Hailed as "America's most all-inclusive sport-fishing tournament," the Grand Lagoon National takes place, Aug. 20 - 24, 2008, in Panama City Beach, Fla. The event boasts six competitive divisions at four marinas for a purse totaling $1 million. Poised to become one of the nation's largest sport-fishing tournaments, the Grand Lagoon National is expected to draw more than 400 boats and 2,000 anglers from across the country. An estimated 40,000 spectators will watch them compete during four days of reel action and adventure in this award-winning Northwest Florida beach destination on the Gulf of Mexico.
"Panama City Beach is delighted to be the home of this pioneering event," says Dan Rowe, president and CEO of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The waters here teem with blue and white marlin, tuna, sailfish, trout, redfish, ladyfish, king mackerel, grouper, red snapper, amberjack and more. Anglers will not go away empty-handed."
The Grand Lagoon, located at the St. Andrews Bay entrance to the Gulf of Mexico, has built a reputation as a world premier sport-fishing destination. Thanks to the calm waters and balmy climate, fishing is a year-round pursuit in Panama City Beach. Anglers discover a full range of opportunities here, from offshore fishing to structure fishing in inshore waters.
Home to one of the country's largest sport fishing fleets, the region hosts more than ten major fishing tournaments annually. At the 2001 Bay Point Billfish Tournament in Panama City Beach, for instance, a 1,046-pound blue marlin was caught, setting a new state record and weighing in as the world's 14th largest catch. Florida's third biggest blue marlin also was caught in the Grand Lagoon, tipping the scales at more than 998 pounds.
"As Florida's top destination for big game fishing, the Grand Lagoon affords us the unique opportunity to make this event as inclusive as possible," says Bill Spann, Grand Lagoon National chairman. Spann is well known in tournament circles as founder of the Bay Point Annual Billfish Tournament. Chairing this event for 23 years, he established one of the nation's most prestigious sport-fishing tournaments.
"The region's diversity appeals to virtually every kind of saltwater fishing buff, allowing them to compete in an unprecedented six divisions during the course of a single tournament," Spann points out. "In the fishing world, a tournament of this size and scope is totally new. Given the breadth of the facilities, the quality of the fishing and the inclusiveness of this format, the Grand Lagoon National earns its moniker as 'America's Saltwater Fishing Tournament."
Registration will take place March 1st -- August 18, with entry fees running $100 -- $6,000, depending on the division (see below). Register online at www.grandlagoonnational.com.
