We are at the peak of summer and the fish are biting! At least that’s what the anglers in the Big Fish Classic are hoping for. In its third year, the Big Fish Classic is one of the fastest growing fishing tournaments on the east coast, with over 50% more boats registered to fish in 2016 over last year. With only nine days to go until day 1 of the Big Fish Classic, event coordinators are anticipating 60-70 registered boats with a payout totaling close to $400,000. That is nearly double the total payout from 2015!
Why is the Big Fish Classic growing by leaps and bounds? Because boats can fish from any port New Jersey through Virginia, day and night. Anglers have the choice to fish the Friday/Saturday 32-hour time slot or the Saturday/Sunday 32-hour time slot. True to its name, the Big Fish Classic awards high dollar prizes to the biggest fish pulled from the Atlantic Ocean. For rules and regulations, please click here for more information.
The Big Fish Classic is not just for captains and anglers. This event really is for the entire family, especially the most exciting portion for spectators – the great weigh-ins! New in 2016 is the BFC Tournament Village, which is made possible by Title Sponsor, Huk Performance Fishing. The BFC Tournament Village will be open for spectators beginning at 3pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Expect to find live entertainment, free giveaways, exhibits, women’s boutiques, jewelry, food vendors and more. Don’t leave the kiddos at home. In addition to seeing the biggest fish pulled from the Atlantic, which is super awesome, there will be face painting and a pirate statue for family portraits!
Event co-founder Brian Roberts comments, “None of this would be possible without our amazing sponsors. From our Title Sponsor, Huk to Host Sponsors M.R. Ducks and Captain Bill Buntings Angler. Our founding group brought this idea to the table and our sponsors were all in. They are the ones who allow the Big Fish Classic to really make a name for itself in Ocean City MD and on the entire east coast.”
The scales will be open for weigh-ins on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Can’t make it to the dock? No problem. You can actually view the live feed from the dock by clicking here.
4pm-9pm Friday, July 29th | 4pm-9pm Saturday, July 30th | 4pm-8pm Sunday, July 31st
The Big Fish Classic is not just about prizes and bragging rights. Proceeds from this event benefit local charities including Diakonia, OC Reef Foundation and Billfish Foundation. The goal is to give back to our coast line and the ocean what the coast line and ocean give to the Big Fish Classic. In regards to charitable donations, Roberts says it best, “we want to give back to our neighbors and to help protect our reefs and resources. It’s that simple.”
What can you expect when you visit the BFC Tournament Village July 29th – 31st? Hopefully the biggest fish out of the Atlantic, topping the scales and breaking records. In 2015, the Big Fish Classic weighed in the heaviest Big Eye Tuna on the east coast in any fishing tournament, awarding the winners $95,000! Could it happen again? There’s only one way to find out… visit the BFC Tournament Village next weekend and see for yourself.
