The 2025 Orange Beach Billfish Classic: A Legendary Weekend at The Wharf
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon
Each May, the Gulf Coast’s elite fishing community converges at The Wharf in Orange Beach for one of the most iconic offshore tournaments in the country—the Orange Beach Billfish Classic. The 2025 edition did not disappoint. With record-caliber catches, seasoned pros, and rising stars battling Gulf waters, this year’s Classic once again showcased the strength, strategy, and Southern hospitality that define Orange Beach sportfishing.
2025 Winners: Champions of the Deep
Blue Marlin Champion
Boat: CE
Weight: 640.2 lbs.
Angler: Scott Cooper
Scott Cooper’s catch aboard CE took top honors in the Blue Marlin division. Weighing in at an impressive 640.2 pounds, the marlin was the culmination of patience, teamwork, and classic Gulf luck. Though not a new record, it was a thrilling reminder of the power that swims just beyond our shores.
Catch & Release Division
Boat: Lifeline
Points: 2,200
Releases: 4 Blue Marlin, 1 White Marlin
Lifeline proved that it's not always about weight—it’s about consistency. With a commanding 2,200 points, the crew released five billfish and claimed the top Catch & Release honors.
Tuna Division Winner
Boat: Crawgator
Weight: 204.2 lbs.
Angler: Bill Butler
A yellowfin just over 200 pounds earned Crawgator the tuna title, reinforcing the Gulf's reputation for producing world-class pelagics.
Dolphin Division Winner
Boat: Fleur de Lis
Weight: 24 lbs.
Angler: Caston Phillips
It may not have been the biggest dolphin in Classic history, but Caston Phillips’ mahi-mahi aboard Fleur de Lis secured the top spot.
Wahoo Division Winner
Boat: Relentless Pursuit
Weight: 24.2 lbs.
Angler: Mike Akiu
Mike Akiu’s speedy catch was enough to lock down first in the wahoo division.
Top Lady Angler
Boat: Share-E
Releases: 1 Blue Marlin, 1 White Marlin
Angler: Sherry Polk
With two spectacular releases, Sherry Polk stood out in a competitive field to claim the Top Lady Angler title.
Junior Angler
Boat: Fall Line
Releases: 2 Blue Marlin
Angler: Jonah Smith
At just a young age, Jonah Smith is already making waves. Releasing two blue marlin earned him Junior Angler honors and a place in OBBC history.
Looking Back at 2023's Historic Record
The 2023 tournament set the benchmark when Mollie, the 63’ G&S from Destin, landed a record 776.4-pound blue marlin. Captained by Jeff Shoults, this iconic fish earned the team over $180,000 and etched their names into OBBC lore. The Briar Patch team also earned a massive payout for their success in the Catch & Release division.
What’s Next: The 30th Annual OBBC – May 12–17, 2026
2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Orange Beach Billfish Classic—an event expected to draw even more attention, sponsorships, and elite boats from around the Gulf and beyond. Held again at The Wharf, this milestone promises to be one for the books.
Whether you’re a competitor, a spectator, or simply a lover of coastal tradition, the Orange Beach Billfish Classic captures the essence of life here—where the thrill of the chase meets the rhythm of the sea.
Want to live closer to the action? Explore Gulf-front homes with dockage, deep-water access, and views of tournaments like this right from your own porch at www.searchthegulf.com.
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