The 28th annual Orange Beach Billfish Classic, the first big game tournament of the season on the Gulf Coast, rescheduled its fishing days due to unfavorable weather conditions originally planned for May 13th.

Tournament organizers announced last Wednesday that the tournament will now take place starting Monday, May 20th and run through Wednesday, May 22nd. Fishing hours will be continuous beginning at noon on the 20th, with all boats required to clear the Perdido Bridge or Sailboat Bay in Bon Secour by 7 p.m. on the 22nd to qualify for the weigh-in.

If you’d like to see a big boat parade, be at Perdido Pass Park on Monday at about 10:30am.

"While we regret having to adjust the schedule, the safety of our anglers, crews and all participants is our top priority," stated tournament director Johnny Doreck. "The weather forecast for the original dates raised too many concerns, so rescheduling was the prudent decision."

At stake is a share of the event's hefty $7,000 entry fee purse, which is capped at 60 paid boat entries this year. Cash prizes will be awarded for the three highest places in both the blue marlin weight and billfish catch-and-release categories, with payouts split 50/30/20 percent respectively.

The tournament's grand champion is determined by the single largest blue marlin weighed in, with a minimum length of 107 inches. If no blue marlin meets that criteria, then the top catch-and-release team will be crowned champion.

The updated schedule is as follows:

Modified Schedule of Events

Monday, May 20th

• 9:00am – Mandatory Captain’s Meeting under the big tent
• 9:30am – Boats may leave The Wharf through Perdido Bay to Perdido Pass
• 12:00 noon – Boats may leave Perdido Pass. ALL boats must depart from Perdido
• 12:01 noon – Fishing Commences

Tuesday, May 21st

• 7:00 – 10:00pm – Weigh in at The Wharf

Wednesday, May 22nd

• 6:00pm – 10:00pm – Weigh in at The Wharf
• 6:00pm – All boats must clear the Perdido Pass Bridge
• After the Close of the Weigh In: Tournament Awards Dinner (Private)