The Grand Lagoon National

Rescheduled for Labor Day Weekend

"America's Saltwater Fishing Tournament"

Move over Billfish Tournament – there's a new fishing competition coming to Panama City Beach, Florida. The Grand Lagoon National Saltwater Fishing Tournament is rescheduled for Labor Day Weekend. Billed as “ America's most all-inclusive sport-fishing tournament,” the newest tournament offers experienced and amateur anglers the opportunity to compete in six divisions in a single tournament for over $1 million in cash prizes. Promoters are expecting over 40,000 to gather for the four-day event with an anticipated 2,000 anglers and 400 boats in the competition.

The Grand Lagoon National Foundation is sponsoring the tournament with a portion of the proceeds earmarked for local charities serving children and families. The foundation brings together four marinas, Pirates Cove Marina, Capt. Anderson's Marina, Lighthouse Marina, and Treasure Island Marina, and businesses and restaurants. During the competition 1500 hundred slips and dry racks will be available through the host marinas and tour and dive boats will be available for spectators and participants.

Swordfish, tuna, and marlin are targeted in the Big Game Division that includes a catch and release category for sailfish, tuna, marlin, and swordfish. King mackerel, amberjack, grouper, and red snapper are targets in the Inshore Division for boats up to 29 feet. Dolphins, wahoo, amberjack, gouper, and snapper are targeted in the Offshore Division. The Party Boat Division, for families and bottom fishing devotees, targets amberjack, grouper and red snapper. The Flats Division, designed to appeal to Bay anglers, features Spanish redfish, trout, and mackerel competition. A Junior Anglers contest is included in this division. Amberjack, grouper, and snapper will also be the targets in the Dive Division.

There will be parades and parties with live music with nationally recognized artists. The Sponsors’ Village will be a mini- expo, highlighting the newest in marine electronics, fishing gear, and boating accessories. The four-day festival concludes with a bang, a fireworks show over the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Call 850-522-0955 for information.

Types of Fish
Panama City Beach - Bay County

Amberjack
Baracuda
Black Drum
Black Grouper
Bluefish
Bonita
Cero
Crevalle Jack
Cobia
Dolphin (the fish)
Florida Pompano Flounder King Mackerel
Ladyfish
Marlin
Mullet
Red Drum "redfish" Red Grouper
Sailfish
Ccamp
Sharktuna
Sheepshead
Spanish Mackerel Speckeled Trout Tarpon
Triggerfish
Wahoo
Yellow Fin Grouper

---