If you have ever dreamed of competing in a billfish tournament but lack the boat, tackle or know-how; your luck just changed.

Zeke's Landing Marina will host its first Charter Boat Billfish Tournament Sept. 5-6.

Lynne Swafford, owner of Zeke's Landin Marina, said the tournament started as something the captains were planning to do among themselves.

"When I found out they were planning this, I said if we are doing a tournament out of Zeke's we are going to sponsor it and we want it done well," Swafford said.

The concept for this tournament is unique to other billfish tournaments, and that is what Swafford is excited about.

"In most tournaments in the Gulf of Mexico, the only way you can compete is if you own a boat or have a good friend that owns a boat. We wanted to open the tournament world to the average fisherman," Swafford said. "If you have ever wanted to participate in a tournament, all you have to do is give us a call and we will get you set up with a boat."

Sure, having a boat is a big component in the tournament, but the gear, licenses and knowledge to get the billfish is also taken care of. Zeke's Landing Marina is home to a fleet of 57 charter fishing boats and according to Swafford is the largest commercial fishing fleet in the Gulf of Mexico.

"These guys fish every day for their livelihood, and there is no one that knows these waters better than these charter fishermen," Swafford said. "I expect to see some nice fish brought in for the weigh-in. I think it is going to be very exciting."

Like all good tournaments, there are prizes. The top prize for a blue marlin is a minimum of $10,000, but that amount increases with more participation. There are also catch and release, tuna, wahoo and dolphin categories as well.
The Zeke's Charter Boat Billfish Tournament is Sept. 5-6 and is open to any charter boat on the Gulf Coast. Participating boats can leave from any port but report to Zeke's Marina for weigh-ins Sept. 6.

Even if you aren't participating, you shouldn't miss the party.

"On Sept. 6, the weigh-ins start at 6 p.m., I believe, but we are starting to party at 2 p.m.," Swafford said. "It is planned out to be quite the evening and a lot of fun."

There will be live music from 2-10 p.m., prize giveaways by drawing, drink and chef specials.

Zeke's Marina and the tournament have teamed up with the Orange Beach Fishing Association Compassion Fund, and a percentage of all proceeds that come in from the tournament will benefit the group.

"The Compassion Fund serves any member of the OBFA whose family is going through a time of distress," Swafford said. "That could be anything from medical needs to a home flooding. Any type of hardship the Compassion Fund contributes toward assisting them through that hard time."

"We want everyone to come out," Swafford said. "It is open to the public, and we encourage everyone to come out. It should be an exciting time."