Bay Point Billfish Invitational

The annual Bay Point Billfish Invitational, held in July, promises to be an exciting event. Yachts will vie for cash prizes in what has become the most prestigious and richest billfish tournament on the Florida Gulf Coast.

Entry into the Bay Point contests is strictly by invitation, and the field is typically full shortly after the invitations are mailed. Equal to the excitement by the participants is the fun and good times had by guests and visitors to the tournament. All tournament events are open to the public and crowds of up to 10,000 people have participated.

The tournament gets kicked off with a Captains' Party on Thursday night. The on-shore blast includes a performance by a major show band, the Miss Bay Point Billfish Bikini Contest , dancing and a carnival atmosphere accented by an old-fashioned food fair. In addition to the party, thousands of guests walk to the Bay Point docks to view the fishing fleet as it prepares for two days of intense competition. Later, the spectators gather to watch as the fleet departs the pass under flares set by Scott Burt, the Bay Point Harbormaster and Tournament Director.

The next day, thousands come to Bay Point to watch the first day's catch brought in. Bands, a food fair and other entertainment fill the moments as crowds of up to 5,000 watch the catch weighed in.

The tournament continues the next day with a final weigh-in and a giant food party at the Bay Point Clubhouse at which cash prizes are awarded. All in all, the Bay Point Billfish Tournament is a highlight of the beach season for Panama City.

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