

10:00 am: Boats may leave The Wharf through Perdido Bay to Perdido Pass

12:00 noon: Boats may leave Perdido Pass. Any boat choosing to leave through Sailboat Bay may not leave The Wharf Marina until NOON, May 16th

12:00 noon: Fishing Commences


Friday, May 17th

7:00 -10:00 pm: Weigh in at The Wharf


Saturday, May 18th

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Weigh in at The Wharf


Sunday, May 19th

9:00 am: Tournament Awards Breakfast (Private)

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