Orange Beach, Ala. - (OBA) - The Orange Beach Billfish Classic, was held at The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama from May 18 to May 20, 2023, was the first major fishing tournament of the 2023 season​. This event, which is a part of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series, has the reputation of attracting some of the best big-game anglers in the nation, showcasing both their skill and dedication to sustainable fishing practices​.

The Orange Beach Billfish Classic was established in 1996, aiming to provide financial support for organizations that effectively represent recreational fishermen. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most significant events on the Gulf Coast and a major fundraiser for The Billfish Foundation. The OBBC has donated over $730,000 to The Billfish Foundation and other qualified conservation entities since its inception, underlining its commitment to maintaining the health and diversity of billfish populations​.

The 2023 tournament saw intense competition, with anglers vying for the honor of landing the heaviest catch in several categories. In the Blue Marlin division, the top spot was secured by Brian Stover on the Mollie, with an impressive 776.4 lb catch. Joey DiFatta on the Miss Mary and Travis Dorland on the Reel Fire clinched the second and third spots with 548.6 lb and 528.4 lb catches respectively.

The Catch and Release category saw Briar Patch securing the first position, followed by Relentless Pursuit and Southern Charm. In the Tuna division, Charlie Thomas on Fins Up took the lead with a 148 lb catch. The second and third spots went to Tanner Yancey on Miss Ma'am and Lori McDowell on Lifeline, with catches weighing 143.2 lb and 127.6 lb, respectively.

The Wahoo category was led by Peter Martin on the Cotton Patch with a 24.4 lb catch. In the Dolphin category, Daniel Cater on the Miss Mary clinched the first spot with a 25.2 lb catch, followed by Todd Rosetti on Perseverance with a 20.2 lb catch.

The tournament also celebrated the achievements of individual anglers. The Top Lady Angler title was awarded to Mackenzie Davis on the Southern Charm, while the Junior Angler award went to Clark Adams on the Gunnslinger.

Orange Beach, Alabama has been home to several top-ranked fishing tournaments and continues to be a hotbed of recreational and competitive fishing. The Orange Beach Billfish Classic serves as a testament to this rich fishing culture, drawing the nation's best big-game anglers to its waters every year​.

Official 2023 Orange Beach Billfish Classic Results

Blue Marlin:

1st- 776.4 lbs. Mollie- Angler Brian Stover 

2nd- 548.6 lbs. Miss Mary- Angler Joey DiFatta

3rd- 528.4 lbs. Reel Fire- Travis Dorland

Catch and Release:

1st- Briar Patch 

2nd- Relentless Pursuit

3rd- Southern Charm 

Tuna:

1st- 148 lbs. Fins Up- Angler Charlie Thomas

2nd- 143.2 lbs. Miss Ma'am- Angler Tanner Yancey

3rd- 127.6 lbs. Lifeline- Angler Lori McDowell

Wahoo:

1st - 24.4 lbs. Cotton Patch – Angler Peter Martin

Dolphin:

1st- 25.2lbs. Miss Mary- Angler Daniel Cater

2nd- 20.2 lbs. Perseverance- Angler Todd Rosetti 

Top Lady Angler

Mackenzie Davis on the Southern Charm

Junior Angler:

Clark Adams on the Gunnslinger