More than 50 sportfishing yachts are expected to thunder through Perdido Pass this week as the 30th annual Orange Beach Billfish Classic returns to The Wharf, with elite teams chasing an estimated $800,000 in prize money.

The high-stakes Gulf Coast tournament runs Wednesday through Saturday, May 14-17, and features competition in five categories: Blue Marlin, Catch and Release, Tuna, Wahoo and Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi). Favorable offshore conditions are expected to give anglers an ideal shot at landing record-breaking fish.

The tournament kicks off Wednesday with registration and optional cash awards from 4 to 10:30 p.m. under the main tent at The Wharf.

On Thursday, May 15, boats may depart The Wharf at 9 a.m., heading through Perdido Bay toward Perdido Pass. All vessels must exit via Perdido Pass, with lines officially in the water at 11 a.m.

Weigh-ins begin Friday, May 16, from 7 to 8 a.m. for teams reporting early catches, then resume from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday’s final weigh-in window runs from 6 to 10 p.m., and all boats must clear the Perdido Pass Bridge by 7 p.m.

Last year’s tournament saw A Work of Art dominate two major categories. Angler Josh Rounds took home the Blue Marlin title with a 397.8-pound catch, while Garret Ford reeled in a massive 724.8-pound tuna, securing another first-place finish for the same boat.

Team Supreme led the Catch and Release division with 2,400 points after releasing four blue marlin and two white marlin. In the Wahoo category, Greg Lewis of Angel Share 2 claimed the top prize with a 40.4-pound catch.

Jaselyn Berthelot of Rising Sons earned Top Lady Angler honors after releasing two blue marlin. Jonah Smith, representing Fall Line, was recognized as the tournament’s Top Junior Angler.

The Orange Beach Billfish Classic is the first leg of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship and benefits The Billfish Foundation, which supports billfish conservation and responsible offshore sportfishing.

For more information or to follow tournament results, visit www.orangebeachbillfishclassic.com.