A sport fishing “experience of a lifetime” is headed to the historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina in April 2014, consisting of a 22-boat billfish team tournament that not only will give anglers a shot at a $20,000 top cash prize but also a chance to fish with a Pro Football Hall of Fame Player or NFL Legend.
The Hall of Fame Players Classic Foundation, a registered non-profit, has opened registration for the two-day tournament scheduled for April 24-27, limited to just 22 boats. This boat/team tournament is open for up to four registered anglers per boat. Each registered boat will include a NFL Hall of Fame Great or NFL Legend. (Participating players will be announced in early 2014).
The catch and release only tournament, which will adhere to IGFA Tournament rules, will target all billfish species, including blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, spearfish and swordfish. Awards will be presented in the overall angler and team categories and additional awards will be given to the high point boat each day.
— Blue Marlin 500 Points
— White Marlin 200 Points
— Spearfish 200 Points
— Swordfish 200 Points
— Sailfish 100 Points
Team prize money categories are First Place $20,000, Second Place $10,000 and Third Place $5,000. The top two teams will also receive a free entry in the 2015 Billfish Tournament. Other award categories include first, second and third place for billfish angler, first blue marlin, last blue marlin, top lady angler, largest dolphin, and largest tuna.
Additionally there will be a Fun Fish Division, which will not count towards the overall billfish award(s) with first, second and third place team prizes.
The NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Players Classic Foundation Celebrity Billfish Invitational will combine bluewater action with a chance to fish with the best of the best from the NFL, according to tournament organizers.
Online registration is available at www.HOFBimini.com, which includes a brief tournament video overview. Several sponsorship levels are available, including the title sponsorship.
About the Hall of Fame (HOF) Players Classic Foundation: There are 273 individuals that have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. These inductees include players, coaches, team owners and other noteworthy individuals that have “made outstanding contributions to professional football.” Members of this elite group have been selected because of their talent and influence on pro football but also because of their generosity, heart and true love of the game. The HOF Players Classic commitment is to assist and honor the Hall of Fame Players who are the legacy of the NFL and through their talent have made immeasurable contributions to the sport of football. Funds raised at each event assists members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, particularly those who played the game in the early years, and facing difficulties long after the conclusion of their football careers. In addition to player support, the HOF Players Classic Foundation is also committed to creating ongoing educational programs for players, parents, schools, and coaches to improve their knowledge of the great game of football. The Foundation will focus on improving knowledge in the areas of game safety, game rules and regulations, proper equipment and proper medical care for all the betterment of the game.