The 14th Annual Bluewater Bay Marina Pinfish Grand Nationals returns Saturday, August 2, 2025, bringing friendly competition and family fun to the Bluewater Bay Marina Complex in Niceville.
This uniquely local tradition runs from 9 to 10 a.m., with an anglers meeting at 8:45 a.m. sharp. Youth and adult fishing duos will compete for 1st–12th place prizes and the coveted Abram Sitcer Big Fish Award. The tournament is open to two-person teams: Angler #1 (age 16+) and Angler #2 (15 or under). With director approval, two junior anglers under 16 may fish as a team with a signed waiver and chaperone.
Fishing is limited to Ward Cove inside the Bluewater Bay Marina, and anglers must bring their own gear—two rods and one bucket per team are required. Winners will be determined by the aggregate weight of 10 pinfish.
Registration is $30. The first 80 teams to register will receive a goody bag. Each entry also includes a youth tournament t-shirt, angler’s bag, a Happy Meal certificate, and more, including a 10% discount at LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant.
Early package pick-up will be held Friday, August 1, from 5–7 p.m. at LJ Schooners. Tournament-day pick-up begins Saturday at 8 a.m., followed by the awards ceremony immediately after weigh-ins.
This year’s event is made possible by the generous support of sponsors including Noah Detention Construction, Costa Family McDonald’s, Gulf Shore Air, People’s Community Bank, Ship’s Chandler, Maui Jim Sunglasses, West Marine, Costa, L4K Charters, Byrd’s Seafood Market, Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, and many others. Special thanks to Bluewater Bay Marina, LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant & Oyster Bar and Bluewater High & Dry for hosting this beloved event.
Come hungry! LJ Schooners will be serving hamburgers and hotdogs with chips for $6, ready at 10:45 a.m. at the Dockside Oyster Bar.
For registration and full details, visit bluewaterbaymarina.com or call (850) 897-2821. Let the lines fly, and may the best team reel in victory!
