Fathers Fish This Month

CARRABELLE, FL - Father's Day Weekend, June 19-21, will bring the fishing festivities of the 21st Annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic (BBSC) to Carrabelle and other weigh-in spots along the North Florida Coast.

The Carrabelle-based tournament, held each Father's Day Weekend is the largest non-profit saltwater fishing tournament in Northwest Florida. The tournament, which benefits the Organization for Artificial Reefs, Inc. (OAR), features more than $130,000 in prizes and cash for adult and youth divisions as well as individual and team competition.

Lines go in the water at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, June 19 to start off the reeling before the first weigh-in takes place from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Complete with local art exhibits, food vendors and live music, the weigh-ins are a celebration of their own. On Saturday, the final weigh-in takes place from 3 to 7:30 p.m.

The rodeo-style tournament not only raises money for OAR and creates a competitive fishing environment, but also provides anglers with an opportunity to "Weigh a Fish and Win a Boat," to participate in the "Take a Soldier Fishing" program, and to win $130,000 in cash and prizes.

For more information about registration and the tournament, please visit the BBSC Web site at www.saltwaterclassic.com. For more information, contact the Franklin County Tourist Development Council at (850) 653-8678.