Anglers Head To Orange Beach For The Start Of Billfish Tournament Season

R. Ken Cooper • May 6, 2026

The Orange Beach Billfish Classic opens a packed schedule of Gulf Coast fishing tournaments

Anglers Head To Orange Beach For The Start Of Billfish Tournament Season

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  The Orange Beach Billfish Classic is set to bring some of the most exciting offshore fishing competition to the Alabama Gulf Coast this spring. The tournament will be held at The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama. It is the first event in a larger series of billfish tournaments spanning the Gulf Coast. Anglers from across the region are expected to compete for top honors on the open water.


The tournament runs from May 12 through May 17. It serves as the opening event of the Gulf Coast billfish tournament season. The series will continue through the summer, with three more stops along the Gulf.


The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach is a well-known hub for competitive fishing along the Alabama coast. It will host the series' opening and closing events. The marina offers deep-water access and top-notch facilities, making it a popular venue for major fishing tournaments. Competitors will head offshore into the Gulf in search of billfish, including blue marlin and sailfish.


Billfish tournaments are a big deal along the Gulf Coast. Teams spend months preparing their boats and gear in hopes of landing a trophy fish. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high. Prize money and bragging rights are on the line for every crew that enters.


The Orange Beach Billfish Classic attracts serious offshore anglers. The event gives local and visiting teams a chance to showcase their skills on the water. It also brings attention and tourism dollars to the Orange Beach area. The tournament is considered one of the premier fishing events on the Gulf Coast calendar.


For more information about the Orange Beach Billfish Classic, including registration and tournament details, visit
orangebeachbillfishclassic.com.


After the Orange Beach event wraps up, the series moves on to other Gulf Coast destinations. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic is held in early June in Biloxi. The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic runs June 17 through 21 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort near Destin, Florida. The series concludes with the Blue Marlin Grand Championship, which returns to The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach from July 14 through 19.


Share this article w/ Friends...

Orange Beach Residents Invited to Town Hall Meeting About the Dinner Theater
By OBA Staff May 6, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach residents are expected to weigh in on a proposed dinner theater development at a Town Hall meeting tonight, Wednesday, as city leaders seek public input ahead of key decisions on the project. The meeting will be held at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center after the City Co
Least Terns Nesting Season Begins Along the Gulf Coast
By R. Ken Cooper May 6, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach reports that Least Terns have entered their active nesting season along local beaches. The small shorebirds are beginning courtship and nesting behaviors that will continue through the summer. Officials say residents and visitors may notice increased activity along
Orange Beach Lady Makos Soccer 2026 - Photo by Shelley Patterson, C-Shelz Photography
By John Mullen May 5, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – When it comes down to it, St. Luke’s is actually 2-1 v. Orange Beach in girls soccer this year, but the rivalry goes all the way back to last year’s state tournament. The Area 1 co-champions in Class 4A split their regular-season games this spring and ended up tied for the area title. St. L
New Wetland Reserve Near Bon Secour River Headwaters Progresses
By Guy Busby May 5, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley officials are continuing work on a new wetland preserve designed to improve water quality and provide public access to a restored natural area. The project focuses on stream restoration near the headwaters of the Bon Secour River. City leaders say the site is already showing environmental b
Orange Beach Council To Review Pirate Dinner Theater Proposal
By John Mullen May 5, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach is on the cusp of what’s expected to be a lively town hall meeting with the possibility of a Pirate’s Voyage Dinner Theater expected to take center stage. Residents looking for a preview can attend a rare morning council work session the day before at City Hall, with a review o
Mike Lee with Lee Charities and John McInnis with Flora/Bama/CoastAL Restaurant
By OBA Staff May 5, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Lee Charities hosted its first nonprofit appreciation event in Orange Beach, bringing together organizations from across Baldwin County. The event focused on recognizing the work of nonprofit teams and creating space for connection and encouragement. Leaders said the goal was to support th
What’s Happening This Week at the Beach: Tacos, Tunes & Coastal Views
By Jessica A. Taylor May 4, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Get ready for an exhilarating week on the Alabama Gulf Coast, where sunshine and salt air are just the beginning! With an exciting mix of taco-filled celebrations, delightful waterfront getaways, community gatherings, and a special weekend dedicated to Moms, there’s so much to explore.
Foley City Hall
By John Mullen May 4, 2026
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley’s new public library is close to opening its doors, and community groups and grants are helping with the effort. The city will consider a Foley Woman’s Club donation, a STEAM lab grant, and a grant from a local legislator during its upcoming council meeting.
Gulf Shores City Hall
By John Mullen May 4, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – City staff in Gulf Shores is proposing new rules on covers for outdoor restaurant spaces in the city. The ordinance seeks to move away from temporary or removable coverings toward greater integration with the restaurant's buildings’ look.
Orange Beach Students Paint Patriotic Fire Hydrants
By OBA Staff May 3, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Fire hydrants across Orange Beach now feature new patriotic artwork. Orange Beach High School students hand-painted the designs, which were placed at several public locations. City officials said the effort is part of America250.
Show More